SD cards are non-volatile data storage devices used in digital cameras, mp3 players, and other handheld devices. They come in standard, mini, and micro sizes with varying storage capacities and transfer speeds. SDHC cards offer up to 32GB of storage. Class ratings indicate transfer speed. SD cards are widely used and have protective features.
Secure Digital cards, or SD cards, are a non-volatile method of saving data for use in handheld devices. Non-volatile means that SD cards can save information even when the device is not receiving power. They are commonly used as a “bridge media” that can store data and be moved between different products. Developed by high tech companies such as Panasonic, SanDisk and Toshiba, they are commonly used as memory or storage cards in digital cameras, mp3 players, camcorders and notebook computers.
Standard cards measure 32 x 24 x 2.1 mm, but mini (21.5 x 20.0 x 1.4 mm) and micro (11.0 x 15.0 x 1 mm) SD cards are also available. MiniSD and microSD cards were developed for the ever-changing demand for mobile phones and smaller handheld devices. Though smaller, miniSD and microSD cards have the same storage capacity as full-sized SD cards. If required, the miniSD can be used in a standard SD slot with the use of a miniSD adapter.
To meet the industry’s desire for faster transfer speeds, SD cards have been developed to provide more storage space. Standard SD memory, ranging from as little as 16MB and going all the way up to 2GB, has given way to the creation of a high-capacity card that starts with 4GB of storage space and goes all the way up to 32GB. This new card is called Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC). In addition to the standard sizes, there has been the development of miniSDHC and micro SDHC.
Along with the storage capacity of SD cards, they are known for their data transfer speed. Speed Class Rating is the official unit of measurement for SD cards. There are four speed classes: Class 2 guarantees a minimum transfer speed of 2 megabytes per second (MB/s), Class 4 guarantees 4 MB/s, Class 6 guarantees 6 MB/s and Class 10 provides 10 MB /s.
SD cards have become commonplace within the electronic device community and are a popular method of storing data on most digital cameras. They are shaped to avoid inserting the card incorrectly into the device’s SD slot. Additionally, the card’s electronic contacts are recessed beneath the card’s surface to protect them from damage from daily handling. To determine the best card for the digital device being used, first review the user manual to see which cards are recommended by the manufacturer.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
