3 ms·

So, this is the first I've heard of UFS, and I'm wondering... what's with the fish fin on the cards? If the point is to prevent it being accidentally inserted

by jolmg 7y ago

So, this is the first I've heard of UFS, and I'm wondering... what's with the fish fin on the cards? If the point is to prevent it being accidentally inserted in a microSD slot, couldn't they have just used a slightly different size, like a millimeter wider, and keep a rectangular shape?

kevin_thibedeau 7y ago
It keeps microSDs from fitting into a UFS only slot. They won't work in a microSD only slot because the data pins are moved to a new row.
- jolmg 7y ago
  > It keeps microSDs from fitting into a UFS only slot. Did you mean that backwards? If a microSD doesn't have fins and the slot has additional space for fins, how would it prevent the insertion?
  - kevin_thibedeau 7y ago
    The fins coincide with the notches on the microSD. Tray type slots can have a UFS only outline. Those without a tray will need a barrier that only permits the rounded fin to enter. https://www.lovemysurface.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ufs_card.jpg https://www.lovemysurface.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ufs...
    - jolmg 7y ago
      Oh! Looking at them side-to-side like that, it makes a lot more sense.
TazeTSchnitzel 7y ago
Being visually distinctive is important, no?
- jolmg 7y ago
  Well, I assume the front of UFS cards would say "UFS" instead of "MicroSD", and the back would look different because of the pins. Also, having a rectangle of different dimensions would also be visually distinctive, and I think that's always been the standard way to differentiate. That's how one has always been able to differentiate between CompactFlash (CF), Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SecureDigital (SD), etc. Why is there now a need to have non-rectangular cards with a weird organic shape on it? EDIT: I see now that the fin is not like an appendage added to the microSD form factor, but rather a subtraction from its shape. The form factor makes a lot more sense after seeing the image shared by kevin_thibedeau.
deleted 7y ago
[deleted]
nrp 7y ago
The shape of MicroSD cards are presumably also covered by design patents from the SD Association. The design and dimensions are similar out of an intent to enable UFS/MicroSD combo receptacles (which all UFS receptacles currently available are).

by jolmg 7y ago

kevin_thibedeau 7y ago

It keeps microSDs from fitting into a UFS only slot. They won't work in a microSD only slot because the data pins are moved to a new row.

jolmg 7y ago
> It keeps microSDs from fitting into a UFS only slot. Did you mean that backwards? If a microSD doesn't have fins and the slot has additional space for fins, how would it prevent the insertion?
- kevin_thibedeau 7y ago
  The fins coincide with the notches on the microSD. Tray type slots can have a UFS only outline. Those without a tray will need a barrier that only permits the rounded fin to enter. https://www.lovemysurface.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ufs_card.jpg https://www.lovemysurface.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ufs...
  - jolmg 7y ago
    Oh! Looking at them side-to-side like that, it makes a lot more sense.

TazeTSchnitzel 7y ago

Being visually distinctive is important, no?

jolmg 7y ago
Well, I assume the front of UFS cards would say "UFS" instead of "MicroSD", and the back would look different because of the pins. Also, having a rectangle of different dimensions would also be visually distinctive, and I think that's always been the standard way to differentiate. That's how one has always been able to differentiate between CompactFlash (CF), Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SecureDigital (SD), etc. Why is there now a need to have non-rectangular cards with a weird organic shape on it? EDIT: I see now that the fin is not like an appendage added to the microSD form factor, but rather a subtraction from its shape. The form factor makes a lot more sense after seeing the image shared by kevin_thibedeau.

deleted 7y ago

[deleted]

nrp 7y ago

The shape of MicroSD cards are presumably also covered by design patents from the SD Association. The design and dimensions are similar out of an intent to enable UFS/MicroSD combo receptacles (which all UFS receptacles currently available are).