Collateral Material

Compliance Program

Events

Graphics/Diagrams

Order the Standard!
 [Standard Overview]

Photos

Press
 [ExpressCard News Clips]
 [Product Announcements]

Test Tools

Questions?
 [Ask the Experts!]
 

ExpressCard Frequently Asked Questions

www.expresscard.org Questions

1. Who are you? Do you manufacture or sell ExpressCard products?

www.expresscard.org is published by PCMCIA, a non-profit trade association dedicated to standardizing modular peripherals and promoting their adoption. The Association is headquartered in San Jose, CA and our membership consists of manufactuers in all areas of the modular peripheral industry, including host systems, modules, connectors, ICs and software. PCMCIA was founded in 1989 to standardize and promote PC Card (also known as PCMCIA) technology, and now has published the ExpressCard Standard and works actively to promote its adoption in the marketplace.

PCMCIA does not sell any products (other than our Standards and related publications) and is not affiliated with any specific company that retails PC Card and/or ExpressCard products other than our collective member companies. Product links and other specific product information on this site are provided solely to promote ExpressCard technology with the goal of making ExpressCard technology a success as quickly as possible.

ExpressCard Technology General Questions

1. What is ExpressCard™ technology?

ExpressCard technology is the name of a new standard introduced by PCMCIA in spring 2003. The ExpressCard standard delivers thinner, faster and lighter modular expansion to desktop and notebook computer users. Consumers can add hardware capabilities such as memory, wired and wireless communications cards and security devices by simply inserting these modules into their systems. All ExpressCard slots accommodate modules designed to use either Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0, or the PCI Express standards. However, users of ExpressCard modules do not have to be familiar, or even aware of, the underlying technology being used by the module. The user experience is identical, whether the module uses PCI Express or USB 2.0.

To learn much more about ExpressCard technology and how to use it, visit ExpressCard University, our free online ExpressCard technology tutorial. By going through the ExpressCard University course, you will learn exactly what ExpressCard technology is, how ExpressCard modules work, and what advantages it will bring to your computer experience.

2. Why was ExpressCard technology developed?

The initial motivation for developing ExpressCard technology was the anticipated inclusion of the PCI Express serial interface as the standard internal bus in many new computers, replacing the older PCI parallel interface bus upon which PC Card/CardBus is based. This in addition to the near universal inclusion of USB 2.0 on modern computers meant that a standardized peripheral module could take advantage of the improved performance, simplicity and reliability these two interfaces offer. Continuing to include PC Card/CardBus slots in computers which use the PCI Express bus requires a "bridge" chip (in addition the CardBus controller chip) that limits PC Card/CardBus performance to parallel bus speeds. Because of ExpressCard technology, peripheral devices can be made smaller, faster and at less cost for both host and module manufacturers -- so users like you get a less cumbersome, higher performance and less expensive device!

Both host system and peripheral device developers and manufacturers are embracing ExpressCard technology because it:

• Offers expansion flexibility in less space with higher performance,
• Provides consumer-friendly expandability by supporting a sealed box computing device,
• Supports implementation of future, high-performance technology innovations,
• Has wide industry support by leading technology companies, and
• Helps drive down manufacturing costs via standardization.

ExpressCard technology offers the following advantages over existing PC Card technology:

• 45% smaller (ExpressCard/34) or 22% smaller (ExpressCard/54) than PC Card
• Up to 2.5X faster than CardBus PC Cards
• Lower cost due to elimination of CardBus controller in host and ability to easily repackage existing USB 2.0 and PCI Express peripheral designs into the ExpressCard form factor
• Longer battery life due to move to lower voltages and superior power management

For a detailed description of ExpressCard technology advantages over PC Card technology, see the question below: How is ExpressCard technology different from PC Card?

For an explanation of why ExpressCard technology is not backward compatible with PC Card technology, see the question below: Is ExpressCard technology compatible with PC Card technology?

3. What size is an ExpressCard module?

There are two sizes of ExpressCard module: one is 34 mm wide (ExpressCard/34) and the other is 54 mm wide (ExpressCard/54). Both modules are 75 mm long and 5 mm high. Host systems can provide either a Universal (54 mm) slot or a 34 mm slot. A Universal slot, as the name implies, will accept either an ExpressCard/54 module or an ExpressCard/34 module. An ExpressCard/34 slot will only accept an ExpressCard/34 module unless an extender is used which would put the ExpressCard/54 module outside of the host system.

4. Why are there two sizes of ExpressCard modules? Is there a performance difference between the two?

There is no direct performance difference between an ExpressCard/34 and an ExpressCard/54 module. In fact, both modules use the same 26 contact connector, so your computer is not even aware of which size of module has been inserted. Both sizes of module are able to take full advantage of the features of the PCI Express or USB 2.0 interfaces. However, the ExpressCard/54 form-factor does allow for greater thermal dissipation due to its larger surface area. This means that applications that run "hot", such as high-speed data transfer, may be designed into an ExpressCard/54 module to take advantage of the greater thermal dissipation.

Because performance does not vary with module size, module developers always prefer to fit their applications into the smaller ExpressCard/34 form factor when possible, but there are some applications that require the larger ExpressCard/54 module's extra width. Some examples of this are: SmartCard readers, CompactFlash readers, and hard drives with 1.8" platters. The media used in these applications is simply wider than can be accommodated by an ExpressCard/34 module. Other applications may be built in the ExpressCard/54 form-factor for the thermal reasons described above. Over time, as silicon technologies improve and novel approaches are discovered, applications currently found in the ExpressCard/54 form factor will migrate to the narrower ExpressCard/34 module. Applications in this category would include TV tuner cards and higher performance communication devices.

ExpressCard Application Questions

1. What modules are available today? What applications are supported by ExpressCard modules?

Please see the ExpressCard Where to Buy page on our web site for a listing of modules currently available from PCMCIA member companies. This listing represents all of the applications currently available. In the future, nearly all existing PC Card/CardBus applications as well as many applications never before possible in a modular peripheral will likely be available as ExpressCard modules.

2. How can I find an ExpressCard wireless modem module for wireless internet connection?

Verizon Wireless and Dell were the first companies in the US to offer ExpressCard versions of wireless modems. Check this page for links to purchase a module. Other wireless internet service providers (ISPs) will be following suit. Check this page for the latest wireless modem announcements. If your ISP does not have an ExpressCard version of their wireless modem, there are some adapters available for PC Card/CardBus wireless modem cards. If an adapter will not suit your needs, contact your ISP and request that they release an ExpressCard wireless modem. ExpressCard wireless modem hardware exists today, but many ISPs have been slow to get them into their product line.

3. Does a video accelerator ExpressCard module exist? Sound Card? How about a studio quality audio workstation?

No, we do not expect that a stand-alone ExpressCard graphics accerlerator will be developed in the near term. Although the PCI Express x1 lane used in the ExpressCard interface is fast enough for substantial graphics acceleration, graphics accelerators currently require more board space than even an ExpressCard/54 module provides, more power than the ExpressCard slot can provide and produce more heat than an ExpressCard module can safely dissipate. We do expect to see ExpressCard modules which allow the addition of second (or even third or more) monitors to your system, although the level of graphics peformance on an external monitor will likely be best suited for office applications.

However, it is possible to achieve graphics acceleration using an ExpressCard slot. Using a PCI Express expansion chassis, a standard PCI Express graphics accelerator card can be utilized to allow game-level 3D graphics (to an external monitor) even if your notebook came with low-end internal video support. Due to the fact that there is not a simple path back to the internal video subsystem, upgrading the graphics capabilities of your built-in monitor is not possible with this type of setup. Graphics upgrade/expansion (to an external monitor) is also available through the ExpressCard slot via Docking Stations.

Creative has announced the SoundBlaster X-Fi ExpressCard Sound Card. See a preview here.

An audio workstation with an ExpressCard interface has been announced from Apogee Digital. Also, the UAD-Xpander DSP expansion system from Universal Audio has been announced.

4. I'm looking for an application that I can't currently find on an ExpressCard module. Is there anything I can do?

Please see the ExpressCard Where to Buy page on our web site to be sure the application you are looking for does not already exist (we're constantly seeing new applications.) If you haven't found what you are looking for, there are still options. Expansion systems are available to allow the use of any regular full-size desktop PCI or PCI Express expansion card (such as a graphics accelerator, audio mixer, video capture, etc.) through your ExpressCard slot.

• PCI Slot Expansion Systems
• PCI Express Slot Expansion Systems

Additionally, adapters are available that allow the use of existing PC Card/CardBus (PCMCIA) cards through the ExpressCard or USB ports. See this page for information on these adapters.

ExpressCard Technology vs. PC Card Technology Questions

1. What is a PC Card? Is that the same as a CardBus card?

PC Card (often incorrectly called a "PCMCIA" card) is the general name for a technology originally developed in 1989 that adds expansion capabilities such as memory, mass storage, networking and wireless communications to computers and other communications and consumer electronics devices. Over 95% of notebooks use PC Card technology for their I/O expansion, although this number is already dropping due to the emergence of ExpressCard technology. CardBus is the name of the significantly faster 32-bit PC Card interface introduced in 1995. CardBus slots are backwards compatible with non-CardBus PC Cards, but a CardBus card cannot be used in a non-CardBus slot.

2. Is ExpressCard technology backward compatible with PC Card technology?

No. The PC Card interface uses either an ISA-based 16-bit or PCI-based 32-bit parallel interface through a 68 contact pin-and-socket connector. The ExpressCard interface uses high-speed PCI Express or USB 2.0 serial interfaces through a 26 contact high-performance beam-on-blade connector. These technologies are not compatible with each other, and moving forward to the high performance, compatibility and cost savings of these modern interfaces unfortunately required sacrificing compatibility with the older PC Card Standard. We did realize that due to the lack of backward compatibility, the transition as laptop manufacurers moved from PC Card slots to ExpressCard slots would be awkward, and it has unfortunately resulted in problems for users. However, as adapter products have come online the transition has become smoother, and once ExpressCard technology is fully established, at it is now poised to become, all users will benefit from the industry's transition from PC Card to ExpressCard technology. All significant applications are available on ExpressCard modules today, and many of the more specialized applications are being released practically every day.

3. Is there an adapter to use PC Cards on a system with only ExpressCard slots? How about the other way around?

There are adapters that allow the use of older PC Card products on systems without a PC Card slot through either the ExpressCard or USB interfaces. See this page for information on available adapter products for PC Card/CardBus cards. Additionally, if you currently have a PC Card application that you would like to continue to use, many notebook systems on the market today offer both an ExpressCard and a PC Card slot, meaning you can continue to use your PC Card hardware alongside any new ExpressCard modules you wish to acquire.

This PC Card to ExpressCard adapter is designed to allow you to use an ExpressCard wireless broadband modem (such as the Verizon Wireless V640) in a CardBus slot, so that you can use the same ExpressCard wireless broadband modem inside machines with either a CardBus or ExpressCard slot.

4. How is ExpressCard technology different from PC Card?

ExpressCard technology draws upon many of the features of existing PC Card technology. It balances size and utility, reliability and durability, and features hot plug-n-play and auto-configuration.

There are also significant differences between the PC Card standard and ExpressCard standard.

1. Size. ExpressCard/34 modules are 45% smaller than PC Card, as well as being lighter (34 mm/54 mm x 75 mm x 5 mm for ExpressCard vs. 54 mm x 85.6 mm x 5 mm for CardBus). See side-by-side comparison here. This means we will see ExpressCard slots in devices where size limitations meant that an expansion technology like PC Card/CardBus was not feasible.
2. Speed. ExpressCard modules use serial (PCI Express and USB 2.0) data interfaces rather than the ISA (16-bit PC Card) or PCI (CardBus) parallel bus interfaces, improving bus speed in data transfer while reducing the number of signals needed in the interface (2.5 Gb/s [PCI Express] or 480 Mb/s [USB 2.0] for the ExpressCard interface vs. 132 MB/s maximum theoretical throughput for the CardBus interface.) This translates to a more than 2.5X increase in speed when using an ExpressCard module utlizing PCI Express over a CardBus card, and a 40X increase over 16-bit PC Cards.
3. Cost. Because of its streamlined system and mechanical design, ExpressCard designs are anticipated to have a lower implementation cost for both host systems and modules. Additionally, existing PCI Express and USB 2.0 silicon implementations can be repackaged into ExpressCard modules. This cost savings also makes it far more practical for ExpressCard slots to be included in desktop systems where cost-sensitivity previously prevented the inclusion of a PC Card/CardBus slot.
4. Less power. ExpressCard modules require less power than has traditionally been required, translating to longer battery life for notebook systems.
5. Ease of use. ExpressCard modules offer a much easier method for installing new capabilities in a desktop computer because it eliminates the need to open the CPU chassis to add functionality (sealed box computing). In addition, it is hot-swappable between mobile and desktop systems, another plus for end-users.
6. Connector. 26 contact, single row beam-on-blade for the ExpressCard interface vs. 68 contact, dual row pin-and-socket for PC Card/CardBus.
7. Power supply. 3.3 V and 1.5 V are supplied to the ExpressCard interface vs. 5.0 V and 3.3 V supplied to a PC Card/CardBus slot. Lower voltages equal lower power overall consumption.
8. Host Interface. ExpressCard interface signals are supplied directly by the host's base chipset, where PC Card/CardBus requires a CardBus controller chip in addition to the host's base chipset. The elimination of the CardBus controller chip results in simpler design, lower cost, and less power for host systems.
9. Scalability. The ExpressCard interface is intended to extend to the next generation of both PCI Express and USB, where CardBus will not be extended beyond the existing interface.

ExpressCard Technology Technical Questions

1. How are desktop and notebook computers improved with ExpressCard technology?

ExpressCard slots give desktop computer users the same 'sealed box' computing benefits that have for a long time been a part of the notebook computing experience. Before ExpressCard technology it was not economically feasibly to integrate hot pluggable PC Card technology into a broad range of desktop systems. A sealed box computer is a system that does not have to be opened to have hardware features added. Most of today's desktop designs have expansion slots inside. These are not 'sealed box computers.' To add hardware to today's platforms you have to open up the system, typically with a screwdriver, to install the new card. Apart from being awkward for the user, it puts a huge burden on the manufacturer to ensure that the process is safe, that there is appropriate mechanical clearance inside the chassis and that the airflow and thermal characteristics of the design will not be compromised. By moving to a sealed box configuration the designer can make the entire system a lot smaller and more efficient. The user never has to open a sealed box computer because features can be added via technologies such as ExpressCard modules.

The reduction in module size, when compared to PC Card/CardBus (PCMCIA) cards, allows both notebook and desktop system manufacturers to build smaller, thinner and lighter platforms without compromising on performance. By building ExpressCard technology on existing system interfaces, it makes it very easy for module manufacturers to provide a broad range of exciting module applications without developing new silicon. Initially we have seen ExpressCard technology adopted primarily by notebook computers -- every major notebook manufacturer now ships systems with ExpressCard slots. Due to the decreased cost associated with the ExpressCard interface, we also expect desktop systems to include ExpressCard slots in greater numbers. However, any device that incorporates PCI Express and USB will be able take advantage of the ExpressCard standard.

2. Are ExpressCard modules compatible with Mac OS? Linux?

ExpressCard modules can be compatible with any device that provides PCI Express and USB. The latest notebooks from Apple include ExpressCard slots and many modules are compatible with Mac OS. Contact the module manufacturer for information on Mac OS compatibility.

ExpressCard modules are also compatible with systems running Linux, although Linux software may be need to be provided by the manufacturer. Some information on ExpressCard and Linux can be found here: Linux ExpressCard Compatibility Survey.

3. Is there a compliance program for ExpressCard products?

The PCMCIA has developed a compliance program in conjunction with programs offered by the PCI-SIG and USB-IF. All PCMCIA members are eligible to submit their products into the Compliance Program. Products are tested for interoperability to ensure that they work with other existing compliant ExpressCard products. In addition, product manufacturers must perform a series of tests designed by PCMCIA which ensure that the product was designed in compliance with the ExpressCard Standard. Finally, manufacturers must document that they have used only compliant ingredients in their module or host designs (e.g. connectors and PCI Express and/or USB silicon.) Products which pass these tests display the ExpressCard name and logo and are eligible to be listed on the ExpressCard Resource Directory.

4. Can you give me more information on the ExpressCard Standard? Technical details?

A summary overview of the ExpressCard standard is available on our web site. This document describes the electrical and mechanical specifications of ExpressCard technology. If you are developing ExpressCard products, you should purchase the ExpressCard Standard, which contains the complete specifications.

ExpressCard Technology Background Questions

1. Who developed the ExpressCard standard?

The ExpressCard standard was created by a broad coalition of PCMCIA member companies, including Dell, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, Lexar Media, Microsoft, SCM Microsystems and Texas Instruments. PCMCIA developed the new standard with assistance from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF*) and the PCI-SIG* (Peripheral Component Interconnect-Special Interest Group). PCMCIA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1989 to establish technical standards for PC Card technology and to promote interchangeability among computer systems.

2. Who are the active players in development of this standard?

The ExpressCard Standard was developed by PCMCIA and its member companies. There are several major industry sectors supporting development of this standard:

1. Software manufacturers (e.g. Microsoft)
2. Silicon manufacturers (e.g. Intel, SMSC, QUALCOMM, Texas Instruments)
3. Platform manufacturers (e.g. Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, NEC, Toshiba)
4. Module manufacturers (e.g. Abocom, AVerMedia, Belkin, DataFab, Lexar Media, SCM Microsystems, Sierra Wireless, Smart Modular)
5. Connector manufacturers (e.g. Delphi, Duel Systems/Methode Electronics, FCI Electronics, Foxconn, Hirose, Honda Connectors, ITT Cannon, JAE, JST, Molex, Tyco Electronics)
6. All other PCMCIA Members

3. Where can interested parties get more information?

The specification and support collateral have been published by the PCMCIA and are available to members. For information on joining PCMCIA, visit the PCMCIA web site. The PCI-SIG and USB-IF are also publishing relevant information for developers.

4. How can my company get involved in the development of the ExpressCard Standard?

By joining PCMCIA! PCMCIA is an open standards body and trade association dedicated to promoting the development of modular peripheral standards like the ExpressCard standard. Any company, whether you make host systems, modules, software or components may join and get involved in the development of our standards. If you think your company can contribute to the standards process, or would benefit from participation in our many marketing opportunities, we welcome you to join and get involved. The development of the ExpressCard Standard continues even today, and the only way for your voice to be heard in the future direction of the Standard is to join.