I/O CONNECTORS
EXPRESSCARD
AND SLOT SYSTEMS
DESCRIPTION
ExpressCard
support host systems manufacturers’ implementation of
ExpressCard technology. The Personal Computer
Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) has
developed the ExpressCard Standard as replacement for
the PC Card Standard, which defines the popular
CardBus and PC Card add-in cards. The new standard
will carry forward the benefits of removable
communication, storage, I/O, multimedia, security and
adapter cards to new generations of mobile and desktop
personal computers. The ExpressCard standard supports
both USB 2.0 and PCI Express
interfaces. Mobile and desktop host systems can choose
to incorporate universal slots, which can accommodate
either ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 module sizes,
or ExpressCard/34 slots when space is at a premium.
Both are smaller than today’s CardBus slot
implementations.
FCI offers a number of slot mounting options for its slot
systems that enable “card push” ejection. Available
options support slot placement either above or below
the host PCB. Slot standoff options range between
0.0mm, which provides the lowest vertical profile for
“thin” host systems, and 2.2mm, which provides
clearance to mount PCB components between the slot
and the host PCB. A simplified “grab and pull” slot
system is also available for host applications where
manual card removal is acceptable.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
Electrical performance is validated at the initial PCI
Express data rate of 2.5 Gb/s and the anticipated
second-generation speed of 5.0 Gb/s
Simple beam-on-blade contact interface is rated for
5,000 cycles
Single-row, in-line configuration for surface-mount
solder tails to facilitate easy soldering and inspection
Standoff options range between 0.0mm for “thin”
host systems and 2.2mm which provides clearance
to mount components between the slot and the
host PCB
Options available to support slot placement either
above or below the host PCB
“Card Push” ejection mechanism eliminates need for
push rods
Available “grab and pull” version supports manual card
removal with reduced mechanical complexity
RoHS compliant
™
host connectors and systems from FCI
®
high-speed serial
™
HOST CONNECTORS
TARGET MARKETS / APPLICATIONS
• Mobile and Desktop PCs
• Set-top boxes
• Digital TV
• Home entertainment devices
• Industrial PCs
• Machine control systems
• Test & measurement devices
• Medical instrumentation
• Telecom equipment
• Datacom equipment
Data
Consumer
Industrial
Instrumentation
Communications