Higher performance CompactFlash specification proposed

SanDisk, Nikon, and Sony are jointly developing specifications for future image storage cards for the professional photography and video markets.

The three companies proposed the specifications to the CompactFlash Association standards organization.

The proposed specifications call for data transfer rates up to 500 megabytes per second, and require a PCI Express4 interface, rather than the current CompactFlash specification’s Parallel ATA 5 interface.

The new specifications’ faster speeds enable continuous burst shooting of massive RAW images, the companies say. The enhanced performance also allows users to quickly transfer storage-intensive high-resolution photos and videos from the card to a computer.

The proposed new format also has the potential to extend theoretical maximum capacities beyond two terabytes.

The CompactFlash Association says the new working group for developing next-generation memory cards is open to other CFA members.

The CompactFlash Association’s latest specification adds performance and functionality based on the Parallel ATA interface while maintaining backward compatibility.

CF 6.0 also adds a “Sanitize” command, which provides an efficient NAND Block Erase of the entire user data area to return the CF card to a fresh state before reuse or repurposing; trim usage guidelines; and an operating temperature range function along with adding Ultra DMA Mode 7 which supports 167 MB/second speed. “This speed enhancement enables a new generation of higher performance cards while providing complete backward compatibility,” the association says .

The new CF 6.0 specification is available for immediate download here.

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