The document discusses PCMCIA and its introduction of the ExpressCard standard. Some key points: - PCMCIA is a nonprofit trade association that establishes standards for modular peripherals. It introduced ExpressCard to replace older PC Card technology. - ExpressCard standards support two smaller card sizes than PC Card and newer interfaces like USB 2.0 and PCI Express. - Membership in PCMCIA provides various benefits including access to specifications and proposals, publications, and participation in committees and workshops. There are three levels of membership - Executive, Associate, and Affiliate.

1. PCMCIA Presents
ExpressCard™
Technology
PCMCIA is a non-
profit trade
association founded
in 1989 to establish
technical standards
for modular
peripherals and to
promote
interchangability
among computer
systems.
PC Card technology
is already a feature
in almost every
notebook computer,
empowering users
to configure
systems and create
unique, integrated
solutions to meet
their computing
interconnect needs.
Based in San Jose,
California, the • A Smaller & Faster PC Card Solution
association has
more than 100 • Suitable for Mobile and Desktop Systems
member companies
worldwide.
• Supports USB 2.0 and PCI Express Applications
• Lower System and Card Complexity
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2. Introduction
PCMCIA developed the ExpressCard™ standard to
carry forward the benefits of ‘plug-in’ I/O cards to the
next generation of personal computing devices.
The standard was developed by a large number of
PCMCIA member companies including technology
leaders, system manufacturers, card manufacturers,
and representatives from all other parts of the PC Card
industry.
Module Sizes
To support the broadest range of support those technologies which require a
applications there are two sizes of module. physically larger module. In this space we
Both are smaller that today’s CardBus card. will see devices such as smartcard readers,
CompactFlash adapters, and 1.8” hard
The smallest card, the ExpressCard/34
drives.
module, is almost half the size of a CardBus
card. We expect this size to be well suited All ExpressCard modules are 5mm thick but
to a very broad range of applications the standard also allows for card
covering communications, media, and developers to build longer ‘extended’
general purpose add-ins. modules. These can have thicker portions
which project beyond the envelope of the
The standard also specifies a wider card
host system.
called an ExpressCard/54 module. This is to
22 mm
CardBus PC Card
85.6 mm
75 mm
75 mm
54 mm 54 mm 34 mm
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Native Bus
Connections
The ExpressCard standard supports both the USB 2.0
and PCI Express interfaces.
Card manufacturers are able to choose whichever bus
is appropriate to their application; the performance of
PCI Express, or from the wide range of solutions
supported by USB.
All host PC ExpressCard slots will support cards using
either interface. The host platform no longer needs to
incorporate a bridge chip between the chipset and the
socket. PCI Express and USB 2.0 are fully hot-
pluggable.
Host System Slots
Mobile and Desktop host systems can provide
ExpressCard/34 slots when space is at a premium, or
the wider Universal ExpressCard slot to accommodate
both module sizes.
The Universal ExpressCard slot has a novel
guidance feature to ensure that the
ExpressCard/34 modules are always
correctly inserted.

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PCMCIA Membership
Benefits of Membership Five contacts at each Executive member
Executive
PCMCIA Membership
Associate
company receive the PC Card Standard and
• Free PCMCIA Standards PCMCIA Update, and may register for Level/Benefits Grid
PCMCIA meetings free of charge. As the
• Complete access to the ExpressCard
driving force behind PCMCIA, Executive
Specifications
members receive valuable exposure on Access to NEWCARD specifications
• Access to all proposals and working PCMCIA’s home page and in all PCMCIA Free PC Card Standard and Updates
materials while in progress, before literature.
public release 80%+ Discount on additional Standard copies
• Committee Minutes Associate Membership PCMCIA Update Quarterly Publication
• PCMCIA Update Quarterly Publication
($3500/year) Access to Members-only Web Site
• Access to Members-Only Web Site Free access to download PC Card Standard
• Use of PC Card Logo Associate Members are the backbone of Use of PC Card logo on products
• PlugFest Interoperability Workshops PCMCIA activity. With full voting rights on all Free Permanent Manufacturer's Tuple ID
• Free Manufacturer’s Tuple ID PCMCIA technical and marketing committees
Access to Proposals while in process
and four of eleven seats on PCMCIA’s Board
• PCMCIA Membership Plaque Annually 5 1
of Directors, Associate membership is perfect # of Contacts (Free meetings, Standards)
• Meeting Participation for companies that want to help drive the Listings on the PCMCIA Resource Directory 10 3
(Executive and Associate only) promotion and advancement of PC Card Moblie Advisory Council Membership
• Proposal Submission technology. Associate members are also
(Executive and Associate only) entitled to submit proposals for changes to Attend Membership Meetings
• Free Mobile Advisory Council (MAC) the PC Card Standard. Submit Proposals
membership (Executive and Associate Voting rights in Committee
only) One contact receives all mailings and
Seats on the PCMCIA Board of Directors 7 4
literature, including the PC Card Standard
Membership Levels and all updates, and may register for Control of PCMCIA By-laws
meetings free of charge. Logo on PCMCIA Web Site Home Page
There are three levels of membership in
PCMCIA that offer something for any Affiliate Membership
company involved in the manufacture,
design, or distribution of PC Card products. ($1500/year)
Executive Membership Affiliate Membership is ideal for companies
that need up-to-date information about PC
($10,000/year) Card technology and want to participate in
PCMCIA’s marketing and promotional PCMCIA
Executive Members plan the strategic future activities. Affiliate members may not attend
of PCMCIA and modular peripheral meetings, but do receive complete meeting Mission Statement
technology by controlling the By-laws of results following each meeting, along with
PCMCIA and by filling seven of eleven seats access to all of PCMCIA’s marketing activities
on PCMCIA’s Board of Directors. Executive
To develop
and members-only web site.
members also enjoy full voting rights on all standards for
technical, marketing, and organizational One contact receives all mailings and modular peripherals
issues. Executive members are also entitled to literature, including the PC Card Standard
submit proposals for changes to the PC Card and all updates. Affiliate member companies and promote their
Standard. are entitled to one free product listing on the worldwide
PC Card Resource Directory.
adoption.
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association Executive Members
2635 North First Street Suite 209 • San Jose, CA • 95134 • USA
Tel: 408-433-2273 • Fax: 408-433-9558 • Email: office@pcmcia.org Dell Computer
Visit our web site: Intel
www.pcmcia.org SCM Microsystems
© 2003 Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. All rights
ExpressCard, the Rabbit symbol and the PCMCIA Ribbon symbol are trademarks of PCMCIA

5. The ExpressCard™ Compliance Program
A Brief Overview of the ExpressCard Compliance Program
The ExpressCard Compliance Program is
designed to give the consumer the
confidence that they can buy host systems Compliance Checklist Coverage
or modules bearing the ExpressCard brand
knowing that they will work together. This • End user ExpressCard products
improvement in the end user experience is - Modules
expected to help grow the market for ExpressCard products by - Systems
making it feasible for complete novices to add hardware
• Components
devices to their systems. The improvement is expected to be
most apparent on Desktop PCs where adding hardware to the - Slot Power Switch
system previously required opening the case to insert a board. - Connectors
Establishing the reliability and predictability of products that • Module/System manufacturers to use compliant connectors
bear the ExpressCard brand is central to the expanded use of and power switches
the technology.
- If not using existing components, manufacturers are
responsible for also testing those elements
Compliance Program Coverage
Category Coverage Source
Interoperability Events
USB Protocol and electrical elements need USB-IF • Participants are module and system manufacturers
Interface to meet the current USB 2.0 test - Connectors and Power controllers tested indirectly
standard • Modeled on similar events set up by USB IF
PCI Express Functional, protocol and electrical PCI SIG - Held in an "Embassy Suites" style hotel
Interface elements meet PCI Express 1.0a - Module manufacturers visit each system manufacturer in turn
and complete a predefined set of tests
Mechanical Connector and card elements all need Checklist
to meet the specified dimensions and - System manufacturers assigned a fixed location
tolerances - At end of event, PCMCIA correlates results to determine
pass/fail results
Durability Friction surfaces must allow for the Checklist
number of insertion and removal • Two categories of testing
cycles defined in the Standard - Interoperatility checklist: mandatory for compliance
submittals
Power Host and modules must perform with Checklist
- Additional test coverage: does not affect compliance test
Supply supplies within range defined in the
results, but provides additional value to participants
Standard
Power Operating range of host slots and Checklist
Dissipation modules must be within the thermal Interoperability Coverage
range specified in the Standard
• Standard defines behavior for the following cases:
Inter- Establishing that modules work with Interop 1. Initial module insertion
operability systems Event
2. Graceful removal
Regulatory Not part of Compliance Program N/A 3. Hot insertion
Applications Not part of Compliance Program N/A 4. Surprise removal
5. Cold insertion
6. Sleep/suspend removal
Compliance Process 7. Sleep/suspend insertion
1. Complete self-administered checklist for product 8. Hibernation removal
- Designed to ensure product meets the ExpressCard Standard 9. Hibernation insertion
- Different checklists exist for different product categories • Interoperability checklist intends to verify appropriate
behavior for a given module and system combination
2. Attend an interoperability test event
- To be scheduled about four times per year
- Co-located with either PCI Express or USB event
(over)
3. Apply for license to use ExpressCard logo
- Proof of successful checklist and interoperability testing
4. Product entered into PCMCIA database and Comp. ID issued
- Product may use the ExpressCard logo
ExpressCard is a trademark of PCMCIA.
* All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.
06/04v1
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6. Compliance Test Fixtures Third-Party Test Houses
PCMCIA will make the following test fixtures available: • Some manufacturers may be unable to attend the
1. Plug-in board for PCI Express desktop systems which interoperability events and/or be unable to self-certify
provides a fully functional ExpressCard Slot • PCMCIA is working with commercial test houses to provide
- Works in PCI Express CEM slot a "Turnkey" solution for a fee
- Supports both PCI Express and USB interfaces - Manufacturer provides test-house with a module or system
- Test house executes checklist and interoperablity tests
Test Fixture will - Provides manufacturer with a registration/compliance report
be available from packet ready for submittal to the PCMCIA
PCMCIA, • Details will be published on PCMCIA web site
providing a fully
functional
ExpressCard slot
What You Can Do Now
• System Vendors:
- Prepare your roadmap now for ExpressCard implementations
2. ExpressCard module to support signal integrity testing of - Choose your chipsets
PCI Express portion of host ExpressCard implementation
- Test your ACPI solutions
3. USB module to support signal integrity testing of USB
portion of host ExpressCard implementation - Join PCMCIA and participate
• Module Vendors:
PCI Express (top) - CardBus and PC Cards - choose your migration path
and USB 2.0 - New technologies - PCI Express, USB or both?
(bottom) testing
modules support - Join PCMCIA and participate
signal integrity • Review materials available on PCMCIA web site:
testing
- www.expresscard.org
• Plan to participate in first compliance workshop
- Watch www.expresscard.org for details
Self Qualification About PCMCIA
• Companies may apply to be allowed to self certify The PCMCIA is the leading trade association for plug-in
- May be appropriate if they have numerous product releases modular I/O expansion for personal computers and notebooks.
& cycles Founded in 1989, the association has over 120 members and
• Requirements developed the 16-bit PC Card and CardBus standards.
- Ability to maintain and run interoperability test suite
- Will include range of systems and ExpressCard modules
- Enrollment in similar programs for other industry groups,
such as USB self certification
• Company still needs to submit registration & passing
compliance report for each product to PCMCIA for
compliance IDs
PCMCIA
2635 North First Street Suite 218
San Jose, CA 95134 • USA
Tel: 408-433-2273 • Fax: 408-433-9558
Email: office@pcmcia.org
Visit us at:
www.pcmcia.org
www.expresscard.org
ExpressCard is a trademark of PCMCIA.
* All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.
06/04v1
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7. ExpressCard™ Technology
The New Standard for High-Performance, Low-Cost I/O
Expansion for Desktop and Mobile Systems
The ExpressCard standard promises to
deliver high- performance, modular
expansion to desktop and notebook
computers at a lower cost and in a smaller
form factor. Consumers will be able to add
memory communications and security
devices by simply inserting ExpressCard modules into their
systems. The new standard supports sealed-box expandability
in desktops and thinner notebook design.
Key Features
• Leverages PC Card technology The ExpressCard system interface supports a direct connection
- Reliability and durability to the chipset. The slot configuration supports both card sizes.
- Hot plug-n-play and auto-configuration
• Roughly half the size of today’s PC Card
• Supports both USB 2.0 and PCI Express* in each slot
Industry Support
- Increased bandwidth while reducing the number of signals 100+ PCMCIA member companies, including Dell, Hewlett
• Lower cost Packard, IBM, Intel, Lexar Media, Microsoft, SCM Microsystems
and Texas Instruments.
- No host controller
- New connector technology
• Requires less power Availability
• Replaces CardBus as the preferred I/O solution
Mid-2004
Two Sizes
Expected Applications
ExpressCard/34: 34 mm (W) x 75 mm (L) x 5 mm (H)
ExpressCard/54: 54 mm (W) x 75 mm (L) x 5 mm (H) Interface Target Applications
PCI Express Wired LAN
As compared to CardBus (Type II): 54 mm (W) x 86 mm (L) x 5 Broadband modems
mm (H) TV Tuners/Decoders
I/O Adapters (e.g. 1394a/b)
Magnetic Disk Drives
Card Interfaces
USB 2.0 Wired & Wireless WAN
Connector Style Wireless PAN
Flash Memory
• 26 pin beam on blade Flash Card Adapters
Security
Bandwidth support
Legacy I/O (PS2, serial, parallel)
• USB 2.0: 480 Mb/s Optical Disk Drives
• PCI Express* (x1): 2.5Gb/s/direction GPS Receiver
Power available to card (average)
• 3.3V: 1000mA
• 3.3V aux: 250 mA PCMCIA
• 1.5V: 500 mA
The PCMCIA is the leading trade association for plug in
Max current combined across all power rails: Up to 1750mA modular I/O expansion for personal computers and notebooks.
Founded in 1989, the association developed the PC Card 16
and CardBus standards.
For More Information
www.expresscard.org
10/03v1 ExpressCard is a trademark of PCMCIA.
* All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.
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8. The ExpressCard™ Standard – The Next Generation PC Card Technology
October 2003 – Copyright PCMCIA
In 2004 a new generation of PC platforms offering higher performance and
scalability will be launched. These improvements are due to the introduction
of PCI Express as a system bus. In support of this PCMCIA has introduced a
new standard for hot swappable system modules which it believes will replace
‘CardBus’ as the preferred solution for end user add-ins. This new E x p r e s s C a r d
technology is designed to allow a broader range of applications at a lower cost
than CardBus and has been embraced by both desktop and notebook system
manufacturers.
Introduction
The ExpressCard standard gives the user a very easy way to
add hardware or media to his system. The ExpressCard
module can be plugged in or removed at almost any time,
and unlike traditional add-in cards for desktop computers, it
does not require any tools. ExpressCard technology
provides desktop and mobile computer users a consistent,
easy, reliable and non-threatening way to connect devices
into their systems.
Illustrated here are ExpressCard slot and module concepts for both
mobile and small-form-factor desktop computing platforms
ExpressCard technology replaces conventional parallel buses for I/O
devices with scaleable, high-speed serial interfaces. It allows
developers to create modules using PCI Express* for their highest
performance applications, or to use USB* to take advantage of the
wide range of USB silicon that is already available. Irrespective of the
bus technology that the module vendor chooses, the end user
experience will be the same. There will be no external indications to
the end user of which underlying bus the module is using.
Module form-factors
There are two standard formats of ExpressCard
modules: the ExpressCard/34 module which is
34 mm wide and the ExpressCard/54 module
characterized by its 54 mm width. Both
module formats are 5 mm thick, the same as
the Type II PC Card. The standard module
length is 75 mm, which is 10.6 mm shorter
than a standard PC Card. ExpressCard/34
modules and ExpressCard/54 modules both use
the same connector interface.
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9. The ExpressCard Standard - The Next Generation PC Card Technology
The ExpressCard Standard also allows extended module formats (not shown here) to provide
ExpressCard module developers the facility to integrate features such as LAN and phone line
connectors, or Antennas for wireless cards into the body of their products.
The two sizes of ExpressCard modules give system manufactures a degree of flexibility that they
did not have with earlier module standards. While the ExpressCard/34 device is better suited to
smaller systems, the wider ExpressCard/54 module can accommodate applications that will not
physically fit into the narrower ExpressCard/34 form factor. Examples include SmartCard readers,
Compact Flash readers, and 1.8” disk drives. The ExpressCard/54 module also provides extra space
for components and can dissipate more thermal energy than the smaller module. This may make
it a natural choice for higher performance and first generation applications. However, the
module manufacturer who can fit his application into the narrow module will have the advantage
that that particular module will work in both types of ExpressCard slot.
The socket which can accommodate the ExpressCard/54 module can also support an
ExpressCard/34 device. To improve the ease-of-use this slot includes a novel guidance feature
which is designed to steer ExpressCard/34 modules into the connector socket. It is also worth
pointing out that the dimensions are such that inserting a CardBus card into an ExpressCard slot or
vice versa will not damage either part.
The ExpressCard
architecture is modular
and extensible, allowing
for multiple slots as
illustrated here.
In any multi-slot host implementation, all slots provide equivalent I/O interface functionality and
the choice of which slot to use for any given module is irrelevant. Both module formats afford
access to the same I/O interface performance and source power although the larger
ExpressCard/54 module provides the application nominally 140% the internal volume and 160%
the thermal dissipation capacity of the ExpressCard/34 module.
The Connector
A common beam-on-blade style connector is used for both module and the corresponding host
connector accommodates the insertion of either module. 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.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
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10. The ExpressCard Standard - The Next Generation PC Card Technology
The Interface
Each slot of the ExpressCard host interface must support a single PCI Express lane (x1) operating at
the baseline 2.5 Gbps data rate, in each direction, as defined by the PCI Express Base Specification
1.0a as published and maintained by the PCI Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG). The ExpressCard
host interface must also support the low-, full- and high-speed USB data rates as defined by the
USB 2.0 Specification as published and maintained by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF).
Support of both interfaces is a condition for being an ExpressCard-compliant host platform.
An ExpressCard module may use one or both of the standard interfaces depending on the
application requirements.
The ExpressCard host interface – List of Signals
Signal Group Signal Direction Description
PCI Express x1 data interface:
PETp0, PETn0
Input/Output 1 differential transmit pair and 1 differential
PERp0, PERn0
receive pair
PCI Express
REFCLK+ PCI Express differential, spread-spectrum
Input
REFCLK- reference clock
PERST# Input PCI Express functional reset
Universal Serial Bus USBD+
Input/Output USB 2.0 serial data interface
(USB) USBD-
SMBDATA Input/Output
SMBus SMBus management channel
SMBCLK Input/Output
PCI Express module detection and power
CPPE# Output
control
System auxiliary CPUSB# Output USB module detection and power control
signals Used to indicate when REFCLK is needed (PCI
CLKREQ# Output
Express-only)
WAKE# Output PCI Express function initiated wake event
+3.3V Primary voltage source
+3.3VAUX Auxiliary voltage source
Power & Ground
+1.5V Secondary voltage source
GND Return current path
To assist in applications that require special sideband system management features, ExpressCard
host systems may also connect a two-wire SMBus interface to the slot. If available, ExpressCard
modules may provide support for such features as remote alerting and sideband radio control.
The following table summarizes the power supply limits for any given ExpressCard module. For
purposes of the following table, the definition of ‘Average’ is the averaged steady-state maximum
current consumption for the given module application. ‘Max’ is defined as the absolute maximum
value that may be measured outside of the initial in-rush current that is allowed during the power
ramp-up period.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
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11. The ExpressCard Standard - The Next Generation PC Card Technology
ExpressCard module power supply limits
Supply Limits Notes
1 1000 mA – Average
+3.3V Primary supply voltage
1300 mA – Max
250 mA – Average Auxiliary supply voltage; this current is also available during the
1 275 mA – Max power saving D3 state with wakeup enabled
+3.3VAUX
Auxiliary supply voltage during the power saving D3 state with
5 mA – Average
wakeup disabled
500 mA – Average
+1.5V Secondary supply voltage
650 mA – Max
1. The average current combined across both +3.3V and +3.3VAUX rails shall not exceed a total of
1000mA. The maximum total current across all power rails combined shall not exceed a total of
1750mA.
All ExpressCard modules, independent of the amount of power drawn from the host system, shall
not exceed the thermal power limits defined for modules: 1.3W for ExpressCard/34 modules and
2.1W for ExpressCard/54 modules. Thermal limits are based on an assumption of uniformly heated
module with a maximum case temperature of 90ºC in a host environment of 65ºC, and consider
heating due to adjacent modules.
Hot Plug Functionality and Power Management
ExpressCard technology is designed to allow users to install and remove modules at anytime,
without having to switch their system off. This hot plug functionality is a well established part of
the CardBus and USB usage models 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. It simply
needs a device to control power to the slot based on a simple, wired, module presence detection
scheme.
Regarding power management, both PCI Express and USB natively support features that allow for
module applications to be placed in very low power states while maintaining the ability to detect
and respond to wakeup requests. Examples of how these features may be used by an ExpressCard
application include receiving network messages via a wireless communications module that come
in 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.
Relationship to the PC Card Standard
The PC Card Standard, which defines the 16-bit PC Card and the popular CardBus™ technology,
were the first and second generations of card standards developed by PCMCIA. The ExpressCard
standard represents the third.
As host systems move to a PCI Express based architecture, we expect ExpressCard technology to
replace CardBus on the notebook and become broadly available on desktop platforms, especially
the smaller form factor ‘sealed box’ designs.
For More Information
For more information on ExpressCard technology and becoming a member of PCMCIA please
contact:
PCMCIA
2635 North First Street Suite 209
San Jose
CA, 95134
USA
Tel: 408-433-2273
www.pcmcia.org, www.expresscard.org
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
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September 2003
WHITE PAPER ™
INDUSTRY TRANSITION FROM PC CARD TO
EXPRESSCARD TECHNOLOGY
Ron Shaw, Technologist, Dell Advanced Platform Engineering
ExpressCard technology is a small, Limits of the PC Card
modular add-in card designed to re-
The PCMCIA was founded in 1989 as an industry trade
place the larger PC Card over the
association and standards body to develop, maintain,
next few years. The ExpressCard
and promote a standard for modular cards that are inter-
specification was released in Sep-
changeable among portable computers. PCMCIA
tember 2003. Developed by the
membership includes module vendors, system ven-
Personal Computer Memory Card International Associ-
dors, silicon providers, software providers, and
ation (PCMCIA), the technology takes advantage of the
representatives from associated special interest groups
scalable, high-bandwidth serial PCI Express and USB
(SIGs).
2.0 interfaces. Systems with ExpressCard slots are ex-
pected to ship starting with the introduction of PCI The original PC Card standard addressed the need for
Express in 2004. memory cards, followed by a standard that addressed
I/O module requirements. The PC Card standard has fur-
ExpressCard technology enables externally accessible
ther evolved to accommodate higher-speed
slots that can be used for upgrades, new peripherals,
applications such as networking and multimedia. The
and new classes of add-in cards (referred to as Express-
latest version (v. 8.1) addresses the need for lower-cost
Card “modules”). ExpressCard technology leverages
cards by allowing dedicated interfaces to some of the
the operating system and device-driver support associ-
newer, lower-pin-count devices. The latest PC Card con-
ated with the industry-standard USB and PCI Express
trollers allow a direct connection to USB devices,
interfaces. The technology also addresses system de-
consumer flash devices, smart cards, and specialized
sign and cost issues by removing the specialized silicon
I/O devices. The form factor and connector have re-
required for the custom interface of the PC Card and by
mained the same to ensure compatibility with existing
using smaller connectors with fewer pins. ExpressCard
modules. Despite these advances, the limit of the PC
technology can deliver nearly four times the data trans-
Card connector design was reached with version 8.1.
fer rate of the PC Card interface by using some of the
The connector is a 68-pin-in-socket connector originally
latest I/O interconnect technologies. Finally, an Ex-
designed for transfer rates of 10 megabytes per second
pressCard slot is a more cost-effective expansion
(MB/sec). With version 8.1, the practical limit of the in-
solution than a PC Card slot. This cost advantage will
terface has been reached. Its bandwidth is insufficient
encourage PC companies to expand the use of Express-
for high-performance upcoming requirements such as
Card slots in portable computers and a wide range of
Gigabit Ethernet network adapters and 1394b cards.
other host systems, including small form-factor desk-
top platforms and handheld devices. ExpressCard
ExpressCard Technology
technology can also be used in nontraditional personal
electronics and automotive applications. The new ExpressCard interface is smaller, faster, and
less expensive than the PC Card interface. The Express-
Dell is a strong proponent and supporter of Express- Card connector has just 26 pins and the interface has a
Card technology. In this white paper, we explain why potential transfer rate of up to 500 MB/sec (or 250 MB/
the PC Card is nearing its end of life and we describe Ex- sec in each direction) using a single-lane (or x1) PCI Ex-
pressCard technology. We conclude by describing how press link. In addition, its form factor is up to 40 percent
the industry and customers can transition smoothly smaller than a PC Card, which allows ExpressCard mod-
from legacy PC Card to ExpressCard technology. ules to be included in smaller host systems.
Read Dell’s technology white papers @ www.dell.com/r&d

13. http://krimo666.mylivepage.com/
www.dell.com/r&d
Industry Transition From PC Card to ExpressCard Technology
The PCMCIA developed the specification with support There are three basic ways that ExpressCard slots can
from the PCI-SIG and the USB Implementers Forum be implemented in a platform to accommodate these
(USB-IF). The ExpressCard specification uses the PCI card sizes.
Express and USB I/O interconnect standards of the PCI- • One 34-mm slot — The 34-mm slot is the simplest
SIG and USB-IF. During its development, the PCI-SIG host solution. Shown in Figure 2, this type of host
and USB-IF provided guidance and feedback to the slot will only support ExpressCard/34 modules. The
PCMCIA. The resulting ExpressCard form factor lever- advantage of this configuration is its compact size,
ages the knowledge base of these organizations and and it will be common on small portable and hand-
many of their member companies. The PCMCIA, PCI- held devices.
SIG, and USB-IF will also cooperate on ExpressCard cer-
tification. Each ExpressCard module will require
certification, and current plans are to leverage the PCI-
SIG and USB-IF certification programs. Leveraging the
PCI Express and USB specifications reduces the soft-
ware and silicon development effort required to
implement the technology. It also allowed the PCMCIA
to concentrate on developing the new form factor.
Figure 2. 34-mm ExpressCard Slot
An ExpressCard module can be implemented using ei-
ther PCI Express or USB, depending on the bandwidth • One 54-mm slot — The 54-mm slot shown in Fig-
required. A USB ExpressCard module is suitable for ure 3 accommodates both ExpressCard/34 and Ex-
lower-speed devices such as a Bluetooth™ wireless pressCard/54 modules. The mechanical design
card or a consumer flash memory card. A PCI Express requirements for an ExpressCard/54 implementa-
ExpressCard module is suitable for higher-bandwidth tion are more expensive. Its larger size and higher
devices such as 1394b and Gigabit Ethernet cards. To cost have a greater impact on smaller, low-cost
accommodate both types of cards, all ExpressCard platforms where the benefit derived from support-
slots are required to support both the USB 2.0 and PCI ing both card sizes must be weighed against form-
Express (x1 link) I/O interconnects. factor and cost penalties.
ExpressCard Modules and Slots
There are two different ExpressCard module widths: 34
mm and 54 mm. These will be denoted on the module
with the name ExpressCard/54 for the wider modules
and either ExpressCard or ExpressCard/34 for the nar-
row module. Figure 1 compares ExpressCard modules
to PC Cards.
Figure 3. 54-mm ExpressCard Slot
• One 68-mm slot — The third slot size is a dual 34-
mm slot in which two 34-mm slots are installed
side-by-side. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the re-
sulting 68-mm slot can accommodate one Express-
Card/54 module or two ExpressCard/34 modules.
Figure 1. ExpressCard Module Sizes

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September 2003
platforms, including servers, desktops, portables, tablet
PCs, and handheld and consumer electronics devices.
Portable computers can get smaller or add more slots.
Desktops can add external low-cost upgrade slots.
Handheld devices can leverage the same modules as
portables and desktops. The same ExpressCard mod-
ule can be used in all classes of computer as well as
noncomputer applications.
High Speed
Figure 4. 68-mm ExpressCard Slot With Its higher speed enables ExpressCard technology to be
Two ExpressCard/34 Modules
used for higher-bandwidth consumer applications. For
example, ExpressCard modules may include high-defi-
nition TV tuners, new LAN solutions, and faster wireless
solutions. Users can install these modules by simply in-
serting an ExpressCard module into the ExpressCard
slot in the same way that a PC Card is inserted into a PC
Card slot today.
Transition Scenarios
The PCMCIA has enabled a transition path from the PC
Card to ExpressCard technology. The foundation for
Figure 5. 68-mm ExpressCard Slot With this transition is laid in the PC Card version 8.1 specifi-
One ExpressCard/54 Module
cation, which allows for PC Card form factors that use
USB as their native bus. A low-cost USB PC Card can be
Advantages of ExpressCard used as a “carrier card” for an ExpressCard/34 module.
Technology In this way, an ExpressCard/34 module can be used in a
USB PC Card slot or an ExpressCard slot. Figure 6 illus-
ExpressCard technology has the following advantages
trates this concept. Beginning in 2004, new host
over the PC Card:
platforms will implement CardBus/USB controllers that
• Complements PCI Express and USB devices can accommodate these USB PC Cards, as well as ex-
• Low cost and small size isting non-USB PC Cards. This approach enables a
• High speed transition period during which organizations can mi-
grate to ExpressCard modules while maintaining
Complements PCI Express and USB Devices support for legacy PC Cards.
ExpressCard modules provide an alternate PCI Express
or USB form factor that complements PCI Express
cards, which must be plugged into the system board,
and USB solutions, which are connected via a USB ca-
ble. In contrast, ExpressCard modules are simply
plugged into the external ExpressCard slot, just as PC
Cards are installed today.
Figure 6. USB PC Card as Carrier for ExpressCard/34
Low Cost and Small Size
The smaller size and lower cost of ExpressCard technol-
ogy enables compelling enhancements for all

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www.dell.com/r&d
Industry Transition From PC Card to ExpressCard Technology
Native ExpressCard slots may start to appear in 2004 Conclusion
when PCI Express systems are introduced. A small
Dell has taken an active role in developing, promoting,
form-factor desktop platform that does not currently
and supporting the ExpressCard specification. This in-
support an external expansion slot is a good candidate
cludes encouraging current PC Card solution suppliers
for a low-cost native ExpressCard slot. However, in the
and application developers to move to ExpressCard
initial stages of the industry transition, ExpressCard
modules.
modules will not be as widely available as PC Cards.
During this period, a special ExpressCard module can Dell customers should prepare for the transition to Ex-
be used that connects to an external PC Card reader. pressCard technology, which will begin in late 2004.
This approach enables a low-cost expansion solution Customers should require that new portable computer
that can accommodate both ExpressCard modules and platforms have CardBus/USB PC Card slots. This capa-
legacy PC Cards. bility will enable the new portables to read legacy PC
Cards, as well as ExpressCard modules that are insert-
During the transition period, some host platforms will
ed into low-cost carrier cards. Customers should also
have a PC Card slot and an ExpressCard slot. This con-
plan to procure these carrier cards, which are USB PC
figuration is suitable for large portable computer
Card solutions.
platforms that have the mechanical volume to accom-
modate both slots. The PC Card and ExpressCard slots As more ExpressCard modules become available, their
can be stacked or, on very large platforms, placed side smaller size and increased bandwidth will accelerate
by side. the transition. PC Card slots may persist longer in the
largest portable platforms, which have the mechanical
As the industry transition continues, the small size of
volume to support ExpressCard and PC Card slots. The
ExpressCard slots enables more creative placement.
timing of the final removal of PC Card will depend on the
On current portable computers, two PC Card slots must
variety of solutions available in ExpressCard modules.
be stacked because their large size limits their location.
In contrast, a 34-mm ExpressCard slot can fit on either
For More Information
side, the back, or on the display of the portable comput-
• ExpressCard technology: www.expresscard.org
er. The slot can also be located in the docking station.
• PCMCIA: www.pcmcia.org
This design flexibility is not limited to portable plat- • PCI-SIG: www.pcisig.com
forms. An ExpressCard slot can be added to a desktop • USB-IF: www.usb.org
platform by installing a low-cost connector to the sys-
tem board. This allows ExpressCard solutions
consisting of a cable and daughter board to be easily
added to a system. ExpressCard slots can be placed on
the top, front, back, or side of a desktop system. Ex-
pressCard slots can also be located in displays or small
external appliances that sit on a desk next to the
display.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2003 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell
Inc. under license. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their prod-
ucts. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.