The miCARD memory card combines the popular MMC and USB 2.0 standard interfaces into a single memory card. When used in cameras, smart phones and PDAs, miCARD takes advantage of the low power consumption and high performance characteristics of the MMC interface. For transfer, the card is inserted directly into a devices’ USB connector, removing the need for dedicated card slots or separate card readers. “MMCA developed the miCARD specification to provide manufacturers a solution that is adaptable and convenient for consumers,” said Yves Leonard, MMCA chairman. “Adding USB 2.0 capability to a memory card provides an interface that is compatible with existing products and widely recognized by general consumers.”

MultiMediaCard Association Press Release

MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA) Announces Specification for Multiple-Interface Memory Cards

BEAVERTON, Ore. – May 31, 2007 – MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA) today announced a specification for the brand new miCARD™, a 12mm x 21mm x 1.95mm storage card designed for easy data interchange between MMC and USB devices. When used in portable devices such as cameras, smart phones and PDAs, miCARD takes advantage of the low power consumption and high performance characteristics of the MMC interface. The sleek and versatile miCARD then allows consumers to transfer that media-rich content to PCs, printers and home entertainment appliances by inserting the card directly into those devices’ existing USB connectors – without the need for dedicated card slots or separate card readers.

Preserving the performance and ease of use consumers currently experience with USB 2.0 compliant devices, miCARD will transfer data at speeds up to 480 Mbits/sec, with full electrical, mechanical and software compatibility. It is the first memory card to combine the strengths of the MMC System Specification v4.2 and USB 2.0, the most successful interface in the world.

“MMCA developed the miCARD specification to provide manufacturers a solution that is adaptable and convenient for consumers,” said Yves Leonard, MMCA chairman. “Adding USB 2.0 capability to a memory card provides an interface that is compatible with existing products and widely recognized by general consumers.”

Initially, passive mechanical adaptors will be available to convert the miCARD for use in many of today’s CE products that accept full-size MMC cards. In the future, portable devices will be able to take advantage of miCARD’s smaller size by offering slots that accept miCARD directly. No change is needed for miCARD compatibility with existing USB Type-A ports; consumers can simply plug and play.

About MMCA
The MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA) is the open standard memory card organization, promoting worldwide adoption of storage media and peripheral I/O devices designed especially for mobile phones and digital imaging devices. It enables a myriad of applications to come together and share digital media contents. Founded in 1998, the MMCA provides a global forum for memory card and semiconductor component suppliers, software vendors and manufacturers of mobile electronic devices. They jointly endorse and promote the worldwide adoption of MultiMediaCards and the MMC standards.

* miCARD™ is a trademark of the MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA). Company/product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and are used for identification purpose only.

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