SD SPECIFICATION 9 –NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SD MEMORY CARDSAS SEMI-EMBEDDED MEMORY
New security features let cards boot devices, securely manage memory and meetelectronic right to repair regulation
SAN RAMON, CALIF— May 17, 2022 — SD Association (SDA) today announced threeadvanced security features in the new SD 9 specification: Boot support, Trusted
Computing Group (TCG) Storage and Replay Protected Memory Block (RPMB)
authenticated memory. SD 9 gives device manufacturers the ability to use an SD
memory card for all memory and storage needs, simplifying future device upgrades orrepairs and enhancing security capabilities for applications when the cards are tightly
bound to specific hosts.
SD 9 defines Fast Boot and Secure Boot capabilities giving cards the ability to serve asa device’s boot code memory while offering a simple fast boot code uploading process
along with secured methods of providing future boot code updates. SD 9 adds TCG
secured storage by adding self-encrypted drive functionality. The specification defines
RPMB as a secured hidden memory accessible only through a secured authentication
process, while also providing a secured boot code update process, plus write-protect
and replay protection security mechanisms.
Devices ideally suited for the new capabilities defined by SD 9 include Chromebook™
computers, tablets, drones, surveillance cameras, dash cameras, gaming consoles,
virtual reality (VR) headsets/glasses, small IoT modules and wearable medical devices,to name a few. SD 9 also helps product manufacturers meet new right to repair
regulations and simplifies upgrade and repair processes for devices installed inlocations without internet connectivity.
“SD memory cards are a compelling choice for both storage and memory because they
will boot devices, are capable of delivering SSD performance levels and simplify device
repairs or upgrades,” said Hiroyuki Sakamoto, SDA president. “The SD 9 specification
gives product manufacturers a compelling array of choices when defining memory andstorage needs of devices.”
The optional features defined in SD 9 are available to both microSD and full-sized SD
memory card form factors. The features are applicable across all capacity types, fromSD to the forthcoming SDUC memory cards. Importantly, these features will besupported by SD Express, capable of delivering SSD performance levels up to4GB/sec.
The SDA has prepared a whitepaper providing more details about the compelling newfeatures defined by SD 9 for SD memory cards.

- more -SD Association
The SD Association is a global ecosystem of nearly 800 technology companies charged
with setting interoperable SD standards. The Association encourages the developmentof consumer electronic, wireless communication, digital imaging and networking
products that utilize market-leading SD technology. The SD standard is the number one
choice for consumers and has earned more than 80 percent of the memory card market
with its reliable interoperability and its easy-to-use format. Today, smartphones, tablets,drones, IoT devices, HDTVs, audio players, automotive systems, computers, digital
cameras and digital video cameras feature SD interoperability. For more information
about SDA or to join, please visit the Association’s website, https://www.sdcard.org.
SD logos are trademarks licensed by SD-3C LLC.
TCG Storage specifications are copyrighted and published by the Trusted ComputingGroup®. The Trusted Computing Group mark is trademarked by Trusted Computing
Group.
Chromebook™ is a trademark of Google LLC.
###Media Contact
Kevin Schader
SD Association
1.925.275.6670
media@sdcard.org