CompactFlash organization announces CFexpress 2.0 with throughput up to 4GB/s

The CompactFlash Association has established the specifications of the CFexpress 2.0 standard for memory cards. There will be three different physical formats, the largest of which combines four PCI-e 3.0 lanes for a throughput of 4GB/s.

The CFA calls the three different formats Type A, Type B and Type C and they use one, two and four PCI-e 3.0 lanes respectively for theoretical maximum throughputs of 1GB/s, 2GB/s and 4GB/s. All versions work with the nvme 1.3 protocol.

The Type B cards are comparable to the current first generation CFexpress memory cards. They have dimensions of 38.5×29.8×3.8mm and the same form factor as XQD memory cards. The new Type A and Type C variants are smaller and larger.

There are currently no devices that can handle the new Type A and Type C variants, but according to the CFA, several manufacturers are showing interest in the new formats. The fast memory cards would be suitable for professional photo and video cameras, but also as a removable SSD.

Sony has announced a CFexpress 2.0 memory card. This concerns a Type B variant with a capacity of 128GB, a reading speed of 1700MB/s and a writing speed of 1480MB/s. Later there will be variants of 256GB and 512GB. Prices have not yet been announced, Sony will release the fast memory card in the summer.