Expanded and Revised: ExpressCard FAQ for ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54

Expanded & Revised: #ExpressCard FAQ for ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54 j.mp/Ajr1oN twitter.com/synchrotech_in…

— Synchrotech, Inc. (@synchrotech_inc) May 16, 2013

Table of Contents

• What is ExpressCard?
• Differences between ExpressCard and PC Card
• Is ExpressCard backward compatible with PCMCIA PC Cards?
• Is PCMCIA PC Card forward compatible with ExpressCard?
• ExpressCard Dimensions
• ExpressCard Slotting
• Is there a way to stabilize ExpressCard/34 inside ExpressCard/54 slots?
• How does ExpressCard 2.0 differ from ExpressCard?
• ExpressCard versus PC Card Overview
• Is it possible to add ExpressCard slots to computers with PCIe?
• Are any hot-swap capable external solutions for SxS ExpressCards?
• Are any Thunderbolt solutions for ExpressCards?

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Updated Sony Driver Transforms Sonnet's Echo ExpressCard Adapter Fastest and Least Expensive SxS Memory Card Reader with Thunderbolt Technology

Sonnet Technologies announced on April 16, 2012 that the Echo™ ExpressCard® Thunderbolt™ Adapter, which enables the use of many Sonnet ExpressCard/34 cards with computers equipped with a Thunderbolt port—including the latest Apple® iMac®, Mac® mini, MacBook Air®, and MacBook® Pro models—can now function as an SxS™ memory card reader. Sonnet supported Sony® in its work to create a Thunderbolt technology-compatible Mac OS® X driver to enable this functionality. This updated driver also enables full functionality of Sonnet’s Qio™ E3 professional SxS media reader, when connected through the Echo adapter to a computer with a Thunderbolt port.

High-performance SxS memory cards are used in Sony’s popular XDCAM® EX™ line of professional HD camcorders and the ARRI® ALEXA line of digital cameras, and share the same form factor and connector as ExpressCard/34 adapter cards. These shared traits make ingesting footage from SxS media a quick, simple task in ExpressCard slot-equipped notebook computers. In any other situation, this process requires the use of a specialized media reader, such as Sonnet’s Qio™ pro media readers with multiple SxS slots for speedy file offloads. With the added capability to read SxS, SxS Pro™, and SxS-1™ cards, the Echo ExpressCard Thunderbolt Adapter instantly becomes the least expensive high-speed SxS memory card reader available, enabling Thunderbolt technology-equipped Mac computers to read SxS cards at over 100 MB/s.

When used with the Echo ExpressCard Thunderbolt Adapter, users can connect Sonnet’s Qio E3 professional SxS media reader, with its ExpressCard/34 interface card, to compatible computers with a Thunderbolt port. This setup supports concurrent data transfers from SxS memory cards in all three slots for even faster file ingest speeds.

“With the installation of Sony’s Thunderbolt technology-compatible driver for Mac OS X, Echo ExpressCard Thunderbolt Adapter users gain the ability to ingest footage through a small, rugged adapter using the latest I/O technology to improve workflow speeds significantly,” said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. “This new driver benefits users of our Qio E3 professional media reader, enabling them to connect their readers to Thunderbolt technology-equipped computers through the Echo ExpressCard adapter and ingest footage from multiple SxS memory cards at the same time.”

Developed by Intel® and brought to market with technical collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt technology supports high-performance data services and high-resolution displays through a single compact port. The Echo ExpressCard Thunderbolt Adapter supports PCI Express technology with 2.5 Gbps throughput in both directions. The Sonnet adapter connects directly to a computer or at the end of a Thunderbolt device chain with a Thunderbolt cable, which is available at the Apple Store®.

“Thunderbolt delivers unparalleled performance, flexibility and simplicity to personal computing.” said Jason Ziller, Intel’s director of Thunderbolt marketing. “The Sonnet Echo ExpressCard Thunderbolt Adapter and Qio E3 help highlight what Thunderbolt technology makes possible.”

The Echo ExpressCard Thunderbolt Adapter—part number ECHO-E34—is compatible with all Apple computers running Mac OS X that are equipped with Thunderbolt ports. It is available now at a suggested retail price of $149.95 through Sonnet and Sonnet resellers.

A link to the driver is below. It says nothing about the Thunderbolt compatibility on the downloads page. As of this morning, the actual version of the driver that gets downloaded is 1.1.0.03142 (even though the text on Sony's site says "Latest Version for Mac : Ver:1.0.52020") http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-recmedia/resource.downloads.bbsccms-assets-mkt-recmedia-downloads-upgrades.shtml

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Express2PCC Workaround for Some 16-bit R2 PC Card Issues

These instructions are for attempting to correct an issue sometimes seen when using some 16-bit PC Cards on modern systems via the ExpressCard 34 to PCMCIA PC CardBus 16/32-bit Read-Writer Express2PCC

SYMPTOMS

The R2 (PCMCIA Release 2.x) PC Card does not start, and you see the following error message in Device Manager:

This device is either not present, not working properly, or does not have all the drivers installed. (Code 10)

Try upgrading the device drivers for this device.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because some R2 PC Cards do not support interrupt request (IRQ) resource sharing. In The Windows XP or in Windows Vista, and perhaps Windows 7, 16-bit PC Card (PCMCIA) PCI readers can use R2 PC Cards (the 16-bit ISA type) without requiring an ISA runner paddle to obtain ISA interrupts.

RESOLUTION

All of the following procedures must by done under a user account with administrative permissions in order to work correctly.

To resolve this behavior, setting IRQ Route To PCI Controller to allow these PC Cards to function in laptop computers:

1. Start Registry Editor (Regedit.exe).


2. Locate and click to select the following key in the registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\PCMCIA\Parameters


3. On the Edit menu, click New, click DWORD Value, type IrqRouteToPciController in the New Value box, and then press ENTER.


4. Click to select IrqRouteToPciController, click Edit, and then click Modify.


5. In the Value data box, type 8, and then click OK.


6. Quit Registry Editor.

Alternatively, download the IrqRouteToPciController.reg (IrqRouteToPciController.zip) file. First unzip and then double click to add the entry to the registry. Quit the Registry Editor when done.

Registry prior to editing.

Registry after editing.

This procedure disables PCI routing for 16-bit PC Cards.

With this feature, you can successfully install 16-bit PC Cards on computers that are low on ISA interrupts by using a shared-PCI interrupt.

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The Qio Professional Universal Media Reader/Writer Wins 2010 NAB Best of Show Black Diamond Award

Sonnet's Qio Universal Media Reader/Writer was recently awarded 2010 Nation Association of Broadcasters Best of Show Black Diamond Award by DV Magazine. This recognition of a revolutionary device is much deserved, as the Qio has provided unparalleled capabilities for both in-studio or on-location applications of video ingestion. Qio is a boon for video professionals using Panasonic P2 and/or Sony/Sandisk SxS memory cards. Qio doesn't just provide slots for one or the other, or even one of each, it provides two slots for each! What's more is the Qio also includes two UDMA capable CompactFlash slots make it indispensable for professional still photographers. Qio also reads memory cards including SDHC using the included 21-in-1 Multimedia Memory Card. Qio reads SxS, P2, and UMDA CompactFlash at their maximum throughput, even when reading two cards at the same time! As if this functionality isn't enough, Qio (pronounced Cue-Eye-Oh) has a built in SATA RAID controller with four eSATA ports for use with a range of eSATA storage devices like Sonnet's Fusion F2 portable raids for on the go transfers between media.

Because the Qio attaches to computers via PCIe, directly on desktop computers, and via ExpressCard/34 on notebook computers, it doubles as a full fledged ExpressCard and PC Card/PC CardBus reader. As long as the drivers for a specific PC Card or ExpressCard are available for your operating system, Qio will let you deploy it with modern systems! You can enable swapping the Qio between desktop and notebook configurations by buying a Qio setup for either desktop or notebook and then purchase a spare Qio interface card for the other machine. Qio even includes a XLR 4-pin adapter cable can route battery power (from third party external batteries, sold separately) to the Qio plus attached Fusion F2's.

Qio Universal Media Read/Writer for P2 PC Card, SxS ExpressCard, and CompactFlash/SDHC + SATA

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Kyocera KPC680 ExpressCard WWAN Wireless Mobile Broadband EV-DO Rev. A

Expanding on the great success of its award-winning Passport PC Card, Kyocera's KPC680 ExpressCard sets the standard for high performance WWAN Wireless Mobile Broadband access. The KPC680 features EV-DO Rev. A, the next generation of CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology, to ensure continued optimal performance. EV-DO Rev. A increases the peak data download speed to 3.1 Mbps and peak upload speed to 1.8 Mbps, and the KPC680 ExpressCard is designed to take full advantage of the increased speeds.

KPC680's design features dual external antenna ports for signal flexibility while maintaining the industry-leading primary and diversity antenna design that has given Kyocera the fastest CDMA devices on the market. The ExpressCard format aligns with current notebook computer trends and and provides maximum flexibility when used with other adapters. Plug the Kyocera's KPC680 directly into ExpressCard 34 or 54 slots. For desktops, netbooks, and other computers without ExpressCard slots, use the included Synchrotech MicroU2E to plug into USB 2.0 ports. For bad reception and rural areas, using the included Synchrotech MicroU2E and DoubleQueue cable to draw power off of two USB 2.0 ports. For older notebook computers with 32-bit PC CardBus slots, purchase an optional Synchrotech ExpressAdapt adaptor which enables the KPC680 to be used in a PCMCIA PC CardBus slots. Given the wealth of adapters options, the KPC680 works to provide Wireless Mobile Broadband* to most computers.

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Best in Class for Court Reporters and Stenographers

Court reporters and stenographers often deploy steno machines featuring RS-232 Serial ports (often called COM ports in Windows-speak). Some transcription software packages for court reporters and stenographers require hardware keys that are RS-232 Serial port based as well. In many cases, USB to Serial devices don't work with steno machines or transcription software package hardware keys. In the past, a PC Card based RS-232 adapter was the optimal solution for notebook computers to interface with these devices.

With the transition to ExpressCard slots on notebook computers, there a number of ExpressCard to RS-232 serial adapters that don't work because they utilize the USB portion of the ExpressCard standard. As mentioned above, USB to Serial devices typically don't work with steno machines or transcription software package hardware keys. Fortunately there is a solution to this situation. Synchrotech offers the Quatech Performance PCIe based RS-232 Serial ExpressCards. Being PCIe based, these ExpressCards are true RS-232 host adapters and don't exhibit the compatibility issues that USB based devices suffer from. For court reporters and stenographers with ExpressCard equipped notebook computers needing to interface with RS-232 Serial ports on steno machines or transcription software package hardware keys, PCIe based RS-232 ExpressCards are the perfect solution.

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Can I 'rescan' the PCI expansion slots?

This is in response to a question we saw on an archived Apple Discussion board": "Can I 'rescan' the PCI expansion slots?" Many of the answers you've been provided with here are incorrect. By specification, PCIe (PCI Express) is supposed to feature hot swap capability. This is why the ExpressCard standard features it for the higher end of the specification without modification. The has nothing to do with drivers or any of the other erroneous information put forth in this thread.

The inability of Mac OS X and Windows (Windows requires user intervention via their bizarre "device manager" interface) to hot swap PCIe based devices may stem from the fact that vendors didn't expect devices on the market which took advantage of PCIe's hot swap capability. Since Apple has implemented hot swap on the MacBook Pro's ExpressCard slot [1], there is no reason why they shouldn't be able to do the same with Macs featuring PCIe slots. At my day job, Synchrotech, we have to answer to people wanting to use Sony/Sandisk SxS cards on PowerMac G5 (PCIe) and Mac Pro systems almost every day. When we explain that a PCIe to ExpressCard reader currently requires a reboot between card swaps.

To put this in perspective MS argues that PCIe hot swap isn't possible, and that manually refreshing to rescan is the fault of BIOS/Firmware. Putting this theory to the test, we sent a PCIe to ExpressCard reader with several PCIe based ExpressCards to the OpenBSD team. Within three days the OpenBSD developers had implemented full hot swap PCIe in the kernel and we were able to hot swap PCIe based ExpressCards on a desktop PC with no issues.

The ability to add an inexpensive PCIe to ExpressCard reader to and PCIe based Macs and have them hot swap is crucial with the emergence of the Sony/Sandisk SxS cards and the professional cameras using them. Apple could easily become the premier platform for ingesting and processing these cards. We doubt it will be any more trouble for Apple to implement PCIe hot swap in the kernel than it was for the OpenBSD team.

[1] Important to remind people that ExpressCard is a dual bus standard. For slow and simple minded devices, ExpressCard employs USB 2.0. For high performance and complex applications ExpressCard utilizes PCIe. The ExpressCard standard effectively defines no new busses, it merely provides a different form factor and set of connectors for the existing PCIe and USB 2.0 standards.

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Synchrotech's ExpressAdapt Shines on PowerBook G3 Pismo

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Performance PCIe based RS-422/RS-485 Serial ExpressCards

Synchrotech is now offering Quatech's 1, 2, and 4 port PCIe based ExpressCard to RS-422 and RS-485 Serial host adapters. Advantages of a PCIe-based ExpressCard design are in the interface to the laptop's motherboard. The PCIe bus interface is the successor to the PCI bus, which in turn was the successor to the ISA bus to which built-in serial ports were originally attached. As such, the ExpressCard adapter design utilizes a PCIe-based design and can still directly use I/O space addresses and interrupts, thus more closely emulating built-in ports than can be done via USB-based design. Moreover, because there's no USB stack for the drivers to contend with, throughput can be higher and latency will be lower (considerably so in many cases). Due to improved data transfer rate, the ExpressCard is considerably more efficient for multi-tasking operations.

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ExpressAdapt PCMCIA PC CardBus to USB Mode ExpressCard Adapter

ExpressAdapt CardBus to ExpressCard

ExpressAdapt represents the second generation of CardBus to ExpressCard adapters, combining benefits of previous generation 16-bit and 32-bit adapters. Integrating the latest NEC ECOUSB™ controller with Synchrotech's advanced voltage regulating circuitry gives ExpressAdapt major advantages over competing devices. Utilizing ECOUSB™ provides ExpressAdapt with significant compatibility and performance features. First ExpressAdapt needs no drivers on contemporary mainstream operating systems, it is recognized and supported automatically. Second, it harnesses the fastest USB 2.0 throughput to complement the latest HSDPA and EVDO Rev. A ExpressCards. Lastly, ExpressAdapt's integrated controller allows for low power consumption and price.

ExpressAdapt overcomes power considerations of earlier 32-bit PC CardBus adapters providing 1000mA at 3.3V and 650mA at 1.5V. With the ability to supply power on both ExpressCard rails, newer cards like the Option Wireless GT Max 3.6 Express are fully supported. Crafted with the highest quality connectors and frame materials, ExpressAdapt meets or exceeds the requirements of every standards body it falls under.

ExpressAdapt is a PCMCIA PC CardBus to USB ExpressCard Adapter. It works with USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCards only. This includes WWAN Wireless broadband cards like the Kyocera KPC680 and the Sierra Wireless AC597E. Like all PC Card to ExpressCard adapters, ExpressAdapt does NOT work with PCIe based ExpressCards. ExpressCards using the PCI Express (PCIe) portion of the ExpressCard standard include very high performance devices like FireWire 800 and eSATA host adapters.

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AirQueue USB 2.0 Extension with MicroU2E and ExpressCard for MacBook Air

AirQueue
Originally uploaded by Synchrotech

AirQueue USB 2.0 Extension with MicroU2E-MV/MicroU2E to enable USB 2.0 ExpressCards with the MacBook Air. AirQueue USB 2.0 A (Male) to A (Female) Extender Cable 19cm/.62F. Avoid damage to MacBook Air USB port and allows use of MicroU2E ExpressCard Adapter pictured here with a 3G/4G (EVDO) WWAN Wireless broadband card. Synchrotech.

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Special Holiday Offer for MicroU2E-MV

For three days only, purchase a MicroU2E-MV USB to ExpressCard adapter and get the specialty cable of your choice absolutely free! Choose from either the DoubleQueue cable for supplementing MicroU2E-MV power in areas with low WWAN signals, or the AirQueue cable to use the MicroU2E-MV with slot-less notebook PCs, the MacBook Air, and MacBooks. This special offer is for three days only, for orders placed July 4, 5, or 6 2008 (PST) and there is a limit 5 specials per customer.

MicroU2E-MV accepts 1.5V ExpressCards like the range of Option Wireless WWAN mobile broadband devices popular with AT&T and on European networks. The 3.3 and 1.5V multi-voltage capability of the MicroU2E-MV makes it unique among USB to ExpressCard adapters. The cross-platform MicroU2E-MV enables USB based ExpressCards like the latest generation of 3G WWAN wireless devices on slot-less PC notebooks, Apple MacBooks, and the MacBook Air. AirQueue allows use of the MicroU2E-MV or USB devices with large or unusually designed connectors with MacBook Air! DoubleQueue is an extender with option of drawing current from second USB Port for MicroU2E-MV.

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New MicroU2E-MV Supports Wider Range of ExpressCards

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MicroU2E and MicroU2E-MV ExpressCard Adapter Compatibility Table

AirQueue/MicroU2E/KPC680
Originally uploaded by Synchrotech

USB 2.0 to USB Mode ExpressCard Adapters only work with ExpressCard 34 devices utilizing the USB 2.0 portion of the ExpressCard specification. They will not work with and ExpressCard 54 device, or any ExpressCard utilizing the PCIe (PCI Express) portion of the ExpressCard specification. The new MicroU2E-MV adds support for ExpressCards utilizing both 3.3 and 1.5V portions of the ExpressCard standard, while the original MicroU2E supports 3.3V only. The following table is by no means comprehensive, nor guaranteed completely accurate.

WWAN Wireless Cards

MicroU2E and MicroU2E-MV
Kyocera KPC680 EV-DO Rev. A (Verizon)
Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870
Novatel Wireless Merlin EX720 (Sprint)
Novatel Wireless Merlin V740 (Verizon)
Novatel Wireless Merlin V740 (Verizon)
Sierra Wireless Air Card 597E (Sprint)

MicroU2E-MV Only
Option Wireless GT Max 3.6 Express (AT&T)
Option Wireless Option GT Ultra Express (AT&T)
Option Wireless GlobeTrotter Express 7.2 Web'n'Walk (T-Mobile)
Option Wireless GlobeTrotter Express HSUPA
Option Wireless GlobeTrotter Express 401

Full Device Support Documents
USB ExpressCards Supported by MicroU2E and MicroU2E-MV (HTML)
USB ExpressCards Supported by MicroU2E and MicroU2E-MV (scribd)

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USB ExpressCards Supported by MicroU2E and MicroU2E-MV

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AirQueue USB 2.0 Extension with MicroU2E and ExpressCards for MacBook Air

AirQueue/MicroU2E/KPC680 for MacBook Air
Originally uploaded by Synchrotech

AirQueue USB 2.0 Extension Cable with MicroU2E to enable USB 2.0 ExpressCards with the MacBook Air. AirQueue USB 2.0 A (Male) to A (Female) Extender Cable 19cm/.62F (CAB-USB2-AFA-0020C). Avoid damage to MacBook Air USB port and allows use of MicroU2E ExpressCard Adapter pictured here with a 3G/4G (EVDO) WWAN Wireless broadband KPC680 ExpressCard card. The AirQueue extension cable can be used with any USB 2.0 device with an upstream (male) USB A connector, not just the MicroU2E. Also prevents MacBook Air port door blocking by large or unusually designed connectors on USB devices.

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EVDOInfo.com Reviews the MicroU2E

EVDOInfo tests and reviews the MicroU2E and finds it works with the Kyocera KPC680 (Verizon), Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870, EX720 (Sprint), V740 (Verizon), V640 (Verizon), and the Sierra Wireless Air Card 597E (Sprint). Additionally, EVDOInfo tested the KPC680 with CradlePoint's CTR350 and PHS300 EVDO routers using Synchrotech's MicroU2E. MicroU2E enables the use of USB 2.0 based 3G/4G ExpressCards with a whole range of computers that don't include an ExpressCard slot including Desktop PCs, MacBooks, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Pro, Notebook PCs, and more.

EVDOInfo and its online store are authorized resellers, and are selling both Synchrotech's MicroU2E and MicroU2E 'Y' Extender Cable. They are experts on deploying 3G/4G devices, and are sure to find many uses for Synchrotech's innovative MicroU2E technology. These items are available on EVDOInfo's 3gstore.com at the following links:

http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=691
http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=716

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EVDOInfo Tests MicroU2E with CradlePoint EVDO Routers

In an article on Kyocera's new KPC680 EVDO Rev-A ExpressCard, EVDOInfo.com tests the KPC680 with CradlePoint's CTR350 and PHS300 EVDO routers using Synchrotech's MicroU2E. The same article also states the MicroU2E allows the KPC680 to work with any supported computer with a USB 2.0 port.

EVDOInfo and its online store are authorized resellers, and are selling both Synchrotech's MicroU2E and MicroU2E 'Y' Extender Cable. They are experts on deploying 3G/4G devices, and are sure to find many uses for Synchrotech's innovative MicroU2E technology. These items are available on EVDOInfo's 3gstore.com at the following links:

http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=691
http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=716

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Specialized Optional 'Y' Extender Cables Now Available for MicroU2E

Synchrotech has released the CAB-USB2-AAFA-0020C USB 2.0 A + A (Power only) to A (Female) 'Y' Extender Cable 19cm/.62F. Highly shielded, the CAB-USB2-AAFA-0020C is a 19cm extender cable (A to A-female) for the MicroU2E USB to ExpressCard Adapter, allowing MicroU2E use a short distance distance from a host's USB port. The 'Y' extender cable eliminates problems with the MicroU2E blocking adjacent USB ports, and provides better wireless device reception through increasing the MicroU2E's distance from a host computer and providing more flexible device placement. The 'Y' extender cable also features a second male A host connector clearly labeled with the international icon for power. This secondary upstream connection allows the MicroU2E to draw supplementary current for powering many 3G/4G wireless mobile broadband ExpressCards. Using both upstream ports not only improves wireless reception for many 3G/4G ExpressCards, but often eliminates many intermittent problems altogether.

Allowing the use of USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCard devices on USB 2.0 ports, the MicroU2E USB 2.0 to USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCard 34 | 54 Host Adapter separates itself from similar products by its diminutive size. Slightly bigger than a book of matches, the adapter accepts USB 2.0 based ExpressCards in both 34 and 54 form factors. Supported USB mode ExpressCards include: Kyocera's KPC680 EV-DO Rev. A ExpressCard, Novatel Wireless Merlin ExpressCards (XU870, EX720, V740), storage media ExpressCards like Datafab's expSSD, simple minded RS-232 host adapters like Synchrotech's EXP34-RS232-01, most ExpressCard to memory card media adapters like Synchrotech's EXP34-ADP-CF2-01, and several others. The device will not work with any ExpressCard using the PCI Express (PCIe) portion of the ExpressCard standard. A cross-platform device, the MicroU2E adapter allows deployment of USB based ExpressCards like the latest generation of 3G wireless devices on slotless Apple MacBooks and PC notebooks.

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SxS PRO Device Drivers

We have not tested any of our PCIe to ExpressCard readers with Sony/Sandisk's SxS Pro ExpressCards, but we understand that drivers are required on both The Windows and Mac OS X platforms in order to use the SxS Pro ExpressCards.

Sony Support Site Download: SxS PRO Device Driver

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