CompactFlash facts for kids
| Media type | Mass storage device format |
|---|---|
| Encoding | Various file systems |
| Capacity | 2 MB to 512 GB(CF5.0: up to 128 PB) |
| Developed by | SanDisk |
| Dimensions | 43×36×3.3 mm (Type I) 43×36×5 mm (Type II) |
| Weight | 10 gram (typical) |
| Usage | Digital cameras and other mass storage devices |
| Extended from | PCMCIA / PC Card |
CompactFlash (often called CF) is a type of flash memory card. It's like a tiny, super-fast storage device. People use CF cards mainly in portable electronics, especially digital cameras.
SanDisk created the CompactFlash format and made the first cards in 1994. It quickly became one of the most popular memory card types. Other cards like SD cards and Memory Sticks came later. These newer cards are often smaller than CF cards. But CompactFlash cards are still very popular, especially for professional cameras. For example, many high-end Canon and Nikon cameras use them.
In 2008, a new version called CFast was introduced. It's a faster type of CompactFlash card. Later, in 2010, a new format called XQD card was announced. It's even faster and can store huge amounts of data. However, these newer cards don't work with older CompactFlash devices.
What is CompactFlash?
CompactFlash cards come in two main sizes. Type I cards are 3.3 mm thick. Type II cards are a bit thicker, at 5 mm. The Type II slot can also hold tiny hard drives or other devices.
CF cards have gotten faster over time. There are different speed standards like CF High Speed and CF 4.0. These faster cards help cameras record high-quality photos and videos quickly.
CompactFlash cards were first made using a type of memory called NOR flash. But now, they use NAND flash technology. This change helped make them cheaper and able to store more data.
How CompactFlash Cards Work
You can use CF cards in many ways. They can plug directly into a PC Card slot on a computer. You can also use special adapters to connect them to USB or FireWire ports. This lets you easily transfer photos and videos to your computer.
Some newer, smaller memory cards can even fit into a CF card slot using an adapter. This includes SD cards and xD-Picture Cards. This makes CF card slots very versatile.
CompactFlash cards come in many different storage sizes. You can find them from just a few megabytes (MB) to hundreds of gigabytes (GB). Some can even store up to 128 PB!
Images for kids
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1 GB CF card in a Nikon D200 DSLR camera
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CompactFlash to SATA adapter with a card inserted
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Pins of a CFast card
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IBM 1 GB Microdrive
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See also
In Spanish: CompactFlash para niños
