What are the differences between Type I, II, III PCMCIA Card

The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) is a standards body and trade association that consists of more than 400 member companies including manufactures of semiconductors, connectors, peripherals and systems, as well as BIOS and software developers and related industries. PCMCIA has developed standards for the personal computer cards (PC Cards). A PC Card is a small form-factor adapter for your personal computer, personal communicator or other electronic device. PC Cards are about the size and shape of a credit card.

PCMCIA standards describe the physical requirements, electrical specifications, and software architecture for PC Cards. The PCMCIA Specifications define three physical sizes of cards: Type I, Type II, and Type III. All three types use the same 68 pin edge connector for attachment to the computer, and differ only in thickness. The thickness for Type I, Type II, and Type III are 3.3, 5.0, 10.5 millimeters respectively.

A Type I PC Card is typically used for various types of memory enhancements, including RAM, FLASH memory, one-time programmable (OTP) memory, and electronically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM). A Type II PC Card is typically used for memory enhancements and/or for I/O features such as modem, LANs and host communications. A Type III PC Card is twice the thickness of the Type II and is typically used for memory enhancements and/or for I/O features that require a larger size, such as rotating mass storage devices and radio communication devices. Since Type I, Type II, and Type III Cards all use the same interface, the size of the card chosen for the application is dependent on the miniaturization of the technology to be implemented.

These PC Cards can be used with laptops, notebooks, palmtops, tablets, and other portable computer systems. PC Cards are convenient alternatives to pocket adapters and docking stations. PC Cards can be used with any personal portable computer system equipped with a PCMCIA slot.