USB.org - ExpressCard
`5/13/2021
`The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20140625130909/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/
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`About ExpressCard® Technology
`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:
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`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
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`Relationship to the PC Card Standard
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`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).
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`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.
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`Module Form Factors
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`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.
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`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.
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`ExpressCard Interface
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`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
`https://web.archive.org/web/20140625130909/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/
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`USB.org - ExpressCard
`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.
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`Connector
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`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.
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`Hot Plug Functionality and Power Management
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`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.
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`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.
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`Compliance Requirements
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`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.
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`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.
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`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.
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`User Benefits
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`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.
`
`Inside ExpressCard
`https://web.archive.org/web/20140625130909/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/
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`More Information
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`Apple v. GUI Global Products
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`5/13/2021
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`USB.org - ExpressCard
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`https://web.archive.org/web/20140625130909/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/
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`3/3
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`Apple v. GUI Global Products
`IPR2021-00472 GUI Ex. 2015
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