Alps Electric Develops a Push-Push Type Connector That Enables Use of Four Types of Small Memory Cards in a Single Slot.

TOKYO -- Alps Electric Co., (Pink Sheets:APELY) has announced the development of the SCDE Series of push-push type connectors that are compatible with four types of small memory card (the SD Memory Card, Multimedia Card(TM), Memory Stick(TM), and xD Picture Card(TM )), more than any other connector on the market.

Used as storage media for digital cameras and portable devices, the market presence of a number of small memory cards conforming to different standards has been rapidly expanding recently. However, these cards are of different shapes and have their connector terminals located differently. When different devices -- for instance a digital camera and a PC -- use different small memory cards, exchanging data can prove difficult. This can require the mediation of a third device just to copy data. There was a real need for a connector that is compatible with multiple small memory card formats using a single card slot.

Leaping ahead of the industry, Alps has addressed this need with the development of the SCDE Series 4-in-1 connector. This device is compatible with four types of small memory card, which is more than any other connector currently available.

Alps employed its mechanical design technologies in designing the internal structure of the slot and the arrangement of terminals for this series, and designed in the Company's proprietary Terminal Protection Structure. This allows these connectors to achieve compatibility with four different types of small memory card, while preventing buckling of the terminal connection points and damage to the memory cards. In addition, it was decided to design these connectors as the push-push type, in which storage media are seated by pressing, and ejected by pressing a second time. The terminal for xD Picture Card(TM) is located near the mouth of the slot, the terminal for SD Memory Cards and Multimedia Card(TM) is situated near the insertion slot, and the terminal for Memory Stick(TM) is on the inside the slot. As a result, the length of the small memory card that protrudes from the slot when seated is equal for all four types of storage media, which gives greater design freedom.

Further, a high degree of miniaturization was achieved through the use of thin body-forming and precision molding technologies. This series of connectors has external dimensions of 31.0mm (W) x 48.1mm (D) x 4.5mm (H), further contributing to design freedom for device manufacturers, as well as to the further reduction of device sizes.

Principal Applications

Desktop PCs, notebook PCs, various portable IT terminals, digital still and video cameras, FAX machines, printers, digital AV equipment, etc.

Planned Sales

Sample shipments: From the beginning of October 2004

Sample price: 600 Yen

Planned monthly production: 200,000 units

Development and production site: Mechatronic Devices Division, Furukawa Plant (Furukawa, Miyagi Prefecture)

Outline of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.

Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments -- Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics -- which are contributing to the advance of a digital society.

ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 24 production bases in 9 countries as well as 58 sales bases in 12 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2004 amounted to 619,675 million Yen.