With new innovations in technology – from 8K video recording to artificial intelligence processing and enhanced gaming – the demand for high-performing storage solutions is increasing. This calls for memory technology that is faster, more reliable, and more secure.
SD Express, a cutting-edge technology that can deliver SSD-like performance levels of up to 4GB per second, is perfect for advanced technology. In this article, we will unearth some myths surrounding SD Express memory cards and demonstrate its capabilities in comparison to alternative memory technology.
Myth 1: SSDs are Always Faster and More Reliable
When comparing solid-state drives (SSDs) and SD Express memory cards, there are plenty of factors to consider. Capacity, convenience, and cost all play important roles when deciding which piece of memory technology works best.
However, while SSDs have been considered the premium option for high-performance storage, SD Express memory cards are closing that gap. Some SSDs include PCIe interfaces of higher speed and several channels. SD Express, with its PCIe® and NVMe™ single or dual channel interface, is also using proven worldwide memory protocols with all related features and capabilities. Stamp-sized SD memory cards and fingernail-sized microSD memory cards are significantly smaller and more convenient than SSD cards. This compactness unlocks a wide range of possibilities.
In addition to its NVMe standard operation, the SD Express specifications have added a few unique features. In October 2023, the SD Association introduced new SD Express SpeedClasses – 150, 300, 450, and 600 – designed to guarantee minimum sequential performance levels via the PCIe/NVMe interface. These new classes not only support multi-stream recording but also incorporate features for optimized power and thermal management, ensuring consistent performance even under demanding conditions.
SD Express Speed Classes guarantee minimum sustained write speeds, crucial for capturing high-quality video. Additionally, SD Express speed classes support multi-stream recording and are designed to leverage the capabilities of next-generation flash memory technologies, ensuring continued relevance in the future. Having those speed classes defined allows memory cards to mark what assured speed they may support under given conditions. These marks could serve as a universal language among memory card vendors, product/host vendors, and consumers. This would enable consumers to easily select the correct memory card for their purchased product and its intended use.
Myth 2: Cloud Storage is the Only Solution for Large Capacities and Accessibility
Cloud storage has become increasingly popular, offering seemingly unlimited storage space and easy accessibility. However, SD Express memory cards can also provide massive storage capacities, reaching terabytes, comparable to many cloud storage options. The SDUC standard has a capacity for more than 2TB and up to 128TB. A few SDUC memory cards with capacities of up to 4TB and even 8TB were announced. Leveraging the speed of NVMe and PCIe, SD Express efficiently manages large data volumes from various sources, while the vast storage capacity enables local data processing for both performance and security.
This allows users to store extensive libraries of high-resolution photos, videos, and other data locally, eliminating the need for constant internet connectivity and potential cloud subscription costs. Moreover, cloud storage can be expensive and while some companies offer free gigabytes of storage, you may have to pay for additional storage or features.
Finally, SD Express memory cards offer instant access to data, unlike cloud storage, which can be affected by internet speed and availability.
Myth 3: SD Memory Cards are Inherently Less Secure Than Other Storage Options
SD Express memory card specifications incorporate advanced security features like encryption and password protection to safeguard data.
The physical form of SD Express memory cards also enhances security. Unlike cloud storage or embedded memory, they are removable, allowing for secure storage when not in use. By removing the memory card, you also reduce the potential attack surface for hackers. While cloud storage offers convenience, it’s always connected to the internet, making it more exposed to a potential cyberattack.
SD Express memory cards, with built-in security features and physical advantages, offer a compelling solution for those prioritizing data security and control.
SD Express: Efficient, Enhanced, and Reliable Memory Technology
SD Express cards also support the old standard of SD UHS-I interface, which allows users to connect them to existing and older hosts that do not support SD Express technology yet. This allows users to interoperate the memory cards between exiting install-based products and the new SD Express supported products.
SD Express memory cards offer a compelling alternative to traditional storage options, combining the modern and widely used PCIe/NVMe protocols featuring high performance – random and sequential, relatively large capacity in small and thin form factor with portability, and security. With their increasing affordability and widespread adoption, SD Express is poised to become the go-to choice for a wide range of applications.
PCI Express® is a registered trademark of PCI-SIG®. NVM Express™ and NVMe™ are trademarks of NVM Express, Inc.
