Interconnect System for CompactFlash^TM Cards Ready for New Generation of Portable Computing Devices

AUSTIN, Texas -- March 1, 1998 -- A unique interconnect system that handles two types of CompactFlash Association (CFA) cards: current CFA Type I, plus recently announced CFA Type II, is now available from the 3M Electronics Products Division. With this interconnect, electronic equipment manufacturers, card makers, and contract manufacturers will be able to create the next generation of portable computing devices, able to accept both CFA card types in one slot.
The CompactFlash card is a small form factor, matchbook-sized, removeable expansion system designed for use with a variety of systems -- hand-held computers, PDAs, audio recorders, digital cameras and heart monitors. Introduced in 1995, CFA Type I cards are widely used for ATA flash memory.
This interconnect will enable manufacturers to create products with many more expansion/add-on possibilities. Entering the market in 1998, new small form-factor CFA Type II cards will be used for hard disk drives, fax/modems, network cards, and SCSI and VGA adapters. Applications will include hand-held PCs, palm PCs and auto PCs.
3M's family of CompactFlash interconnects maximizes the use of PC board space, and meets CompactFlash storage specifications and performance standards of PC Cards. 3M is an executive member of the CompactFlash Association (CFA), along with more than 100 other members. The CFA promotes the adoption of the CompactFlash storage specification as an industry standard.
For availability and pricing information, please call 3M at (800) 225-5373.
The 3M Electronic Products Division, headquartered in Austin, Texas, designs, manufactures, and markets innovative electronic packaging and interconnect systems. The web site address is: http://www.mmm.com/interconnects
3M is a diversified manufacturing company with 1997 annual sales of $15 billion. It has operations in over 60 countries and employs more than 74,000 people worldwide. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., 3M is a manufacturer of a wide variety of products serving industrial, commercial and consumer markets.
For more information about 3M electronic packaging and interconnect systems, please contact the 3M Electronic Products Division, 6801 River Place Blvd., Austin, Texas 78726-9000 or call (800) 813-4792.

3M is a licensee of the CompactFlash trademark
3M is a trademark of 3M Company

From:
3M Electronic Products Division
A130-3N-27
6801 River Place Blvd.
Austin, TX 78726-9000

3M's CompactFlash Interconnect System handles both current CFA Type I and future CFA Type II cards, enabling manufacturers to create the new generation of portable computing devices.

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