Compact Flash

A flash based memory card format based on the PCMCIA format specifications. Developed by SanDisk in 1994 the CompactFlash format cards measure 43 x 36 mm and are currently available in sizes up to 1 gigabyte, with higher capacities costing correspondingly more money. The concept is similar to SmartMedia cards, which are newer and smaller in physical size. There are two basic types of CompactFlash cards: Type 1 cards are 3.3 mm thick while type 2 cards are 5.5 mm thick and can generally accommodate more memory.