Types of Expansion Cards

Expansion slots and expansion cards are interlinked with each other. In a computer expansion cards are inserted into the motherboard. If you are searching for the definition of an expansion slot, expansion cards, types of expansion cards with their functions, applications, and examples. Then you clicked the right link. Let’s read the article to clear your concept.

Expansion Slots and Expansion Cards

The Expansion Slot is a socket, that is mounted on a motherboard to insert circuit boards. Different circuit boards are inserted into the motherboard to add new devices and enhance capabilities to the computer also.

Furthermore, Expansion Cards are electronic circuits used to insert more functions into a computer. Some examples are memory chips, sound devices, modems or graphics cards, etc.

In addition, a circuit board is identified by different terms like a card, expansion card, expansion board, adapter card, interface card, add-in, add-on, etc.

A few numbers of cards contain built-in features or devices like modem cards and graphics cards. Some cards are also attached to a device outside the system unit like a scanner etc.

Types of Expansion Cards

Different types of expansion cards are as follows

• Video Card
• Sound Card
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Modem Card

Video Card

It is also called a video adapter or graphics card. It converts computer output into a video signal and sends it to the monitor to display.

Sound Card

It enhances the sound-generating capabilities of a computer. It allows sound to be input through a microphone and output through speakers also.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

It is also called a network card. It is a communication device that allows a computer to communicate via a network.

Modem Card

It is also called an internal modem. It is a communication device that enables a computer to communicate via telephone lines or other means.

Pc Cards & Flash Memory Cards

Pc card is a thin credit card size device. It is used to add memory, disk drives, sound, fax/modem, communications, and other capabilities to a mobile computer like a laptop. All pc card also follows the standard developed by PCMCIA. It is the abbreviation of Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.

 

Types of PC cards

PC cards have the following three types:

Type 1 card

This card adds memory capabilities to the computer.

Type 2 card

It contains communication devices such as modems.

Type 3 card

It deals with the devices like a hard disk. It is also the thickest card. Pc cards and flash memory cards can be attached to the computer without operating the system unit and restarting the computer. The operating system automatically detects the PC card and flash memory card as it is attached to the system.

This feature is called hot-plugging or hot-swapping. This allows the user to add and remove devices while the computer is running.

Read Also:

4 Types of Communication Devices

5 Generations of Computer

2 Forms of Computer Memory