The CompactFlash Association (CFA) has announced the development of the XQD 2.0 specification with support for transfer speeds up to 1,000MB/sec. XQD 2.0 will leverage the same connector interface as XQD 1.0 interface for higher performance and backward compatibility. The new format will have VPG (Video Performance Guarantee) capability with profiles capable of supporting digital intermediate formats such as ProResTM, DPXTM, and DNXhdTM.

CFA Press Release

The CompactFlash Association Invites Participation on XQDTM 2.0

XQDTM 2.0 Format Leverages PCI-SIG Gen 3 to Deliver up to 1,000MB/sec Sequential Transfers

CUPERTINO, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—The CompactFlash Association (CFA) is pleased to announce the development of the XQD 2.0 specification, sponsored by Sony Corporation. The XQD 2.0 specification will be developed in the XQD Technical Workgroup and will leverage the XQD 1.0 specification which was released October 2010. Additional participation in this specification development will be welcomed.

XQD 1.0 cards and connectors are already available in the marketplace. XQD 2.0 will leverage the same connector interface as XQD 1.0 interface for higher performance and backward compatibility. Host manufacturers and media manufacturers will be able to leverage the next generation of PCI Express® technology to serve the high performance requirements of this market. The new format will have VPG (Video Performance Guarantee) capability with profiles capable of supporting digital intermediate formats such as ProResTM, DPXTM, and DNXhdTM.

The key features of the XQD 2.0 format will include:

Professional form-factor

Dimensions : 38.5mm x 29.6mm x 3.8mm

Durable & Robust High Performance Interface

PCI Express 3.0: 8Gbps (up to 1,000MB/sec)
Legacy support for PCI Gen 1 and Gen 2
Video Performance Guarantee

Support for VPG New Profiles
Superior Power Management

5mW standby power
“The XQD 2.0 format will enable hardware and imaging applications to leverage the performance benefits of the well established PCI Express infrastructure allowing for many years of higher performance and backward compatible products. The Video Performance Guarantee Features of XQD 2.0 will also widen its appeal meeting the needs of higher end video applications,” said Mr. Shigeto Kanda of Canon, chairman of the board, CFA.

If you would like to participate in developing the XQD 2.0 specification, please contact the CFA office to inquire about membership and/or joining the XQD Technical Workgroup or the CFA website http://www.compactflash.org. CFA is targeting for the XQD 2.0 specification to be available in the second half of 2012.

The CFA (logo), CF (logo), CF+ and CFast are trademarks of the CFA and are licensed royalty free to its members. The CFA is a licensee of the CompactFlash® and XQD trademarks and in turn will license it royalty free to its members.

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