Editing ExpressCard

{{short description|Specification for expansion and memory cards}}
{{Infobox Computer Hardware Bus
| name = ExpressCard
| fullname =
| image = Expresscard done.svg
| alt = ExpressCard logo, combining a stylized hare with a thunderbolt
| caption = <!-- Do we need a caption? I think it's self-explanatory. -->
| invent-date = 2003
| invent-name =
| replaces = [[PC Card]]
| width =
| numdev = 1 per slot
| speed = {{plainlist|
*480&nbsp;Mbit/s effective (USB 2 mode)
*1.6&nbsp;Gbit/s effective (PCIe 1 mode)
*3.2&nbsp;Gbit/s effective (PCIe 2 or USB 3 mode)}}
| style = s
| hotplug = Yes
| external = Yes
|super-name=[[Thunderbolt (interface)|Thunderbolt]]
| super-date=2011
}}
'''ExpressCard''', initially called '''NEWCARD''',<ref>{{cite web|title=NEWCARD Reborn As 'ExpressCard'|url=http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3077821|access-date=2009-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120094334/http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3077821|archive-date=2008-11-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> is an interface to connect [[peripheral|peripheral devices]] to a [[computer]], usually a [[laptop|laptop computer]]. The ExpressCard [[technical standard]] specifies the design of slots built into the computer and of [[expansion card]]s to insert in the slots. The cards contain [[electronic circuit]]s and sometimes connectors for external devices. The ExpressCard standard replaces the [[PC Card]] (also known as PCMCIA) standards.

ExpressCards can connect a variety of devices to a computer including [[mobile broadband modem]]s (sometimes called ''connect cards''), [[IEEE 1394]] (FireWire) connectors, [[USB]] connectors, [[Ethernet]] network ports, [[Serial ATA]] storage devices, [[solid-state drive]]s, external enclosures for desktop-size [[PCI Express]] [[graphics card]]s and other peripheral devices, [[wireless network interface controller]]s (NIC), [[TV tuner card]]s, [[Common Access Card]] (CAC) readers, and [[sound card]]s.

==Standards==
Originally developed by the [[Personal Computer Memory Card International Association]] ([[PCMCIA]]), the ExpressCard standard is maintained by the [[USB Implementers Forum]] ([[USB-IF]]). The host device supports [[PCI Express]], [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]] (including Hi-Speed), and [[USB 3.0]] (SuperSpeed)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard |title=ExpressCard |publisher=USB.org |access-date=2013-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625130909/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/ |archive-date=2014-06-25 |url-status=dead}}</ref> (ExpressCard 2.0 only) connectivity through the ExpressCard slot; cards can be designed to use any of these modes. The cards are [[Hot swapping|hot-pluggable]]. The ExpressCard standard is an [[open standard]] by [[ITU-T]] definition, and can be obtained from the USB-IF website free of charge.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/EC_specifications |title=ExpressCard_specs |publisher=USB.org |access-date=2013-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814032847/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/EC_specifications |archive-date=2014-08-14 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

USB-IF administers the ExpressCard Compliance Program, under which companies earn the right to obtain a license to use the ExpressCard logo on their compliant products.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/expresscard_compliance |title=ExpressCard Compliance |publisher=USB.org |access-date=2013-05-09 |archive-date=2013-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602171618/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/expresscard_compliance/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=={{anchor|Express34|Express54}}Form factors==
[[File:PCCard-ExpressCard ZP.svg|right|thumb|upright|ExpressCards compared to the predecessor [[PC Card]]]]
The ExpressCard standard specifies two form factors, '''ExpressCard/34''' ({{Convert|34|mm}} wide) and '''ExpressCard/54''' ({{Convert|54|mm|abbr = on}} wide, in an L-shape)—the connector is the same on both (34&nbsp;mm wide). Standard cards are {{Convert|75|mm|abbr = on}} long ({{Convert|10.6|mm|abbr = on}} shorter than CardBus) and {{Convert|5|mm|abbr = on}} thick, but may be thicker on sections that extend outside the standard form for [[Antenna (radio)|antennas]], sockets, etc. With its 75&nbsp;mm standard length, the ExpressCard will protrude 5&nbsp;mm over the holder's surface (e.g. laptop surface), whereas a variant with 70&nbsp;mm length remains level with the surface.

==Comparison to other standards==
[[File:Cardbus to ExpressCard Adapter.jpg|thumb|left|140px|Cardbus to ExpressCard Adapter]]
The older PC Cards came in 16-bit and the later 32-bit [[CardBus]] designs. The major benefit of the ExpressCard over the PC card is more bandwidth, due to the ExpressCard's direct connection to the system bus over a PCI Express ×1 lane and USB 2.0, while CardBus cards only interface with PCI. The ExpressCard has a maximum throughput of 2.5&nbsp;Gbit/s through PCI Express and 480&nbsp;Mbit/s through USB 2.0 dedicated for each slot, while all CardBus and PCI devices connected to a computer usually share a total 1.06&nbsp;Gbit/s bandwidth.

The ExpressCard standard specifies voltages of either 1.5&nbsp;V or 3.3&nbsp;V; CardBus slots can use 3.3&nbsp;V or 5.0&nbsp;V. The ExpressCard FAQ claims lower cost, better scalability, and better integration with motherboard chipset technology than Cardbus. PCMCIA devices can be connected to an ExpressCard slot via an adapter.

When the PC Card was introduced, the only other way to connect peripherals to a laptop computer was via [[RS-232]] and [[parallel port]]s of limited performance, so it was widely adopted for many peripherals. More recently, virtually all laptop equipment has 480&nbsp;Mbit/s Hi-Speed [[USB 2.0]] ports, and most types of peripheral which formerly used a PC Card connection are available for USB or are built-in, making the ExpressCard less necessary than the PC Card was in its day. Many laptop computers do not have an ExpressCard slot.

==Availability==
[[File:Expresscard 34.jpg|thumb|A mobile broadband modem integrated into ExpressCard 34]]
[[File:Creative Labs Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook (11713516135).jpg|thumb|[[Sound Blaster X-Fi]] Xtreme Audio Notebook (ExpressCard/54)]]
[[File:ExpressCard на 34 мм вставляется в ноутбук ф5.JPG|thumb|An ExpressCard partially inserted in a laptop]]
[[File:CreativeTools.se - PackshotCreator - ExpressCard (5987600166) (cropped).jpg|thumb|A [[FireWire]] 800 ExpressCard]]
An ExpressCard slot was commonly included on high-end laptops from the mid 2000s to the early 2010s:
* [[Hewlett-Packard]] began shipping systems with ExpressCard in November 2004.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1706542,00.asp |work=PC Magazine |first=Cisco |last=Cheng |title=HP Pavilion zd8000 (Iss. 21 2004) |access-date=2017-08-27 |archive-date=2009-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430094203/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1706542,00.asp |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Lenovo]] integrated the slot into their flagship [[ThinkPad]] T43 in May 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=-840&storeId=10000001&langId=-1&dualCurrId=1000073&categoryId=2072541 |title=Lenovo - ThinkPad T Series Popular Models page - United States |access-date=2006-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209104154/http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=-840&storeId=10000001&langId=-1&dualCurrId=1000073&categoryId=2072541 |archive-date=2006-02-09}}</ref>
* [[Dell Computer]] also incorporates this in their Precision (the 17&nbsp;in models have them exclusively, the 15&nbsp;in Precisions have both express card and PCMCIA Card slots), Inspiron, Latitude (Latitude D-series have PCMCIA card slots. The D820/D830 have both ExpressCard and PCMCIA card slots. Latitude E-Series 6000 have ExpressCard|54 slots), Studio, Vostro and XPS Laptop product lines.{{Update inline|date=January 2021}}
* [[Fujitsu-Siemens]] began shipping systems<ref>{{Cite web |title=AMILO M3438-4438 |url=http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/home/products/notebooks/amilo_m_3438_4438.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427100146/http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/home/products/notebooks/amilo_m_3438_4438.html |archive-date=April 27, 2007 |website=fujitsu-siemens.com}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=November 2024}} with ExpressCard in mid-2005.
* [[Apple Inc.]] included single ExpressCard/34 slots in every [[MacBook Pro]] notebook computer from January 2006 through June 2009. At the June 8, 2009 [[Apple Worldwide Developers Conference]] the company announced that the 15-inch and 13-inch MacBook Pro models would replace the ExpressCard slot with a [[Secure Digital card]] slot, while retaining the ExpressCard slot on the 17-inch model. In June 2012 Apple discontinued the 17-inch model and no further Macbooks have offered an ExpressCard slot.
* {{asof|2006}}, [[ASUS]] had also replaced the PC Card slot with an ExpressCard slot on many of its new models.
* [[Sony]] also began shipping systems<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=cpu_VAIONotebookComputers_SZSeries&Dept=computers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060405044615/http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start%3FCategoryName%3Dcpu_VAIONotebookComputers_SZSeries%26Dept%3Dcomputers |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 5, 2006 |title=Sony Online Store - Sony Laptops, Computers, TVs, Cameras, Camcorders, Walkman MP3 Players and more |publisher=Sonystyle.com |access-date=2013-05-09}}</ref> with ExpressCard with its new laptop VGN-C, VGN-SZ, VGN-NS, VPC and FW product line.
* The [[Acer Aspire]] laptop series also had a single ExpressCard/54 slot on most new models.
* {{asof|2007}}, [[Panasonic]] incorporated ExpressCard/54 slots in all the fully rugged and semi-rugged models of their [[Toughbook]] brand of laptop computers.
* {{asof|2007}}, [[Gateway, Inc.|Gateway]] notebooks (ML3109 and later) also shipped with ExpressCard/54 interfaces.

Because of the lack of backward compatibility, some laptop manufacturers initially released models incorporating both CardBus (PCMCIA, [[PC Card]]) and ExpressCard slots. These included certain models of [[Acer Aspire]], [[Acer Extensa]], [[Toshiba Satellite]], [[Dell Latitude]] and Precision, MSI S42x and Lenovo [[ThinkPad Z60m]], R52, T60, R61 and T61.

In March 2005, the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) showed some of the first ExpressCard products at the CeBIT trade show in [[Germany]].<ref>{{cite news |title=CeBIT : Faster ExpressCards on tap for PC expansion media |url=http://www.itworldcanada.com/article/cebit-faster-expresscards-on-tap-for-pc-expansion-media/12010#ixzz32rR0GzTH}}</ref> A large number of ExpressCard devices were presented.<ref>{{cite news |title=XGI at CeBIT 2005 Hanover Computer Fair! |url=http://volarigamers.com/xgi-at-cebit-2005-hanover-computer-fair}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Trade Show Information |url=http://www.ioi.com.tw/show.aspx}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=XGI A Shining Spotlight at CeBIT 2005 Hanover Computer Fair! |url=http://www.hartware.de/press_3025.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=TechPowerUp CeBIT 2005 - Day 1 |url=http://www.techpowerup.com/mobile/reviews/Cebit2005/Day1/1.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=TechPowerUp CeBIT 2005 - Day 2 |url=http://www.techpowerup.com/mobile/reviews/Cebit2005/Day2/1.html
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=NVIDIA Expands GPU Technology Lead with the Introduction of Two New GeForce 6 Series GPUs |url=http://www.nvidia.co.uk/object/IO_19315.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=SiS to show new products at CeBIT 2005 |url=http://www.sis.com/news_room/news.aspx?m=22&region=en-global&rsn=1276 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140527183728/http://www.sis.com/news_room/news.aspx?m=22&region=en-global&rsn=1276 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 27, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=XGI at CeBIT 2005 Hanover Computer Fair! |url=http://volarigamers.com/xgi-at-cebit-2005-hanover-computer-fair}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=VIA Technology Showcase at CeBIT 2005 |url=http://www.via.com.tw/en/company/events/cebit2005/ |access-date=2014-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827075436/http://www.via.com.tw/en/company/events/cebit2005/ |archive-date=2014-08-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=CeBIT Hannover 2005 (Part 1) New Motherboards at ECS |url=http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?id=1474&pg=3
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=New ATI and SiS Chipsets, NEC Dual-Layer DVD, More ATI news from CeBIT 2005 |url=http://hothardware.com/m/News/New-ATI-and-SiS-Chipsets-NEC-DualLayer-DVD-More-ATI-news-from-CeBIT-2005/default.aspx
}}</ref>{{Excessive citations inline|date=November 2024}}

In November 2006, [[Belkin]] announced that it was launching the first ExpressCard [[docking station]], which uses the PCIe part of an ExpressCard connection to enable 1600x1200 video and the USB part to provide USB, audio and network ports.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.belkin.com/pressroom/releases/uploads/10_10_06NotebookExpansionDock.html |title=Press Room &#124; Belkin USA Site |publisher=Belkin.com |access-date=2013-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012172303/http://belkin.com/pressroom/releases/uploads/10_10_06NotebookExpansionDock.html |archive-date=2007-10-12 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.belkin.com/highspeeddock/ |title=Belkin : High Speed Docking Station |access-date=2007-03-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305201728/http://www.belkin.com/highspeeddock/ |archive-date=2007-03-05}}</ref> This points to the ability for ExpressCard to allow more capable non-OEM docking stations for laptop computers.

In 2007, Sony introduced its Vaio TZ model, which incorporates ExpressCards. Also the Sony Vaio FZ and Vaio Z series have the ExpressCard/34 Slot integrated in them. Sony also uses the ExpressCard/34 form factor for the flash memory modules in its [[XDCAM EX]]/[[SxS]] based [[camcorders]], making the copying of video data between these cameras and ExpressCard-equipped laptops easier. For this reason, Sony also offers a USB-based SxS reader for desktop computers.

The [[Toshiba Satellite]] P and X 200/205 series of laptops and desktop replacements have an ExpressCard/34 slot since April 2007.{{citation needed|reason=It seems Satellite P840 has no ExpressCard.|date=October 2012}} In P200 series it's a /54 size not /34.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.toshiba.co.uk/innovation/download_manuals.jsp?service=UK |title=Manuals - Dynabook |access-date=2014-08-25 |archive-date=2013-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829103442/http://www.toshiba.co.uk/innovation/download_manuals.jsp?service=UK |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Ever since PCMCIA disbanded in 2009, newer laptops from 2010 on more commonly do not include ExpressCard slots except for some business-oriented models (e.g. some Lenovo models use it for supporting a smart card reader).<ref>{{Cite web|title=13 Disappearing Laptop Ports and How to Get Them Back|url=https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/get-back-defunct-ports|last=Piltch|first=Avram|date=2016-09-26|website=LaptopMag|language=en|access-date=2020-05-22}}</ref> For WWAN connectivity cards, either mini-PCIe slots or USB connected variants have become the preferred connection methods. For external desktop graphics card enclosures and other peripherals that interface with PCI Express, [[Thunderbolt (interface)|Thunderbolt]] has supplanted ExpressCard in that role due to its faster speed and ability to use multiple PCIe 2.0 lanes; the first and second Thunderbolt revisions offered 20&nbsp;Gbit/s of maximum bandwidth with four PCIe 2.0 lanes while ExpressCard could only muster 5&nbsp;Gbit/s maximum with one PCIe 2.0 lane.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Review External Graphics Cards for Laptops|url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-External-Graphics-Cards-for-Laptops.112162.0.html|last=Ricchizzi|first=Nino|date=2014-03-01|website=Notebookcheck|language=en|access-date=2020-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Expresscard 2.0 eGPUs - pros, cons and candidate notebooks|url=https://egpu.io/expresscard-2-0-egpu-interface-pros-cons-candidate-notebook-list/|date=2017-02-18|website=eGPU.io|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-22}}</ref>

==ExpressCard 2.0==
The ExpressCard 2.0 standard was introduced on March 4, 2009, at CeBIT in Hannover. It provides a single [[PCI Express|PCIe 1.0]] 2.5 GT/s lane (optionally PCIe 2.0 with 5 GT/s) and a USB 3.0 "SuperSpeed" link with a raw transfer speed of 5&nbsp;Gbit/s (effective transfer speed up to 400&nbsp;MB/s).<ref name="faq3">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcisig.com/news_room/faqs/pcie3.0_faq/|title=PCI Express 3.0 Frequently Asked Questions|publisher=PCI-SIG|access-date=18 February 2010|archive-date=1 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201172536/http://www.pcisig.com/news_room/faqs/pcie3.0_faq/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www.expresscard.org/files/CeBIT09-FAQ.pdf ExpressCard 2.0 FAQ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091229193114/http://www.expresscard.org/files/CeBIT09-FAQ.pdf |date=2009-12-29}} (pdf) at ExpressCard.org, accessed 2009-12-04.</ref> It is forward and backward compatible with earlier ExpressCard modules and slots. USB 3.0 SuperSpeed compatibility is achieved by sharing the pins with the PCIe link. An inserted card signals which mode should be used.<ref name="ExpressCard 2.0 Standard">{{Cite web|url=http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/EC_specifications/ExpressCard_2_0_FINAL.pdf|title=ExpressCard 2.0 Standard at usb.org|access-date=2012-12-09|archive-date=2018-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826144732/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The standard failed to gain widespread use and some Taiwanese manufacturers discontinued it as early as 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.expresscard.org/web/site/cebit2009.jsp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306125601/http://www.expresscard.org/web/site/cebit2009.jsp|url-status=dead|title=ExpressCard 2.0|archivedate=March 6, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.itproportal.com/2011/04/01/expresscard-format-be-discontinued/ | title=ExpressCard Format to be Discontinued | date=April 2011}}</ref> After the dissolution of the PCMCIA in 2010, the specification, associated documentation and licensing responsibilities were moved to the [[USB Implementers Forum]]. The specifications were last revised in 2009, and removed from their website in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/EC_specifications |title=USB.org - ExpressCard_specs |website=www.usb.org |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317012632/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/EC_specifications |archive-date=17 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of interface bit rates]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [https://www.usb.org/expresscard ExpressCard site]
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317012632/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard/EC_specifications/ExpressCard_2_0_FINAL.pdf |date=March 17, 2018 |title=ExpressCard Standard Rev. 2.0, February 2009}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826144732/http://www.usb.org/developers/expresscard |date=August 26, 2018 |title=About ExpressCard Technology}} (promulgated by [[USB Implementers Forum|USB-IF]])
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212200652/http://www.expresscard.org/web/site/ |date=February 12, 2013 | title=ExpressCard Technology from PCMCIA}}
* [https://allpinouts.org/pinouts/connectors/buses/pci-express-card-and-pci-express-mini-card/ allpinouts.org - PCI Express Card and PCI Express Mini Card Connector Pinout]

{{Memory Cards}}
{{Computer bus|state=uncollapsed}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Expresscard}}
[[Category:ExpressCards| ]]
[[Category:Motherboard]]
[[Category:Peripheral Component Interconnect]]
[[Category:Solid-state computer storage media]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2003]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2011]]
[[Category:2011 disestablishments]]