ALPS Presents 4-in-1 Push-Push Type Connector

Four Types of Small Memory Cards Can Now be Used in One Slot

Duesseldorf, Germany, October 11, 2004 – ALPS 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™, Memory Stick™, and xD Picture Card™ ), 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™ is located near the mouth of the slot, the terminal for SD Memory Cards and Multimedia Card™ is situated near the insertion slot, and the terminal for Memory Stick™ 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) × 48.1mm (D) × 4.5mm (H), further contributing to design freedom for device manufacturers, as well as to the further reduction of device sizes. Features Compatible with four types of small memory card – SD Memory Cards, Multimedia Card™, Memory Stick™, and xD Picture Card™ – more types than any other connector available. These connectors are of the convenient push-push type, in which media are seated by pushing, and ejected by pushing a second time. Optimal location of terminals means that all four types of small memory card protrude the same distance when seated. Compact dimensions of 31.0mm (W) × 48.1mm (D) × 4.5mm (H) improve design freedom for device manufactures. These are lead-free products. Principal Applications Desktop PCs, notebook PCs, various portable IT terminals, digital still and video cameras, Fac machines, printers, digital AV equipment, etc. Notes: “Memory Stick” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation. “Multimedia Card” is a registered trademark of Infineon Technologies AG. “xD Picture Card” is a registered trademark of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.

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 23 production bases in 8 countries as well as 60 sales bases in 13 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2003 amounted to YEN 602 billion. ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 1989 the European Head Office is located in Düsseldorf. A team of specialists is working here in Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering. From Düsseldorf the activities of our branch offices in Munich, Paris, Milton Keynes and the European distribution are co-ordinated. ALPS Nordic AB, a 100 percent subsidiary of ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, located in Sweden, is servicing the Scandinavian market.