RTS525A
PCIe to SD card reader controller for integrated motherboard applications
Product Overview
Description
The Realtek RTS525A is a PCIe to SD card reader controller designed for integrated motherboard applications requiring high-performance SD card access without USB protocol overhead.
This controller connects directly to PCIe bus, providing lower latency and more consistent performance compared to USB-based solutions. It supports SD, SDHC, SDXC up to 2TB and UHS-I high-speed cards.
RTS525A is ideal for laptop motherboards, all-in-one PCs, and embedded systems where integrated SD card reading is required with maximum performance and minimal CPU overhead.
Product Series
RTS
Primary Application
Laptop motherboards
Key Features
- PCIe 2.0 x1 interface
- Native PCIe (no USB bridge)
- SD/SDHC/SDXC support
- UHS-I (104 MB/s)
- Low latency access
- Up to 2TB capacity
- Minimal CPU overhead
- Compact QFN package
Specifications
| Interface | PCIe 2.0 x1 |
|---|---|
| Supported Cards | SD/SDHC/SDXC/microSD |
| Max Capacity | 2TB (SDXC) |
| Max Speed | PCIe 2.0 x1 (5 GT/s) |
| SD Bus | UHS-I (104 MB/s) |
| Power | 3.3V |
| Features | PCIe native, Low latency |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C |
| Package | QFN-32 |
| Drivers | Windows/Linux inbox |
Applications
Laptop motherboards
Electronic system design
All-in-one PCs
Electronic system design
Embedded systems
Electronic system design
Industrial computers
Industrial automation and control
Integrated SD readers
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"RTS525A is the choice for integrated motherboard SD readers. The PCIe interface provides better performance and lower latency than USB solutions. No USB protocol overhead means more consistent performance. We recommend this for laptop and AIO designs where SD card reading is built into the motherboard."
PCIe interface for integrated motherboard SD card reading
— Kevin Zhang, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of PCIe over USB for SD card readers?
PCIe provides several advantages: (1) Lower latency - direct bus access without USB protocol translation, (2) More consistent performance - no USB bus contention, (3) Lower CPU overhead - less processing required for data transfers, (4) Better integration - native interface for modern chipsets. For integrated motherboard designs, PCIe is the preferred interface for optimal SD card performance.
PCIe preferred for integrated designs. Better performance and lower latency.
Does RTS525A require special drivers?
RTS525A uses standard inbox drivers included in Windows 10/11 and modern Linux kernels. No additional driver installation is required for basic functionality. The controller appears as a standard SD card reader in the system. Some advanced features may be available through optional Realtek driver packages.
Standard inbox drivers. No additional installation needed for basic operation.
What is the maximum speed of RTS525A?
RTS525A supports UHS-I SD cards up to 104 MB/s. The PCIe 2.0 x1 interface provides 5 GT/s bandwidth, more than sufficient for UHS-I speeds. Actual transfer speeds depend on the SD card capabilities. With fast UHS-I cards, expect 80-95 MB/s sustained transfer rates.
UHS-I support up to 104 MB/s. PCIe bandwidth not a bottleneck.
Is RTS525A suitable for laptop designs?
Yes, RTS525A is specifically designed for laptop and notebook integration. The PCIe interface is standard in modern laptop chipsets, and the compact QFN package fits well in space-constrained designs. Many laptop manufacturers use RTS525A for built-in SD card readers. The low power consumption is also beneficial for battery-powered devices.
Ideal for laptop designs. Compact, low power, native PCIe interface.
What is the difference between RTS525A and USB-based card readers?
RTS525A uses native PCIe interface while USB-based readers (RTS5170, RTS5249) connect via USB bus. PCIe offers lower latency and more consistent performance but requires PCIe bus availability. uSB solutions are more flexible and work with any USB port. For integrated motherboard designs, PCIe is preferred. for external or flexible designs, USB is more suitable.
PCIe for integrated designs. USB for flexibility and external readers.