ExpressCard Compliance Program Overview
| Please note that the PCMCIA Association has been dissolved and all Standards and activities, including the ExpressCard Compliance Program, will be managed going forward by the USB Implementer's Forum. |
- Register for the Compliance Program
- Compliance Program Process
- Listed Third Party Test Houses (for Interoperability Testing)
- Compliance Program Coverage
- Compliance Program FAQ
PCMCIA has developed the ExpressCard Compliance Program in order to assure compliance and interoperability in products using the ExpressCard logo. In order to participate in the ExpressCard Compliance Program, the company must be a member of PCMCIA. PCMCIA member company's products which pass the Compliance Program may be added to the ExpressCard Resource Directory, and the member company earns the right to obtain a license to use the ExpressCard Logo on the compliant product, product packaging and product promotional material.
Compliance Program Registration
| Important Note: PCMCIA has adopted a new ExpressCard Signal Quality Checklist requirement as part of the Compliance Program for host systems and modules. Submission of the ExpressCard Signal Quality Checklists is a mandatory part of the ExpressCard Compliance Program as of May 11th, 2009 for both host and module vendors. The ExpressCard Signal Quality Checklists are available on the www.expresscard.org Members-only page of our web site. |
If you are a manufacturer of ExpressCard products and would like to participate in the ExpressCard Compliance Program, you should send an email to compliance@pcmcia.org including the following information:
All Vendors:
- Company Name
- Contact Name, Address, Telephone, Fax, Email address
- Brief ExpressCard Product Function Description (e.g. Gigabit Ethernet adapter)
- Product Name
- Model/Part #
Module Vendors*:
- Module size (34 mm or 54 mm) and whether standard (75 mm) or extended (> 75mm) form factor
- Interface utilized (PCI Express or USB)
- (PCI Express modules only) How much memory is required for this module?
- (PCI Express modules only) How much I/O space is required for this module?
- (PCI Express modules only) How many interrupts are required or requested for this module?
- (PCI Express modules only) How many bus numbers are required for this module?
* Important notes for module vendors:
Eligible Module Products - Presently the PCMCIA's ExpressCard Compliance Program for modules is based upon the premise that the module (including any connected features that ship with the module) encompasses either a PCI Express or USB-based function, and that the silicon implementation of that function has successfully passed the respective PCI-SIG or USB-IF device-level compliance requirements. If an ExpressCard module product as sold does not fully contain a PCI Express or USB-based function, we cannot accept an application for ExpressCard-level compliance for that product.
PCI Express/USB Components - As part of the ExpressCard Compliance Checklist, the primary component driving USB and/or PCI Express signals must be compliant per the USB-IF and/or PCI-SIG respectively. Please be prepared to provide the compliant component ID at the time you submit your checklist. If the component is not currently compliant, please urge your component vendor to obtain compliance with the USB-IF or PCI-SIG at this time as your module cannot be issued an ExpressCard Compliance ID without a USB-IF or PCI-SIG compliant component. Additionally, the module connector must have an ExpressCard Compliance ID (please see the ExpressCard Resource Directory for a list of compliant connectors.)
Host System Vendors*:
- Please give number of slots and slot size (34 mm or Universal) of each
- How much memory is allocated by BIOS at POST time for this port?
- How much I/O space is allocated by BIOS at POST time for this port?
- How much system memory is normally shipped with this system?
- How much system memory is required or made available for the video solution normally used in this system (UMA, discrete, etc.)?
- When the system is configured to its maximum configuration (docking, etc.), how much memory space is required for system (excluding ExpressCard and other user accessible devices) PCI resources?
- You may also provide OS compatibility if desired
* Important note for host vendors: As part of the ExpressCard Compliance Checklist, the primary component driving USB and PCI Express signals must be compliant per the USB-IF and PCI-SIG respectively. Please be prepared to provide the compliant component ID at the time you submit your checklist. If the component is not currently compliant, please urge your component vendor to obtain compliance with the USB-IF and PCI-SIG at this time as your host system cannot be issued an ExpressCard Compliance ID without a USB-IF and PCI-SIG compliant component. Additionally, the host connector must have an ExpressCard Compliance ID (please see the ExpressCard Resource Directory for a list of compliant connectors.)
Please note that this information will be held confidentially by PCMCIA and will not be shared with the PCMCIA membership nor any other party.
In return, you will receive a Compliance Program Case Number, the current versions of the ExpressCard Compliance Checklists and Third Party Test House contact information.
Compliance Process
1. Register your product into the Compliance Program
- Your company must be a member of PCMCIA (Executive or Affiliate level)
- Submit the registration information requested here
- PCMCIA will issue a Compliance Case # which will track the product throughout the compliance process
2. Complete self-administered checklist for product
- Designed to ensure product meets the ExpressCard Standard
- Checklists exist for four product categories (Host, Module, Power Switch, Host/Module Connector)
3. Perform Interoperability Testing
- To be completed by a PCMCIA Certified Third Party Test House.
- Please note that ExpressCard Interoperability Events are no longer being scheduled.
4. Apply for license to use ExpressCard logo
- License may be obtained once submitted Compliance Checklist is approved (all products) and Interoperability testing (hosts and modules only) is passed
- Product may use the ExpressCard logo in accordance with License and Logo Usage Guidelines
5. Product entered into ExpressCard Resource Directory and Compliance ID issued
- Product listed on ExpressCard Resource Directory
Compliance Checklist
The Compliance Checklist consists of a questionnaire and a set of tests to be completed by the manufacturer. System and components covered include:
- Modules
- Host Systems
- Internal PCI Express Cable Assembly
- Slot Power Switch
- Connectors
Manufacturers may greatly simplify their compliance testing process by using compliant components such as connectors and power switches.
Compliance Test Fixtures
PCMCIA will make the following test fixtures available to PCMCIA members for purchase:
1. Plug-in board for PCI Express desktop systems which provides a fully functional ExpressCard Slot
- Works in 1x PCI Express CEM slot
- Supports both PCI Express and USB interfaces
2. ExpressCard module to support signal integrity testing of PCI Express portion of host ExpressCard implementation
3. USB module to support signal functional testing of USB portion of host ExpressCard implementation
Third-Party Test Houses
PCMCIA works with commercial test houses to provide a "Turnkey" solution for a fee
- Manufacturer provides test-house with a module, system or component
- Test house executes checklist and interoperability tests
- Provides manufacturer with a registration/compliance report packet ready for submittal to the PCMCIA
Listed Third-Party Test Houses
The following Test Houses have met PCMCIA's requirements as Listed Third-Party Test Houses as defined in the ExpressCard Compliance Program. These test houses are empowered to perform Compliance Checklist and Interoperability Checklist testing for PCMCIA members. The table below details what type of testing they are authorized to perform.
| Test House | Contact | Testing Available |
 |
Allion Test Labs, Inc.
9F, No.3-1, Yuan Ku Street
Taipei, 11543 Taiwan R.O.C.
(NanKang Software Park Bldg. G)
Tel: +886-2-2655-7877
Fax: +886-2-2655-7879
URL: www.allion.com
E-mail: expresscard@allion.com
Allion Japan, Inc.
8F, Higashi-Gotanda 1Chome Building,
1-24-2, Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo, Japan 141-0022
Tel: +81-3-5488-7368
Fax: +81-3-5488-7369
URL: www.allion.co.jp
E-mail: expresscard@allion.co.jp
|
Module Testing
Host System Testing
Connector Testing |
 |
MCCI
3520 Krums Corners Road
Ithaca, NY
USA
Tel: (607) 277-1029
Fax: (607) 277-6844
URL: www.mcci.com
E-mail: sales@mcci.com
|
Module Testing
Host System Testing
|
|
Testronic Laboratories/PMTC
Wetenschapspark 7
3590 Diepenbeek
Belgium
Tel: +32 11 303 600
Fax: +32 11 30 36 96
URL: www.testroniclabs.com
Email: expresscard@testroniclabs.com
|
Module Testing
Host System Testing
|
Compliance Program Coverage
The ExpressCard Compliance Program covers various areas as detailed below:
| Area | Applicability | Coverage | Source |
| USB Interface | Modules utilizing the USB interface and hosts | Protocol and electrical elements need to meet the current USB test standard | USB-IF |
| PCI Express Interface | Modules utilizing the PCI Express interface and hosts | Functional, protocol and electrical elements meet PCI Express 1.0a specifications | PCI SIG |
| Mechanical | Hosts, modules and connectors | Connector and card elements all need to meet the specified dimensions and tolerances | Checklist |
| Durability | Connectors | Friction surfaces must allow for the number of insertion and removal cycles defined in the Standard | Checklist |
| Power Supply | Hosts, modules and host power switches | Host and modules must perform with supplies within range defined in the Standard | Checklist |
| Power Dissipation | Hosts and modules | Operating range of host slots and modules must be within the thermal range specified in the Standard | Checklist |
| Interoperability | Hosts and modules | Establishing that modules work with systems | Interop Event |
| Regulatory | N/A | Not part of Compliance Program | N/A |
| Applications | N/A | Not part of Compliance Program | N/A |
ExpressCard Compliance Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
| 1. Why do I have to be a member of PCMCIA to use the brand? |
The brand is the property of the PCMCIA. When members join they agree to abide by the rules of the association including use of such brands. PCMCIA will protect its members against illegitimate use of the brand by other companies. |
| 2. How do I qualify to use the brand on a product? |
1: Join PCMCIA
2: Put your product through the compliance program
3: When you receive a Compliance ID from PCMCIA and submit the Logo License Agreement you may use the logo and name in association with that product. |
| 3. Do my products need to be uniquely identifiable? |
Yes. If you are a card manufacturer there must be some externally visible mechanism to identify the manufacturer, product number, product stepping etc. A software scheme may be acceptable (along the lines of providing Device and Vendor IDs.) this has to allow for identifying other card changes Ð board steppings, firmware revisions etc. An alternative method would be some form of external marking on card. |
| 4. What changes are permissible without re-testing a card? |
You may change features which do not affect the physical, software, or electrical interfaces to the host system. |
| 5. Is a list of compliant product available on its web site? |
Yes. The Resource Directory is accessible by members and non-members, however, for competitive reasons you may elect to delay this listing from the time you product passes the compliance test, until it is released. |
| 6. I manufacture a card, and sell it to multiple other companies who relabel it. If I, as a manufacturer, get the card through the compliance program, can the companies that I sell it on to, call their versions of the card Compliant? |
Yes. When your product passes the compliance tests you will be assigned compliance ID. This must be displayed on the re-labeled versions of your product. Additionally you are required to provide details of these other products to PCMCIA so that these other devices can be listed in the public database of compliant products. Your OEM customer may also elect to use a unique Compliance ID which can be issued if the customer is a member of PCMCIA and submits an OEM Arrangement form to PCMCIA. |
| 6.1. Does that 'different company' have to be a member of PCMCIA? |
If the other company wishes to obtain a unique Compliance ID, they must be a member of PCMCIA. |
| 7. I am a connector manufacturer, can I use the Logo in association with my parts. |
Yes, as long as they pass the Compliance Program. |
| 8. As a connector manufacturer, is there any benefit to my customers if my product is certified to use the logo? |
A module manufacturer who uses ExpressCard compliant connectors does not have to perform the connector tests themselves. If the connector is not compliant they will have to go through the signal integrity and all other connector testing. |
| 9. What happens it I decide to leave PCMCIA after qualifying to use the logo? |
You forfeit your rights to the logo on your products. |
| 10. What happens if a host and module are found to not interoperate correctly even though they have both qualified to use the logo? |
We will arrange to retest both devices. If it uncovers a legitimate hole in the compliance tests, that hole will be filled. The manufacturer of the failing device will be given an amount of time in which to correct the problem. During this period they may continue to ship products at their discretion. |
| 11. I am a system manufacturer. I use the same basic system components, such as motherboards, in many different products. Do I have to test each platform? |
No. Not as long as the path from the host chipset to the module socket is unchanged. |
| 11.1. As a system manufacturer am I able to change from compliant one host socket supplier to another without retesting? |
Yes. The compliance tests for the sockets will ensure that parts which pass the compliance test are interchangeable. |
| 11.2. As a card manufacturer, am I able to change my compliant socket or card frame suppliers without retesting? |
Yes. |
| 12. I understand that only compliant products can use the brand. Are there any restrictions on using the logo and name in other ways? |
If you are a PCMCIA member you may use the brand in promotional material but it must never be used to imply that anything other than products that have passed the tests are ExpressCard products. The logo and brand usage document are available to member on the PCMCIA web site. |
| 13. How frequently will Interoperability events occur? |
PCMCIA is no longer currently holding Interoperability events. Third party test houses provide an equivalent test process. However, the fee associated with this will be higher than if you attended a PCMCIA sponsored event. |
| 14. How long does a certification last? |
Until there are changes in your product or your company ceases to be a member of PCMCIA. However PCMCIA does reserve the right to ask for additional focused testing should an issue arise in the future. |
| 15. To what extent does the testing cover the underlying application? |
The compliance program does not test the module application beyond the parts defined in the ExpressCard standard. That is the responsibility of the module manufacturer. |
| 16. Do I need to be a member of PCI to build a PCI Express based ExpressCard module using a third party PCI Express component? |
No, but the third party component supplier does, and they need to provide you with proof that that component had passed the PCI compliance program. |
| 17. What about USB? |
As long as you use USB components which are have been used in devices which have passed the USB compliance program, you do not need to be a member of the USB-IF. |
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