OnSpec’s Compact Flash Controller Sets Speed Record

\[August 15, 2006\] Reporting 9-MB/s faster data transfers than other USB 2.0 devices, the xSil251 memory controller supports memory-data transfers for UDMA compact flash microdrive cards in both PIO 6 and UDMA 4 modes or up to two external IDE hard disk drives via the USB 2.0 interface. The device can be configured to manage either a USB-to-compact flash or USB-to-IDE/ATA interface, but not both simultaneously. Configured for the IDE/ATA interface, it allows two hard drives to operate as one. According to the company, this feature can handle capacities up to 2 TB. Support software provides features such as the ability to backup data with a one-touch pushbutton. Other on-chip features include a serial EEPROM port. ONSPEC ELECTRONIC INC., Santa Clara, CA. (408) 727-1819.