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Compact Flash Memory

by Seth Miller

Flash memory cards are solid-state, non-volatile electronic devices used for storing data. They are much smaller in size than disk drives and thus occupy less space. They can also work without a continuous power supply. They have very good transfer speeds and operate at 3.3 volts or 5 volts. They are also very robust and can function in extreme industrial conditions.

CompactFlash is a kind of flash memory that is used in portable electronic storage devices. CompactFlash was first designed and manufactured in 1994, by SanDisk Corporation. CompactFlash originally used the NOR-based flash memory but is now built around NAND flash. It is one of the oldest kinds of flash memory cards that is still being used for a variety of electronic memory devices. Its large capacity and a good ratio of cost to memory size make it an attractive option, especially for professional cameras. It is also used in digital cameras, laptop computers, desktop computers, handhelds, and a wide range of other electronic devices.

CompactFlash memory cards are basically of two kinds: CF Type I and CF Type II. CF II cards are much thicker (5mm) than CF I cards. The Type II CompactFlash cards are used in microdrives and other devices. The cards are also categorized on the basis of their speeds: CF, CF High Speed, and CF 3.0. The CF High speed uses CF+ or CF2.0. The capacities of CompactFlash range from 8 megabytes to 12 gigabytes.

CompactFlash memory has an interface that is similar to the PCMCIA-ATA interface. CompactFlash is also incorporated in PC cards using modems, Ethernet, magnetic stripe reader, GPS, Wi-Fi, and others. There are many advantages to CompactFlash: cost effectiveness, larger top capacity (as compared to smaller cards), capability of CF II to use MicroDrive, and the ability to use smaller cards in a CF slot with the help of an adapter.

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