The original PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) is similar to the ISA_bus. PCMCIA uses 68 pins. The link is not impressive but contains links to other documents.


This is a very short and top-level overview of PCMCIA.


PCMCIA standards describe...

• physical requirements
• technical specifications
• software architecture

...of PC Cards.


There are 3 physical sizes of cards:

• type I (3.3 mm), typically used for various memory enhancements (RAM, FLASH, OTP, EEPROM).
• type II (5.0 mm), typically used for memory enhancements and/or I/O thingies such as modem and NIC.
• type III (10.5 mm), typically used for memory enhancements and bigger I/O devices, e.g. rotating mass storage devices and radio.

All types have the same 68-pin connector.


The key element to PCMCIA software architecture are

• Socket Services, a BIOS-level software interface providing a way to access the PCMCIA slot in the computer. They identify how many sockets are present, and detects insertion/removal of cards. Socket Services interfaces with Card Services.
• Card Services is a software management interface that allows allocation of system resources (e.g. memory/interrupts) automatically, once insertion is detected by Socket Services. Also releases resources upon removal. Also provides a high-level software interface to load necessary hardware drivers.

Both Socket Services and Card Services are part of PCMCIA spec.


This is from the PCMCIA home, so it should be good :-)

It covers some history, some abbreviations, quick overview of physical properties, (spec) version information, compatibility and excellent links to more technical info. The text itself, however, is not that detailed.