SD Card Reader IC Adds USB

Promising as much as a 40x speed boost in SD card read/write applications, the MAX14502 high-speed USB-to-SD card bridge bypasses the slow processor of original (full-speed) USB applications via an integrated processor. This allegedly eliminates the time-consuming task of developing a software driver. The device supports SDHC and can operate with either one or two SD card ports. Additionally, it preserves I/Os by allowing simple control through one GPIO or an I²C interface for the two-port option. The one-port version comes in a 5 mm x 5 mm, 40-pin TQFN while the two-port version is available in a 3.23 mm x 3.5 mm, 56-bump WLP. Prices start at $7 each/1,000. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.