What is ExpressCard?
ExpressCard, a new standard introduced by PCMCIA, is a thinner, faster, and lighter modular expansion for desktops and laptops. Users can add memory, wired or wireless communication cards, and security devices by inserting these modules into their computers. ExpressCard slots are designed to accommodate modules that use either Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 or the PCI Express standard. ExpressCard modules are available in two sizes, i.e., 34 mm wide (ExpressCard/34) and 54 mm wide (ExpressCard/54). Both modules are 75 mm long and 5 mm high. An ExpressCard/34 module can be inserted in either a 54 mm slot or a 34 mm slot, but an ExpressCard/54 requires a Universal (54 mm) slot. However, an extender can be used with ExpressCard/34 slot to connect the ExpressCard/54 module from outside of the computer. Both the modules are identical in performance. They take full advantage of the features of the PCI Express or USB 2.0 interfaces. The only difference between them is that the ExpressCard/54
The Expresscard module is a new technology that slots into a computer system to allow the addition of hardware capabilities. The Expresscard was introduced by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) in 2003 and is a thinner, lighter and faster modular expansion for users of desktop and notebook computers. Hardware capabilities such as extra memory, wired and wireless communication tools and security devices can be added by inserting these modules into the system. The Expresscard module comes in two sizes. The Expresscard/34 is 34 mm wide, while the Expresscard/54 is 54 mm wide. The modules are both 5 mm high and 75 mm long. The 34 mm module has the advantage in that it can fit into the slot designed for the 54 mm card, but not vice versa. The Expresscard simply slots into a USB interface that is already integrated on most desktop computers and notebooks. All the existing capabilities of a PC card will be available as an Expresscard, but using only half the
