CompactFlash Association Developing CFast 2.0

Posted by on

The CompactFlash Association (CFA) announced that it is developing the CFast 2.0 specification and welcomes additional industry participation in the process.

For more information visit: www.compactflash.org

Unedited press release follows:

The CompactFlash Association Invites Participation on CFastTM 2.0

CFastTM 2.0 Format Leverages SATA-3 to Deliver up to 600MB/sec Sequential Transfers

CUPERTINO, Calif.– The CompactFlash Association (CFA) is pleased to announce the development of the CFast 2.0 specification, sponsored by SanDisk. The CFast 2.0 specification will be developed in the CFast workgroup and will leverage the CFast 1.1 specification which was released September 2008. Additional participation in this specification development will be welcomed.

CFast1.1 (SATA-2) cards and connectors are already available in the marketplace. CFast 2.0 will leverage the same connector interface as CFast 1.1 and the SATA-3 interface for higher performance. Host manufacturers will be able to leverage their experience and investment in the ATA storage protocol and media manufacturers will be able to leverage high volume solid state disk (SSD) controller technology to serve the high performance requirements of this market. The new format will have VPG (Video Performance Guarantee) capability with profiles capable of supporting digital intermediate formats such as ProResTM, DPXTM, and DNxHDTM.

The key features of the CFast 2.0 format will include:

Professional form-factor

• Dimensions : 42.8mm x 36.4mm x 3.6mm

• Durable & Robust
High Performance Interface

• SATA-3: 6Gbps (up to 600MB/sec)
Video Performance Guarantee

• Support for VPG New Profiles
Superior Power Management

• 5mW standby power

“The CFast 2.0 format will enable hardware and imaging applications to leverage their ATA storage protocol investments. The Video Performance Guarantee Features of CFast 2.0 will widen its appeal to the requirements of higher end video applications,” said Mr. Shigeto Kanda of Canon, chairman of the board, CFA.

If you would like to participate in developing the CFast 2.0 specification, please contact the CFA office to inquire about membership and/or joining the CFast Workgroup or the CFA website http://www.compactflash.org. CFA is targeting for the CFast2.0 specification to be available in the second half of 2012.