USB Card Readers Keep Pace With Standards

Providing the interface between a USB host controller and flash media cards, the USB2224 and USB2223 USB 2.0 card reader/controllers support all current media standards and formats. Complete format support includes SmartMedia (SM), xD Picture Card (USB 2224 only), Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick, High Speed Memory Stick, Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, NAND flash, Compact Flash I and II, and CF form-factor ATA hard drives (Microdrives). Both units are said to employ transceiver enhancements that reduce total operating power requirements, with differentiated management features that save power at the system level. Other features include Microsoft WHQL and USB-IF certification, over 50 programmable settings, boot from flash capability, four-slot operation, and one-bit ECC correction performed in hardware. Available in 128-pin TQFPs measuring 14 mm x 14 mm and 1 mm high, price for either component is $4.45 each/1,000. SMSC, Hauppauge, NY. (631) 435-6000