SD Card packaging includes a new high performance, nine-pin SD interface that enables data transfer rates of up to 10 megabytes per second. New proprietary interface commands facilitate the secure exchange of content between host devices, like PCs and music servers and the card itself. The security level provided in the SD Memory Card has been designed to comply with both current and future SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative) portable device requirements. A mechanical write protect slide switch provides the consumer with added protection against accidental overwriting or erasure of data stored on the card.

The ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) tolerance has been significantly increased to กำ10 Kvolts for contact discharge in the area of the interface pins and air discharge up-to กำ15 Kvolts at all other points on the card body. A 9-pin serial interface ensures low cost integration into any device due to minimal pin count.