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What is Ethernet PCMCIA card?
2017-01-18

PCMCIA card, short for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, PCMCIA is a trade association founded in 1989 that is responsible for the ongoing development of the PCMCIA standard. PCMCIA cards are hardware interfaces that are slightly bigger than a standard credit card that enable additional functionality for laptop computers and other portable devices. 

PCMCIA card

What is Ethernet PCMCIA card?

A PCMCIA card is a credit card-size memory or I/O device that connects to a personal computer, usually a notebook or laptop computer. Probably the most common example of a PCMCIA card is the 28.8 Kbps modem for notebook computers. The term PC Card is being used as a replacement to PCMCIA Card because of the ongoing changes in the technology and because it is much easier to remember.

Function of PCMCIA card

A PCMCIA card (PC Card) enables laptop computers to connect to the Internet and Local Area Networks (LAN) via a CAT-5 Ethernet cable or wireless radio. A PCMCIA network card encompasses a multitude of network technologies, including modem, facsimile, Ethernet, and wireless adapters. Using a PCMCIA network card, computers can communicate with other devices connected to the network and access the World Wide Web. Network cards facilitate a variety of functions, including file transfers, web browsing, and resource sharing between systems.

Types of PCMCIA card

A PCMCIA card has a 68-pin connector that connects into a slot in the PC. There are three sizes (or "Types") of PCMCIA cards:

Type             

Thickness (mm)

Typical use

I

3.3

Memory

II

5.0

Modems, LANs. SCSI, sound

III

10.5

ATA hard drive
The Type I and II cards work in a Type III slot and a Type I card will work in a Type II slot. (On the other hand, the thicker cards can't be fitted into the slots for the thinner cards.)

Formats of PCMCIA card

There are two formats of PCMCIA network cards, which include a physical Ethernet connection and a wireless 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi connection. Ethernet network cards contain the Ethernet port, whereas wireless network cards contain several antennae at the end of the card. Each PCMCIA network card contains essential data necessary for proper operation, including the purpose of the card, supported power settings and protocols. It also contains such details as the manufacturer, model number, and other information necessary to interact with the operating system.

Summary 

The PCMCIA standard is most commonly applied to portable PCs but it can also be used on desktop computers. The PCMCIA card is not to be confused with another credit-size electronic card, the smart card. In March 2009, the association responsible for overseeing PCMCIA network cards officially dissolved, relinquishing management of the standard to the USB Implementer’s Forum. Shortly thereafter PCMCIA cards were no longer in production, as they were replaced by the ExpressCard standard.
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