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SDHC

The term SDHC stands for Secure Digital High Capacity, which is a type of memory card used for storing digital data. SDHC cards are an extension of the original Secure Digital (SD) card format, designed to meet the growing demand for higher storage capacities in digital devices such as cameras, smartphones, and tablets.

Overview

SDHC cards were introduced in 2006 as part of the SD card family, which also includes the original SD cards and the later SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) cards. The primary difference between these types is their storage capacity and file system format.

Technical Specifications

SDHC cards have a storage capacity ranging from 4 GB to 32 GB. They use the FAT32 file system, which allows for larger storage than the original SD cards, which were limited to 2 GB and used the FAT16 file system.

Speed Classes

SDHC cards are classified by their speed class, which indicates the minimum write speed. The speed classes are:

• Class 2: Minimum write speed of 2 MB/s
• Class 4: Minimum write speed of 4 MB/s
• Class 6: Minimum write speed of 6 MB/s
• Class 10: Minimum write speed of 10 MB/s

These speed classes are important for applications that require consistent data writing speeds, such as video recording.

Compatibility

SDHC cards are compatible with devices that support the SDHC or SDXC standards. However, they are not backward compatible with devices that only support the original SD standard. It is important to check the device specifications to ensure compatibility with SDHC cards.

Applications

SDHC cards are widely used in consumer electronics for storing photos, videos, music, and other data. They are commonly found in digital cameras, camcorders, smartphones, and tablets. Their relatively high capacity and speed make them suitable for high-definition video recording and rapid photo shooting.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Higher Capacity: Compared to original SD cards, SDHC cards offer significantly more storage space.
• Improved Speed: The speed classes provide options for faster data transfer rates, which is beneficial for high-performance applications.

Limitations

• Compatibility Issues: Not all devices support SDHC cards, especially older models that only support the original SD format.
• File System Limitations: The FAT32 file system limits the maximum file size to 4 GB, which can be a constraint for storing large files.

Also see

• SD card
• SDXC
• Memory card
• FAT32
• Digital camera