CONTACT SALES →CONTACT SALES →SD & microSD / TF Cards
Learn the differences between full-size SD and microSD, compare the six Rexstor range priorities and select removable storage around the device and recording workload.
SD and microSD are removable flash-memory card formats. Full-size SD is commonly used in cameras and other equipment; microSD suits compact devices and embedded designs. TF is a legacy name associated with microSD.
Card format, capacity standard and speed markings describe different characteristics. The host must support the selected format and capacity type; recording applications also need the appropriate sustained-write capability.
| Characteristic | Full-size SD | microSD / TF |
|---|---|---|
| Physical dimensions | 32 × 24 × 2.1 mm | 15 × 11 × 1.0 mm |
| Typical physical fit | Full-size SD slot | microSD slot; a compatible adapter may provide full-size mechanical fit |
| Main checks | Host capacity standard, bus support and recording requirements | The same checks apply; compact size is not a speed or endurance rating |
| Explore format | SD guide → | microSD / TF guide → |
Capture files using a card configuration supported by the camera.
Compact removable storage for compatible hosts.
Evaluate endurance and overwrite behavior for the recording pattern.
Plan environmental, logging and lifecycle requirements.
Match the slot, capacity standard and bus support specified by the host. An adapter can change the mechanical fit without upgrading the card’s electrical interface or speed class.
For recording, match the host’s required speed-class marking. Peak read speed is not a guarantee of continuous write performance.
Continuous overwrite recording has different demands from occasional file storage. Request the endurance information applicable to the exact configuration and recording pattern.
Consider error handling, recovery after interruption and firmware behavior together with the NAND configuration. Keep a backup of important data.
Define temperature, power cycling, vibration and storage intervals. Environmental ratings and retention statements must be checked for the selected part number.
For equipment programs, discuss configuration control, change notifications and availability instead of choosing only by headline capacity.
Choose a range by the application’s priorities, then qualify the exact configuration. A range label is a starting point for selection, not a substitute for a product specification.
| Range | Selection priority | Typical application context | Product / next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Everyday compatibility and practical capacity choices. | Consumer devices and ordinary capture/file storage. | Essential SD Card — Consumer Essential microSD Card — Consumer |
| Performance | Sustained capture capability and host bandwidth. | Higher-throughput photo, video and data capture. | Request a configuration → |
| High Endurance | Write/overwrite workload and retention requirements. | Continuous recording and monitoring. | Request a configuration → |
| Industrial | Environmental fit, validation and lifecycle planning. | Equipment, gateways and field systems. | Request a configuration → |
| Industrial Plus | More demanding validation and data-handling requirements. | Long-life and application-critical equipment. | Request a configuration → |
| Automotive | Vehicle-program qualification and configuration requirements. | In-vehicle recording, infotainment and connected mobility. | Request a configuration → |
Essential full-size SD in the Consumer catalogue. Select the published capacity configuration on the product page.
Essential microSD in the Consumer catalogue. Review the available configuration for your host.
Use these application guides to define the environment and workload. Match the chosen product and qualification requirements to the complete system.
Explore use cases, design considerations and integration requirements.
TF is the older TransFlash name associated with what became microSD. For compatibility decisions, use the host’s documented microSD, capacity-standard and bus requirements.
A mechanical adapter does not upgrade the card’s internal interface or speed-class capability. The complete card, adapter and host combination must be compatible.
Background on standards and selection terminology: SD capacity standards and dimensions · Speed-class markings · microSD / TransFlash history. Product-specific claims must be checked on the selected reference.
Share the host platform, use case, workload and lifecycle requirements for your project.
