Posted by admin in CompactFlash or CF is a flash memory data storage device format. SanDisk developed this format first. It is used in portable electronic devices.
Features
- one of the oldest and most successful formats
- larger than SSFDC and MiniCard
- interface resembles an ATA interface, though not as large as the latter
- high capacity, up to 100 GiB
- runs on 3.3V or 5V with single power supply
- can be used directly in the card slot with an adapter
- uses the ‘wear levelling’ technology to prevent sectors from being worn out before time
- has operating shock rating of 200 Gs (equal to a 10-feet drop!)
- data is protected by error correction and defect management technologies (built-in)
Types
Based on thickness
Type I (3.3mm)
Type II (5mm) – used by many devices like Microdrives etc
Based on Speed
Original CF
CF High Speed that uses CF2.0/CF+
CF 3.0 standardCF 4.0 standard
Use
- Digital cameras (prime use)
- iPods
- mobile phones
- also used instead of hard drives in small form-factor PCs, embedded systems etc.
Advantage over others
- capacities bigger than other formats
- can adjust to rapid temperature changes
- moderately priced
- can withstand physical damage caused by accidents, shocks etc. Slots for preventing damage during insertion
- higher storage capacities
OS Supporting CF
- ATA (including DOS)
- Linux
- Windows 3.x
- Windows 95
- Windows 98
- Windows CE
- Windows 2000
- Windows ME
- Windows XP
- OS/2 & OS X
- Apple System 7, 8, 9
- UNIX (many types)
Manufacturers
- Sony
- Samsung
- Kingston Technology
- Panasonic
- Canon
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