RTS5249
USB 3.0 multi-format card reader supporting SD and Memory Stick formats
Product Overview
Description
The Realtek RTS5249 is a USB 3.0 multi-format card reader controller supporting SD, microSD, and Memory Stick formats with high-speed data transfer for modern PC and consumer electronics applications.
With USB 3.0 interface, RTS5249 provides transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps, enabling fast access to high-speed SD cards (UHS-I) and quick file transfers. The controller supports SDXC up to 2TB and various Memory Stick formats.
RTS5249 is ideal for USB 3.0 card readers, high-end PC front panels, and applications where fast memory card access is required. The USB 3.0 speed makes a noticeable difference when transferring large files or working with high-resolution photos and videos.
Product Series
RTS
Primary Application
USB 3.0 card readers
Key Features
- USB 3.0 SuperSpeed
- SD/SDHC/SDXC support
- Memory Stick support
- UHS-I (104 MB/s)
- Up to 2TB capacity
- 5 Gbps USB speed
- Hot plug support
- Compact package
Specifications
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Supported Cards | SD/SDHC/SDXC/microSD + Memory Stick |
| Max Capacity | 2TB (SDXC) |
| Max Speed | 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) |
| SD Bus | UHS-I (104 MB/s) |
| Power | 5V input |
| Features | USB 3.0, UHS-I support |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C |
| Package | QFN-32 |
| Drivers | Built-in Windows/Linux |
Applications
USB 3.0 card readers
Electronic system design
High-end PC front panels
Electronic system design
Professional photo/video workflows
Electronic system design
External storage devices
Electronic system design
Consumer electronics
Consumer electronics
FAE Expert Insights
"RTS5249 is our recommendation for USB 3.0 card reading. The speed difference vs USB 2.0 is significant - you can utilize UHS-I SD card speeds. memory Stick support is a bonus for Sony device users. The controller is reliable and the USB 3.0 implementation is solid. good for any application where card reading speed matters."
High-speed USB 3.0 with UHS-I SD card support
— Kevin Zhang, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
How much faster is USB 3.0 compared to USB 2.0 for SD cards?
USB 3.0 provides 5 Gbps bandwidth vs USB 2.0's 480 Mbps - over 10x theoretical difference. With UHS-I SD cards, RTS5249 can achieve 80-95 MB/s sustained transfers vs 30-40 MB/s on USB 2.0. This makes a significant difference when transferring large files like 4K videos or RAW photos. A 1GB file transfers in ~10 seconds vs ~30 seconds.
USB 3.0 significantly faster. Essential for large file transfers and UHS-I cards.
Does RTS5249 support UHS-II SD cards?
RTS5249 supports UHS-I SD cards up to 104 MB/s but does not support UHS-II (312 MB/s). For UHS-II support, consider RTS5261 which includes UHS-II capability. However, UHS-I at 104 MB/s is sufficient for most current applications including 4K video recording. UHS-II cards are backward compatible and will work at UHS-I speeds.
UHS-I supported (104 MB/s). uHS-II cards work at UHS-I speeds. rTS5261 for UHS-II.
What Memory Stick formats are supported?
RTS5249 supports Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO-HG, and Memory Stick XC formats. This covers the majority of Sony Memory Stick cards used in cameras and other devices. The controller automatically detects the Memory Stick type and configures appropriate communication protocols.
Comprehensive Memory Stick support. Good for Sony device compatibility.
Is USB 3.0 backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports?
Yes, RTS5249 is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports. When connected to USB 2.0, the controller operates at USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps). Full USB 3.0 speed requires a USB 3.0 port on the host system. The physical connector is the same, so USB 3.0 devices plug into USB 2.0 ports (at reduced speed) and vice versa.
Backward compatible. works with USB 2.0 at reduced speed. use USB 3.0 for full performance.
What is the typical application for RTS5249?
RTS5249 is ideal for: (1) USB 3.0 card readers for photographers/videographers working with large files, (2) High-end PC cases with front panel card readers, (3) Professional workflows requiring fast SD card access, (4) External storage devices with card reader functionality, (5) Consumer electronics needing multi-format card support with good performance.
Ideal for professional photo/video workflows and high-speed card reading needs.