CompactFlash Association Unveils XQD Ver.2.0 Spec

The first version of the CompactFlash Association XQD specification rolled out way back in December of 2011. That specification brought with it more performance for the CF cards used in many high-end cameras. The CompactFlash Association is back with a revised specification called XQD Ver.2.0.

The new XQD Ver.2.0 specification is designed for even more speed with performance capability of up to 1GB/s to allow the specification to work with new professional video markets with HDTV and cinema production. The new specification uses PCIe Gen2 x 2 and USB 3.0 interfaces for higher performance than the previous standard could offer.

The new specification will offer the speed and performance needed for production of 4K video moving into the future. The specification is available to members of the association this month. Key features of the new spec include a dual interface with the PCIe Gen2 x 2 interface and USB 3.0 interface.

The specification also has Erase Block Stream Function to keep garbage data from collecting within the storage media. The form factor is also compact at 38.5mm x 29.6mm x 3.8mm allowing cameras to stay the same size they are now or get smaller. There is no word on when memory cards using the new specification will be available to purchase.

SOURCE: CompactFlash