What Is CompactFlash?

CompactFlash (CF) is a form of mass storage device generally used in portable electronics. Commonly, CompactFlash uses flash memory technology, a computer storage chip programmed for use in USB flash drives, memory cards, MP3 players and other general storage devices and digital products. Although small in size, the storage cards used in CompactFlash can hold a large amount of data. CompactFlash provides several beneficial characteristics.

Capacity

• CompactFlash cards are able to hold up to 48 gigabytes, while CompactFlash Specification can maintain a maximum of 137 gigabytes of data on a single card.

Voltage Support

• Any single CompactFlash card can operate at 3.3 or 5 voltage systems. The voltage is interchangeable between either voltage amounts.

Shock

• CompactFlash can withstand a 10-foot drop, equivalent to a shock measure of 2,000 Gs. A CF card will never deteriorate or lose data if used in the proper manner.

Temperature

• Traditional CompactFlash can withstand sudden temperature fluctuations. The industrial version is able to operate in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius and as high as 85 degrees Celsius.

Types

• There are two basic types of CompactFlash cards: Type I and Type II. Both have the same dimensions, except in thickness. Type I is 3.3 millimeters thick, while Type II is five millimeters thick. Type I has a larger storage capacity.