CompactFlash Association Intros XQD Memory Card

The CompactFlash Association (CFA) on Wednesday announced the release of the XQD specification as a new high performance memory card. This XQD specification is based on the PCI Express specification, which provides a solid base for future performance scaling.

The key features of the XQD format of NAND flash memory cards include PCI Express 2.5GHz speed today with 125MB/s and higher transfer speed as well as and PCIe 5GHz interface in future. The dimensions of the cards are 38.5mm*29.8mm*3.8mm. XQD cards will be shown at the CompactFlash Association booth at CP+ 2012, February 9-12 in Yokohama, Japan.

“The XQD format will enable further evolution of hardware and imaging applications, and widen the memory card options available to CompactFlash users such as professional photographers,” said Shigeto Kanda of Canon, chairman of the board at CFA.

Licensing for CFA members will start in early 2012.