Look for the Logo!

The Logo Means It Will Work

If you sell a compliant ExpressCard module, this assures you that it has been designed with a compliant ExpressCard connector which will withstand at least 5000 insertion/removal cycles, has passed numerous durability and performance tests, and has been tested in real-world operation with a number of ExpressCard-enabled host systems. If you sell a compliant ExpressCard computer, this assures you that it will be properly powered, will mate mechanically with all compliant ExpressCard modules, and has undergone testing with a large number of different ExpressCard module applications.

Compliance Program

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 are 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 Checklist

The first stage of the Compliance Program is the Compliance Checklist. A Checklist is available for each of four types of ExpressCard products: Modules, host systems, power switches, and connectors. The Compliance Checklist consists of a rigorous set of tests and a questionnaire to be completed by the manufacturer. System and components covered include:

• Modules
• Host Systems
• Slot Power Switch (host-side chip which controls power flow and power management features to the ExpressCard slot)
• Connectors (26-position connector on both host side and module side)

The Compliance Checklist stage also includes required confirmation that any components used in a module or notebook are properly tested. USB components must be compliant with the USB-IF's Compliance Program, PCI Express components must be compliant with the PCI-SIG's Compliance Program, and connectors must be compliant with the ExpressCard Compliance Program.

Interoperability Testing

The second stage of the Compliance Program consists of Interoperability Testing. In this stage, hosts and modules are put through a series of PCMCIA-developed tests while paired with a large sampling of other compliant ExpressCard products. This step ensures that not only will the product work, but that it will work with the products your customers are likely to own.

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