Slot 34

• Slot 345
• Nicholas Slot 34 Maui

About ExpressCard® Technology

Half / Full Size Mini PCIe USB 2.0 To ExpressCard 54 / 34 slot Adapter PCI express mini Card to Express Card Converter Reader. Model #: GYM-GDA-IOY1395256 Item #: 9SIANJZDMT3152. That is no more evident than in Hotlines 34, a 5-reel retro slot with a unique design that incorporates alternating reels with 3 and 4 symbol positions. What's more, the game offers 34 ways to win from.

ExpressCard technology is designed to deliver high-performance, modular expansion to both desktop and notebook computers at a lower cost and in a smaller form factor. Users are able to add memory, wired and wireless communications, multimedia and security features by inserting ExpressCard modules into compliant systems. At roughly half the size and lighter than today's PC Card, ExpressCard products also leverage the proven advantages of PC Card technology, including reliability, durability and expansion flexibility while offering improved performance.
ExpressCard Advantages:

• A Smaller and Faster PC Card Solution
• Suitable for Mobile and Desktop Systems
• Supports USB 2.0, PCI Express and SuperSpeed USB Applications
• Lower System and Card Complexity

Relationship to the PC Card Standard

The ExpressCard Standard is the next generation of PC Card technology used in more than 95% of all notebook computers for adding new hardware capabilities. The ExpressCard Standard was created by PCMCIA Association member companies including Dell, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, Lexar Media, Microsoft, SCM Microsystems and Texas Instruments. PCMCIA developed the standard with assistance from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) and the PCI-SIG (Peripheral Component Interconnect-Special Interest Group).

The ExpressCard standard builds on the success of the PC Card Standard, including the 16-bit PC Card and the popular CardBus PC Card. Over time, ExpressCard technology is expected to replace CardBus as the preferred solution for hot-pluggable internal I/O expansion for notebook and desktop computers, especially in smaller form factor 'sealed box' designs. ExpressCard technology uses a simpler connector and eliminates the CardBus controller by using direct connections to PCI-Express and USB ports in the host. This lowers the cost of slot implementations in host systems.

Module Form Factors

There are two standard formats of ExpressCard modules: the ExpressCard/34 module (34mm x 75mm) and the ExpressCard/54 module (54mm x 75mm). Both formats are 5mm thick, the same as the Type II PC Card. The standard module length is 75mm, which is 10.6mm shorter than a standard PC Card. Both module formats use the same connector interface.

The two ExpressCard module sizes give system manufacturers greater flexibility than in the past. While the ExpressCard/34 device is better suited to smaller systems, the wider ExpressCard/54 module can accommodate applications that do not physically fit into the narrower ExpressCard/34 form factor. Examples include SmartCard readers, Compact Flash readers, and 1.8-inch disk drives. In addition to extra space for components, ExpressCard/54 modules can dissipate more thermal energy than the smaller module, making it a natural choice for higher performance and first generation applications.

The slot for the ExpressCard/54 module also supports an ExpressCard/34 device. The wide slot features a novel guidance mechanism that steers ExpressCard/34 modules into the connector socket. The ExpressCard Standard also allows extended module formats to integrate features such as LAN and phone line connectors, or antennas for wireless cards into their products. Although CardBus PC Cards and ExpressCard modules are not designed to function in the same slot, inserting a CardBus card into an ExpressCard slot or vice versa will not cause any damage to either part.

ExpressCard Interface

The ExpressCard technology improves the data transfer speed by using higher performance serial data interfaces rather than parallel buses. ExpressCard-compliant host platforms must support both the PCI Express and USB interfaces. This includes a single PCI Express lane (x1) operating at the baseline 2.5Gbps data rate, in each direction, as defined in the PCI Express Base Specification 1.0a by the PCI-SIG. The host interface must also support the low-, full- and high-speed USB data rates as defined by the USB 2.0 Specification of the USB Implementers Forum. An ExpressCard module may use one or both of the standard interfaces depending on the application requirements.

Connector

A common, 26-pin, beam-on-blade style connector is used for both modules and the corresponding host connector accommodates the insertion of either module. This roughly halves the number of pins used in CardBus products. The blade contacts are located on the ExpressCard module and are designed for high durability and reliability. The connectors are designed to be capable of 10,000 card insertion and removal cycles.

Hot Plug Functionality and Power Management

ExpressCard technology is designed to allow users to install and remove modules at any time, without having to switch off their systems. This hot-plug functionality is a well-established part of the CardBus and USB specification and is also supported by PCI Express. By relying on the auto-detection and configuration of the native I/O buses (PCI Express and USB 2.0), ExpressCard technology can be implemented on a host system without an external slot controller. A device to control power to the slot is required, based on a simple, wired, module presence detection scheme.

Both PCI Express and USB natively support features that enable module applications to be placed in very low power states while maintaining the ability to detect and respond to wakeup requests. For example, an ExpressCard application can receive network messages via a wireless communications module even while the PC is in a sleep state. Effective use of these features is the key to creating high-performance applications, which are both power and thermally efficient.

Compliance Requirements

The USB-IF offers a two-step compliance process intended to assure interoperability between ExpressCard modules and systems. A compliance process is also available for key components.

The first step features self-compliance testing, where manufacturers verify their products against a comprehensive requirements checklist and submit the list to USB-IF for review. To aid in electrical compliance testing, the USB-IF is making available a series of test cards. As part of the second step, system and module manufacturers attend a compliance workshop for formal interoperability testing where tests are run to verify their products are interoperable with a range of ExpressCard modules or systems. Optionally, both of these steps may be accomplished with the assistance of a qualified third-party test house.

With the successful completion of these steps and the execution of a license with the USB-IF, compliant products have the right to display the ExpressCard logo-an energetic rabbit signifying mobility, fast performance and ease-of-use. All compliant products are listed in USB-IF Integrators list. Program participation is available to USB-IF Vendor ID owners only.

User Benefits

By supporting both PCI Express and USB in both desktop and notebook systems, ExpressCard technology brings new functionality to computer users not found in today's PC Card. The technology delivers a consistent, easy, reliable and non-threatening way to connect devices into their systems. ExpressCard modules can be plugged in or removed at almost any time. By enabling 'all modules in all slots,' users can easily move modules between systems without worry. More importantly, ExpressCard products also support sealed-box expandability in desktop systems, eliminating the need for users to open their computer chassis to add flash memory, networking, multimedia, security or other hardware.

The ExpressCard standard offers a friendly, easy to use technology. OEMs benefit from a lower implementation cost due to its system and mechanical design, which is less complex to implement than CardBus. The standard crosses the broader market of desktop and notebook computers and assures interoperability through the compliance program.

At roughly half the size and lighter than today's PC Card, ExpressCard products also leverage the proven advantages of PC Card technology, including reliability and durability, hot plug-n-play and auto-configuration. Users benefit from expansion flexibility in less space with higher performance. Plus, they gain future access to high-performance technology innovations, such as High-Definition TV and Gigabit Ethernet

Contents

What is ExpressCard?

ExpressCard is PCMCIA's (subsumed by the USB-IF) portable, removable, expansion technology to replace PC Card and PC CardBus (sometimes mistakenly called PCMCIA Cards). ExpressCard holds several advantages over PC Card some of which are enumerated below.

Differences between ExpressCard and PC Card

ExpressCard features new interconnect technology

ExpressCard utilizes two interconnect technologies, the most important of which is PCI Express (PCIe). ExpressCards featuring PCIe 1X technology are capable of 2.5Gb/s per direction, giving an ExpressCard operating in full duplex mode an approximate throughput of 250MB/s x 2, or 500MB/s of throughput, nearly quadrupling the effective speed of 32-bit PC CardBus. ExpressCard alternatively utilizes USB 2.0 for lower speed and less complex applications, with a maximum throughput of 480mb/s.

ExpressCard allows for much more bandwidth

ExpressCards featuring PCIe 1X technology are capable of 2.5Gb/s per direction, allowing for realization of applications, especially host adapters, that underperformed or were impossible under PC CardBus. Examples of full throughput host adapters that bottlenecked CardBus, but don't tax ExpressCard at all are FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394.b) and Gigabit Ethernet (GbE). Additionally, ExpressCard will be able to handle the latest SATAe and other high end buses with relative ease.

ExpressCard has superior power saving and management

ExpressCard operates at lower voltages than PC Card with 1.5 and 3.3V baselines. This allows systems deploying ExpressCard technology to take full advantage of current low power utilization throughout.

ExpressCard is a serial rather than a parallel bus

ExpressCard follows the trend of PCI Express and SATA in transitioning from parallel buses to serial buses. Rather than a 68-pin parallel connection used in PC Card, ExpressCard utilizes a 26-pin beam on blade serial connection. ExpressCard's use of high performance PCIe and USB 2.0 serial connections already built on to host system reduces complexity and eliminates the problems with signal timing associated with parallel buses.

ExpressCard is simpler and cheaper to implement than PC Card

Because ExpressCard harnesses buses that already exist on a host system, it doesn't require a separate ASIC to integrate it to a host system. Unlike PC CardBus and PC Card in which a controller chip was necessary to bridge between the card slot and the underlying system bus, ExpressCard devices literarily plug into either the PCIe or USB 2.0 bus on the system, depending on the ExpressCard type employed. ExpressCard saves in both cost and complexity in this regard.

Is ExpressCard backward compatible with PCMCIA PC Cards?

Our ExpressCard 34 to PCMCIA PC CardBus 16/32-bit Read-Writer Express2PCC allows computers with ExpressCard slots to use either 16-bit legacy PC Cards or 32-bit PC cardbus Cards. Express2PCC works with host systems featuring native ExpressCard 34 or ExpressCard 54 slots, or an installed PCIe to ExpressCard adapter. If the host operating system supports the PCMCIA PC Card, it should also work in conjunction with the Express2PCC. Sonnet's Qio device provides support for Panasonic P2 PC Card Memory devices on both Mac OS X and Windows. The Qio is available with either ExpressCard, PCIe, or Thunderbolt connections to the host system.

ExpressCard to PCMCIA PC Card

ExpressCard 34 to PCMCIA PC CardBus 16/32-bit Read-Writer Express2PCC

Supports legacy PCMCIA 32-Bit PC CardBus and 16-Bit PC Cards with the exception of Zoomed Video (ZV). Works great with Panasonic P2 Cards! Windows Vista, and 7 64/32-bit.

EXP34-DA-002 Price: $62.00

Qio Universal Media Read/Writer notebook

Qio Universal Media Reader with SonnetBus Extender PCIe adapter for notebooks

Videographers' dream device - reads an amazing range of media including P2 PC Card, SxS ExpressCard, and CompactFlash/SDHC + SATA

SON-QIO-E34 Price: $999.00

Is PCMCIA PC Card forward compatible with ExpressCard?

For PCIe based ExpressCards — in a word, no. However, it is useful to explain why this is the case. 32-bit PC Card CardBus card don't provide enough bandwidth to emulate ExpressCard. Furthermore, ExpressCard cards are completely different from PC Cards in voltages, form factor, physical connectivity and bus technology.

USB Mode ExpressCard Only Devices

While the PCMCIA ExpressCard specification requires all host adapters and slots to support both PCIe and USB 2.0 portions of the ExpressCard bus, several products are now on the market that only support the USB 2.0 mode. While this technically breaks the specification, many consumers have been clamoring for such a device. In response to such demand, products are now appearing on the market that bridge between PCMCIA PC Card and USB 2.0 based ExpressCards. Several new devices behave like USB 2.0 hubs, routing an ExpressCard's USB 2.0 through a PCMCIA PC Card slot. PCMCIA PC Card to USB 2.0-Mode ExpressCard adapters are available as 32-bit and 16-bit PCMCIA PC Card varieties. PC Card USB 2.0 mode ExpressCard host adapters cannot work with any PCIe based ExpressCards. This is true for USB to USB 2.0-Mode ExpressCard adapters like our MicroU2E series as well.

PCMCIA PC CardBus to USB ExpressCard

ExpressAdapt PCMCIA PC CardBus to USB Mode ExpressCard Adapter

Allows use of USB based ExpressCards with PCMCIA PC CardBus equipped computers. NOT COMPATIBLE with any PCIe based ExpressCards. No drivers needed for Windows 2000, XP and Vista and Mac OSX 10.4 and later.

ADP-PCM-EXPUSB2 Price: $24.00

USB to USB ExpressCard

MicroU2E USB 2.0 to USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCard 34 54 Host Adapter

Allows use of USB based ExpressCards with USB 2.0 equipped computers. NOT COMPATIBLE with any PCIe based ExpressCards. Multi-platform support for most modern operating systems.

USB-EXP-ADP-01 Price: $12.00

USB to USB ExpressCard

MicroU2E-MV USB 2.0 to USB Mode ExpressCard 34 54 Multi-Voltage Host Adapter

Allows use of USB based ExpressCards with USB 2.0 equipped computers. Adds 1.5 Volts at 650mA option to standard model's 3.3 Volts at 1000mA. NOT COMPATIBLE with any PCIe based ExpressCards. Multi-platform support for most modern operating systems.

USB-EXP-ADP-02 Price: $15.00

ExpressCard Dimensions

ExpressCards come in two form factors: ExpressCard 34 and ExpressCard 54. The form factors share the same dimensions except for width, from which the names of the form factors are derived. ExpressCard share a length of 75mm and a depth (or thickness) of 5.0mm — the same depth as Type II PC Cards. Both the widths and shapes of the two ExpressCard form factors are different, but the portion of the card which connects to the card slot are an identical 34mm. ExpressCard 34 cards are 34mm wide and rectangular in shape. ExpressCard 54 Cards are 54mm wide at their widest point and 34mm wide at the connection point, creating a shape often referred to as a 'Fat-L'. Either form factor is allowed additional volume extending outside of what would be considered the flush portion of an inserted card. This is referred to as the extended portion of the card and ExpressCards with such a configuration are referred to as extended cards. The extended portion can exceed the card dimension in any axis, but there are obvious practical limitations to how much. For an excellent example of an ExpressCard with an extended portion on two axis (depth and width) see: ExpressCard 34 to CompactFlash Memory Card Adapter. For an explanation of how ExpressCard modules are used in the two types of ExpressCard slots, please see ExpressCard Slotting.

ExpressCard Slotting

ExpressCard slots come in two varieties; those designed for both ExpressCard 54 and 34 cards, and those for ExpressCard 34 cards only. ExpressCard slots are required to provide both PCIe and USB 2.0 functionality, regardless of their size. ExpressCard 54 slots, as pictured in figures A and B on the right, are able to accept both 54 and 34 cards. What PCMCIA describes as a 'novel guidance device,' which seen in the lower left corner of figures A and B, physically guides an ExpressCard 34 device to the connector part of the slot. Since the connection part of the card for both types of ExpressCards is identically 34mm, this scheme provides an elegant solution for utilizing both types of cards. Conversely, only ExpressCard 34 cards fit in ExpressCard 34 slots as pictured in figure C. Paying attention to this last fact is important when shopping for ExpressCard products, if a device only has an ExpressCard 34 slot, then only shop for ExpressCard 34 devices.

PCMCIA literature has expressed that systems deploying multiple ExpressCard slots should lay them out adjacently on a horizontal plane rather than the 'stacked slot' convention employed by PC Card slots.

Is there a way to stabilize ExpressCard/34 inside ExpressCard/54 slots?

While it may have seemed a sound idea to engineers designing the original ExpressCard standard, one of the more perplexing — and troublesome — aspects of the design has been using ExpressCard/34 cards in ExpressCard/54 slots. In practice, ExpressCard/34 cards, even when properly seated, aren't stable when inserted in the larger ExpressCard slots. The gap between the card and the larger slots allowed cards to be easily dislodged or come loose. This problem is more evident when ExpressCards with large 'extended card' portions, and/or with cables attached to them. When cards come loose and disconnect during operation, they drop signal, or worse, can damage the ExpressCard and even the ExpressCard slot. This is especially true for cards providing electrical current, like many Serial I/O ExpressCards.

The SlotGuardExpress ExpressCard/34 Stabilizer Insert for ExpressCard/54 Slots protects against ExpressCards being dislodged from their slots. SlotGuardExpress is an inexpensive, non-conductive insert that attaches to the side of an ExpressCard/34 to eliminate the free-play between the card and the ExpressCard slot. SlotGuardExpress is available as a product for individual end users and for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM who want to include it with their ExpressCard/34 products. SlotGuardExpress puts an end to disrupted connections and equipment damage caused by ExpressCards moving side to side (laterally) in larger slots.

ExpressCard/34 Stabilizer Insert

SlotGuardExpress ExpressCard/34 Stabilizer Insert for ExpressCard/54 Slots

SlotGuardExpress puts an end to disrupted connections and equipment damage caused by ExpressCards moving side to side (laterally) in larger slots.

EXP34-54SLOTGUARD Price: $4.25

How does ExpressCard 2.0 differ from ExpressCard?

ExpressCard 2.0 upgrades the underlying bus standards to PCI Express (PCIe) 2.0 and USB 3.0. Two channel PCIe 2.0 1X technology is capable of 5.0Gb/s per direction, while SuperSpeed USB 3.0's maximum theoretical speed is 5.0Gb/s. Neither bus standard achieves those speeds in practice, but PCIe, lacking USB's latency and encoding issues, comes much closer to its max theoretical speed. The ExpressCard 2.0 update allows for higher performance applications such as native SATA 6Gbps host adapters, but performance-wise still falls short of more modern bus technologies like Thunderbolt.

Available voltages (+1.5V +3.3V) remain the same in ExpressCard 2.0, as do all physical characteristics. Current from various supplies is specified in § 3.3.3 Power Supply Limits of the ExpressCard Standard Release 2.0, which notes that the total max current drawn by a module across all power rails should not exceed 1.75A. Average amperage will be under that threshold.

Currently the only ExpressCard 2.0 capable reader we know of is the Sonnet Echo Thunderbolt to ExpressCard/34 Adapter Pro.

ExpressCard versus PC Card Overview

The following table illuminates some of key differences between PCMCIA's PC Card and ExpressCard standards.

Slot 345

PCIe ExpressCard Drive Front

PCI Express to ExpressCard 34 54 Drive Read-Writer Front

Featuring a specially manufactured highly shielded internal cable, allowing an ExpressCard/34 54 slot and an additional USB 2.0 port in a 3.5' drive bay of PCIe 1x equipped PCs. Header style USB connection to motherboard. For Windows and other x86 OS.

EXP54-CR-PCEIF1 Price: $128.00

Is it possible to add ExpressCard slots to computers with PCIe?

There are a number of PCI Express (PCIe) to ExpressCard host adapters and we stock several models with choices including front and rear slot models. Requiring only a single lane PCIe 1X slot and a spare internal USB 2.0 port, PCI Express (PCIe) to ExpressCard drives provide a fully functional ExpressCard 34 54 slot. A smart investment for switching host adapters and other high performance ExpressCards between notebook and desktop computers, PCI Express ExpressCard drives are simple to install and fully conform to PCIe and ExpressCard standards. Although the PCIe specification provides for hot-swap capabilities, there is very limited support under most operating systems for hot-swapping ExpressCards on a desktop computer. The following documents address this in full:

PCIe to ExpressCard Adapter Support Topics

Hot swapping PCIe based ExpressCards with PCIe to ExpressCard Drives

Information about hot swapping capabilities ExpressCards under various operating systems

Can I 'rescan' the PCI expansion slots?

More information about hot swapping capabilities ExpressCards under various operating systems

ExpressCard FAQ for ExpressCard 34 and ExpressCard 54

Answers a broad range of ExpressCard questions including form factor, compatibility, etc.

Firmware Support for PCI Express Hot-Plug and Windows

Microsoft document on PCIe hot-plug

SxS PRO Device Drivers

Information about Sony/Sandisk's SxS Pro ExpressCards

Are any hot-swap capable external solutions for SxS ExpressCards?

Nicholas Slot 34 Maui

Sonnet's Qio device provides support for Sony/Sandisk SxS ExpressCard Memory devices on both Mac OS X and Windows. The Qio is available with either ExpressCard, PCIe, or Thunderbolt connections to the host system. Another solution is Sonnet's Echo Pro, which is a Thunderbolt to single slot ExpressCard 2.0 host adapter. It is the fastest and least expensive Sony/Sandisk SxS ExpressCard on the market.

Qio Universal Media Read/Writer desktop

Qio Universal Media Reader with SonnetBus Extender PCIe adapter for desktops

Videographers' dream device - reads an amazing range of media including P2 PC Card, SxS ExpressCard, and CompactFlash/SDHC + SATA

SON-QIO-PCIE Price: $999.00

Are any Thunderbolt solutions for ExpressCards?

The Sonnet's Qio device mentioned above provides support for Sony/Sandisk SxS ExpressCard Memory devices on both Mac OS X and Windows, and is available with a Thunderbolt connections to the host system. Supporting a far wider range of ExpressCards than just SxS, Sonnet's Echo Pro, which is a Thunderbolt to single slot ExpressCard 2.0 host adapter. It is the fastest and least expensive Sony/Sandisk SxS ExpressCard on the market. It also works with ExpressCards providing FireWire, eSATA, and specialized audio and video applications from companies like AJA, Matrox, RME, and PreSonus.

Thunderbolt to ExpressCard 2.0

Sonnet Echo Thunderbolt to ExpressCard/34 Adapter Pro

Use a range of PCIe 2.0 based ExpressCards on Thunderbolt technology-equipped computers. Allows full 5.0 Gb/s throughput and ingest footage from SxS memory cards at up to 150 MB/s. Works with Mac OS X 10.6.8 and later.

SON-ECHOPRO-E34 Price: $169.95