New miCard memory card also plugs into USB ports

Stephen Withers
Monday, 04 June 2007 03:17

Business IT - Technology

Just when SD/MMC memory cards had become widely supported in mobile electronics such as cameras and phones, along comes a new standard. Fortunately, this one has a real advantage for users.

The MultiMediaCard Association's new miCard has dual interfaces. One set of contacts mirrors the normal MMC arrangement, while a new set provide direct compatibility with USB 2.0. The 12mm wide by 1.95mm thick miCard is sized to plug straight into a USB connector.

If miCard is widely adopted, this attribute would largely do away with the need for USB card readers and thus simplify designs for PCs, printers and media players. miCards are said to run at the full 480Mbps supported by USB 2.0.

Since miCard is smaller than a regular MMC, a mechanical adaptor will allow the use of the new cards in an SD/MMC slot. Future portable devices such as cameras, phones and PDAs are expected to incorporate dedicated miCard slots.

The standard was originally developed by Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), and backed by companies including Asustek, Carry Computer, InnoDisk and Pretec. According to ITRI officials, Taiwanese companies will not be charged a licence fee to use the miCard standard.

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

According to a DigiTimes report, "Related products will be volume produced in the second quarter".