The CF+ and CompactFlash Specification Version 2.0 is now available to download. Version 2.0 increases the CompactFlash interface data transfer rate from 8MB/sec to 16MB/sec, while maintaining complete forward and backward compatibility with old and new host systems. Older host systems will continue to operate with the 8MB/sec interface mode, while new systems can be designed to use CF cards with the 16MB/sec interface. Older 8MB/sec cards will operate at the 8MB/sec interface data rate in older and newer systems.
Flash chip technology advances have allowed flash chips to achieve sustained data transfer rates of 5-7MB/sec. The development of the 16MB/sec interface means that the CompactFlash interface will not restrict the sustained data transfer rate of CompactFlash cards in the near future.