Lexar’s New USB Card Form Factor
Lexar introduces it’s new form factor in flash memory cards. It is designed for universal and superior interoperability to bring next generation storage, connectivity and utility products to a broad variety of computing, consumer electronics and mobile electronics devices. There really isn’t anything new about the memory itself, this all seems to be about the packaging. The card will be able to fit into any industry standard USB Type A socket, which will make the need for card readers nonexistent.
Lexar’s USB FlashCard will be the first product based on the new form factor. The USB FlashCard will offer universal plug and play connectivity with all modern operating systems leveraging the ubiquity of the USB interface. Lexar plans to introduce Full-Speed USB versions in 16MB, 32MB and 64MB capacities as well as Hi-Speed USB versions in 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB and 1GB capacities with a high performance 60MB/s interface speed in 2005.
“Lexar’s USB FlashCard will offer unparalleled ease of use by leveraging the pervasive USB interface”, said Petro Estakhri, Chief Technology Officer, Lexar. “Moving forward, our intent is to leverage the open standard to create technology that is feature rich in terms of security, provides an easy interface and is built on an environmental design that meets general standards for almost all of today’s computing, consumer and mobile electronics devices using non-volatile storage.”
The USB FlashCard is designed to fit into any industry standard USB Type A socket. Lexar is working with connector manufacturers to offer an extended USB Type A socket to be used in consumer electronics devices and mobile applications such as digital still cameras and handheld computers. The USB FlashCard sockets would accommodate the USB FlashCard inside of a camera similar in use to other forms of flash memory cards.