SDI Technologies SDIO Card User Manual

 

 

 

©Copyright 2000-2007 SD Card Association  

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This chapter is not included in the Simplified Specification. 

 

 
The SDIO definition encompasses different form factors: 

•  Full-Size SDIO — compatible with host sockets designed for SD memory cards 

•  miniSDIO — compatible with host sockets designed for miniSD memory cards 

 

 
The SDIO card is compatible with host sockets designed for SD memory cards. In addition, the SDIO cards can 
be extended to allow for external connectors, antennas etc. With the exception of the write protect switch, all 
SDIO cards shall meet the mechanical specifications described in the SD Physical Specification for that portion 
of the card that is not extended. The WP switch is not supported by hosts for SDIO only cards. 
 

The rest of this section is not included in the Simplified Specification. 

 
 

 
The miniSDIO card is compatible with host sockets designed for miniSD memory cards. In addition, the 
miniSDIO cards can be extended to allow for external connectors, antennas etc. All miniSDIO cards shall meet 
the mechanical specifications described in miniSD Card Addendum Version 2.00, Part 1 Physical Layer 
Specification Version 2.00 for that portion of the card that is not extended.  
 
When a miniSDIO card is inserted into a miniSD to SD memory card adaptor, and plugged-into an SDIO host 
slot, it shall appear to the host as an SDIO card. 
 

The rest of this section is not included in the Simplified Specification. 

 
 

 

 
SDIO Version 2.00 eliminate the voltage range 2.0-2.7V for basic communication because the SD Physical 
Specification Version 2.00 eliminates it.  

SDIO cards follow the same voltage and current requirements as SD 

memory cards. This means that an SDIO or combo card shall be used at an operating voltage range of 2.7 to 
3.6V. The hosts shall not supply the voltage range 2.0-2.7V for basic communication to the SDIO Version 2.00 
cards. 
 

 
The SDIO cards are intended to operate in mobile devices that have limited power sources available. Because 
the host’s battery life may be significantly reduced if the SDIO card draws excessive power, a primary goal of 
SDIO designers should be low power. By reducing power consumption to a minimum, Host battery life and 
consumer satisfaction will be enhanced. The following power data represents the maximum that a SDIO card 
may draw. It is important for designers to note that a low power host may reject any SDIO card that identifies