SD memory cards are removable storage devices used to read and write large quantities of data in various electronic devices like cameras and mobile phones. In some cases, they are used as the default standard of memory by consumers of different electronics products. Surprisingly, you might have used the SD memory card for years and never bothered to know more about it as long as it’s working. Here is everything you need to know about SD memory cards.
Speed and Performance
Today, SD cards are marked with figures like 2, 4, or 6 in a complete circle to indicate the speed class of the memory card. The speed is mainly measured in MB/s, which means the card has a speed of 2MB/s if it’s marked with 2. In addition, there are ultra-high-speed (UHS) SD memory cards that show 1 or 3 on the surface inside a U-shaped icon in terms of speed and performance.
The physical protection is the outer casing of the SD memory card that protects it from the environmental conditions that may affect its working condition. These conditions include water, x-rays, or any form of shock when an object falls on the card. Are you sure that your SD memory card is water-resistant?
That means that the card conforms to the newer UHS standard available on the market. Sometimes, the card’s speed and performance are highly affected by the available storage space. That’s why it’s advisable to try SD card reformat if the card appears to be corrupted and takes a lot of space. Reformatting will restore the SD memory card to its working condition.
Physical Protection
The physical protection is the outer casing of the SD memory card that protects it from the environmental conditions that may affect its working condition. These conditions include water, x-rays, or any form of shock when an object falls on the card. Are you sure that your SD memory card is water-resistant? The kind of casing that protects the SD memory card determines where the card should be used. Some manufacturers will claim that the casing is waterproof and can work in extreme temperatures because it protects against x-rays. This makes it possible to have peace of mind when working in extreme weather conditions because the card is fully protected.
Type and Brand
There are multiple types and brands of SD memory cards available on the market. Just because the type you have chosen has the best characteristics doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s compatible with the devices you are using. That’s why it’s advisable to look for a specific card compatible with your device.
There are lots of things that you should know about the SD memory cards ranging from their physical characteristics to their functionality. SD memory cards are non-volatile cards that are user-exchangeable. They all have pins used as electrical contacts and the write-protect switch that prevents any accidental editing of the content stored in the card.
If your device uses the SD card format, it should work well with secure digital extended capacity and high capacity. There are still older cards marked with SD only and are compatible with most electronic devices, including cameras and music players. Unfortunately, it’s rare to find one currently as their production has gone down due to faster alternatives being produced. However, checking the manual’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website will help better understand the type and brand of the SD memory card you are using.
Storage Capacity
The capacity of the SD memory card is what determines its functionality in most cases. Depending on the purpose for which you are buying the card, it’s advisable to work with one with large storage space to ensure that the quality of the stored data is not altered due to small storage space. These cards are designed with different storage capacities like 32GB or 64GB. A 64GB SD memory card, will function effectively and longer than 32GB if set under standard conditions. Most SD memory cards with storage space of 32GB are fully under the category of SDHC, while the capacity of 64GB falls under the SDXC category. The quality of data stored on the card will affect the amount of space taken.
Recovering Files
Losing data stored within the SD memory card is a common problem, especially if the card is not taken care of well. Therefore, various handling procedures should be observed when dealing with an SD card, including ejecting the card safely from a computer or any other device you are using. Sometimes you may insert the card into the phone, and then it requests that you format the SD card to be allowed to use it while on the phone. Failure to backup these data before formatting may lead to data loss if you accidentally delete the files. The good thing is that the file’s space before it was deleted will be marked as occupied even after being deleted. So unless you continue adding too many things to the SD memory card, it’s still possible to recover the files using card recovery software.
Conclusion
There are lots of things that you should know about the SD memory cards ranging from their physical characteristics to their functionality. SD memory cards are non-volatile cards that are user-exchangeable. They all have pins used as electrical contacts and the write-protect switch that prevents any accidental editing of the content stored in the card.
