Flash Memory

Flash Memory

Flash memory is a type of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

The name comes from how the memory is designed -- a section of memory cells can be erased in a single action or in a "flash."

A common use of flash memory is to store the BIOS settings in a computer's ROM.

When the BIOS needs to be changed, the flash memory can be written in blocks, rather than bytes, making it easy to update. Most modems use flash memory for the same reason.

Though flash memory was orginally used inside computers, it has invaded many other areas outside the box.

Flash memory cards used for digital cameras, cellular phones, networking hardware, and PC cards.

Though the memory's read/write speed is not lightning fast, it is nice to be able to tote around a little card rather than a cumbersome hard drive.

Using flash memory cards

A flash memory card is a removable storage device capable of holding digital photos, music, video, documents, and other files. These small, removable cards are used to store files in a wide variety of mobile devices, such as digital and video cameras, mobile phones, and portable music players.

There are many different types of flash memory cards. Here are some of the most popular types:

·         Secure Digital (SD)

·         CompactFlash (CF)

·         MultiMediaCard (MMC)

·         Memory Stick

·         xD-Picture Card

Note

·         There are several different variations of SD cards, including SDXC (SD Extended Capacity), SDHC (SD High Capacity), miniSD, and microSD.

Most flash memory cards plug into a device or computer through a custom port (an SD port for SD cards, a CompactFlash port for CompactFlash cards, and so forth). Some computers come with ports that allow you to plug in many different types of flash memory cards.

When you connect a flash memory card to your computer, Windows will automatically recognize it and allow you to transfer files from the card to your computer.

Transferring files to your computer

There are two ways to transfer files from a flash memory card to your computer:

·         Remove the card from the device and plug it into a memory card reader connected to your computer. Windows will recognize the card and offer you options for transferring the files on the card to your computer. Some memory card readers are installed in a computer, while others are portable and can be plugged into a computer through a USB port.

·         Leave the card inside the device and connect the device to your computer, usually with a USB cable. Then, transfer the files from the device to your computer using the connection cable that came with the device.

If you connect a flash memory card to your computer and nothing happens, then Windows isn't able to detect the card.Windows 7 might not recognize some SD cards that were used on a computer running a previous version of Windows.

To check if Windows can detect your card, click the Start button , click Computer, and then look under Devices with Removable Storage for the flash memory card.

HDMI

HDMI

Stands for "High-Definition Multimedia Interface." HDMI is a digital interface for transmitting audio and video data in a single cable. It is supported by most HDTVs and related components, such as DVD and Blu-ray players, cable boxes, and video game systems.

While other types of A/V connections require separate cables for audio and video data, HDMI carries the audio and video streams together, greatly eliminating cable clutter. 

For example, a component cable connection requires three cables for video and two for audio, totaling five cables in all. The same information can be transmitted using one HDMI cable.

Because HDMI is a digital connection, HDMI cables are less prone to interference and signal noise than analog cables. Also, since most components, such as DVD players and digital cable boxes process information digitally, using HDMI eliminates the analog to digital conversion other interfaces require. Therefore, HDMI often produces the best quality picture and sound compared to other types of connections.

HDMI cables are typically more expensive than analog cables, largely because they cost more to manufacture. Besides, the single all-purpose connection may alone be worth the difference to those who don't like dealing with confusing cables and connections.

The HDMI Advantage

HDMI technology is the global standard for connecting high-definition equipment. HDMI is the intelligent, all-digital interface that delivers both dazzling quality and unmatched ease of use. More than 1,200 of the world’s largest consumer electronics, PC and mobile device manufacturers incorporate HDMI connectivity into their products.

One Cable Does It All

HDMI technology transmits crystal-clear digital video, multi-channel surround audio, and advanced control data through a single cable. One HDMI cable can replace as many as eleven older cables, making your entertainment system easier to connect and easier to upgrade. You won’t find that level of elegant simplicity in any other connection.

Pure Digital Performance

Unlike older cables, an HDMI connection transmits uncompressed audio-video data in 100 percent digital form. That adds up to world-class viewing experience, with pixel-for-pixel video accuracy and audiophile-quality sound.

1080p and beyond - HDMI is built to accommodate extremely high-resolution video, with bandwidth to spare for the next generation of HD equipment.

System intelligence - HDMI-connected components have the ability to query each other’s capabilities and automatically adjust themselves for optimal viewing. A TV and a DVD player, for example, can auto-negotiate settings like resolution and aspect ratio.

Advanced features - The HDMI Specification includes many advanced functions that are helping to change the way we experience home theater – now and in the future. Some of these optional features include:

• 3D support for immersive movies and gaming
• Higher resolutions, like 1440p and 4K
• Faster refresh rates, like 120Hz.
• Deep Color, taking the HDTV palette from millions to trillions of colors.
• Ethernet connectivity, allowing connected devices to share an Internet connection.

Connect Everything

HDMI technology is the de-facto standard for connecting HD equipment. Virtually every TV, AV receiver, DVR, Blu-ray Disc player, and set-top box sold today comes standard with at least one HDMI connection. You’ll also find HDMI connectors on a growing list of other products including multimedia PCs, laptops and netbooks, gaming consoles, camcorders, digital still cameras, and mobile devices, giving you even more options on how you connect to the expanding universe of HD entertainment.

Memory Card and Common Types of Memory Cards

Memory Card

An electronic flash memory storage disk commonly used in consumer electronic devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, mobile phones, and other small portable devices. Types of memory cards include PCMCIA,CompactFlash, SD Card, MiniSD, xD-Picture Card and others. Memory cards are usually read by connecting the device containing the card to your computer, or by using a USB card reader.

Common Types of Memory Cards

PCMCIA --Personal Computer Memory Card International Association

The PCMCIA standard has been expanded several times and are suitable for many types of devices. There are three types of PCMCIA cards. All three have the same rectangular size (85.6 by 54 millimeters), but different widths:

·         Type I cards can be up to 3.3 mm thick, and are used primarily for adding additional ROM or RAM to a computer.

·         Type II cards can be up to 5.5 mm thick. These cards are often used for modem and fax modem cards.

Type III cards can be up to 10.5 mm thick, which is sufficiently large for portable disk drives.

 

CompactFlash (CF)

Invented by SanDisk Corporation in 1994, CompactFlash cards can support 3.3V and 5V operation and can switch between the two, in contrast to other small-form factor flash memory cards that can operate only at one voltage. 

The card was designed based on the PCMCIA PC Card standard and can fit into a PCMCIA slot with an adapter. There are two types of CompactFlash cards to accommodate different capacities:

·         Type I cards are 42.8mm x 36.4mm x 3.3 mm thick

·         Type II cards are 42.8mm x 36.4mm x 5.5 mm thick.

Secure Digital Card (SD card)

SD cards are used in many small portable devices such as digital video camcorders, digital cameras, handheld computers, audio players and mobile phones. In use since 1999, SD Memory Cards are now available in capacities between 16 Megabytes and 1 Gigabyte, and still growing. An SD card typically measures 32 mm x 24 mm x 2.1 mm and weighs approximately 2grams.

MiniSD Card

The MiniSD Card provides the same benefits as the SD Card, but is smaller than the original SD Card. MiniSD Cards are typically found in many newer mobile phones with features such as built-in digital cameras, downloading and games, basically the mobile phones where the miniSD can meet the requirements for increased data storage. MiniSD cards are 21.5 mm x 20 mm x 1.4 mm and generally provide 16MB to 256MB of storage.

 

MicroSD

Mainly used in mobile phones and other small handheld devices the MicroSD format is currently available in capacities up to 4GB, and it roughly 1/4th the size of the SD card at 15mm W 11mm W 0.7mm. The MicroSD card is also the smallest memory card available.

Card adapters can be purchased that enable backwards compatibility — this would allow MicroSD cards to work in SD and MiniSD slots, and also for MicroSD cards to work in SD card slots.

 

MultiMediaCard (MMC)

The MultiMediaCard (MMC) standard was introduced by SanDisk and Siemens in 1997. The card itself is 32 mm x 24 mm x 1.4mm and is often used in place of the SD card. Transfer speeds of a MMC is around 2.5MB/s and they can often be used in SD Card readers.

 

Sony Memory Sticks

Sony Memory Sticks are light, compact and designed for a wide variety of devices including digital cameras, recorders, and more. With the use of an adapter most Sony Memory Sticks can be used with almost all Memory Stick PRO compatible products.

·         Memory Stick Micro (M2): 15 mm x 12.5 mm x 1.2 mm

·         Memory Stick PRO: 50 mm x 21.5 mm x 2.8 mm. The Memory Stick PRO format has an an 8-bit parallel interface with theoretical transfer rates up to 480Mb/s. It is commonly used in high megapixel digital cameras and digital camcorders.

·         Memory Stick PRO DUO: 31 mm x 20 mm x 1.6 mm. The Memory Stick PRO Duo media is about one-third the volume and half the weight of standard-size media, but offers all the advanced functions of Memory Stick PRO media.

 

SmartMedia

Introduced by Toshiba in 1995 the SmartMedia cards are now considered obsolete despite its popular usage for five years. SmartMedia cards are 45 mm x 37 mm x 0.76 mm and could be found in their peak times in 16MB, 32MB, and 128MB versions. Even as an obsolete card, it is still sought after by users of older devices which cannot use memory cards larger than 128MB.

 

xD-Picture Card

Abbreviated as xD (Extreme Digital), the xD-Picture Card is a type of removable flash memory designed for use in digital cameras. The xD is ultra-compact with its size of 20mm x 25mm x 1.7mm. The xD-Picture Card was developed by Fuji film and Olympus and are used in many models of digital cameras made by Olympus and Fujifilm.