Removable memory media with integral indicator light

• US 20030161199A1
• Filed: 02/21/2003
• Published: 08/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: Estakhri, Petro
• Granted Patent: US 7,277,011 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 365/200
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 16/04 using variable threshold transistors, e.g. FAMOS
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 16/349 Arrangements for evaluating degradation, retention or wearout, e.g. by counting erase cycles
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 29/44 Indication or identification of errors, e.g. for repair

Abstract

A flash memory module includes an integral indicator light. The module alternatively includes a plurality electrical contacts which electrically interface to a host digital device. The module includes a plurality of flash memory cells. The cells are controlled by an integral controller. The indicator light is controlled by the controller. The indicator light indicates whether the flash memory module is being accessed. Alternatively, the indicator light indicates that the flash memory module should be replaced. A housing for the module is preferably light transmissive material, and preferably a transparent plastic. A proximal end of the module includes the electrical contacts and is inserted into the host. The indicator light is preferably a surface mount LED and is positioned adjacent the distal end of the flash memory module to be seen through the transparent plastic. Alternatively, the controller generates an electronic signal which is coupled to the host.

Claims

1. A flash memory module including:

a. a plurality of flash cells;

b. an integral controller operatively coupled to the flash cells; and

c. an indicator, operatively coupled to the controller for providing an in-use signal which is perceivable by a user whether the flash memory module is active.

2. The flash memory module according to claim 1 wherein the indicator is an LED and the in-use signal is a visual signal.

3. The flash memory module according to claim 2 further comprising a housing, wherein the housing is transparent to light, and further where the LED is mounted within the housing.

4. The flash memory module according to claim 3 further comprising electrical contacts, in electrical communication with the controller.

5. The flash memory module according to claim 4 further comprising an electronic signal coupled to the electrical contacts for indicating to a host digital device whether the flash memory module is active.

6. The flash memory module according to claim 1 further comprising a replacement signal, operatively coupled tot he controller for providing a signal which is perceivable by a suer that the flash memory module should be replaced.

7. The flash memory module according to claim 6 wherein the in-use indicator is an LED that operates in a first way to provide the in-use signal and operates in a second way to provide the replacement signal.

8. The flash memory module according to claim 7 wherein the LED is continuously lighted for the in-use signal and the LED is blinking according a predetermined cadence for the replacement signal.

9. A flash memory module for use in a digital camera including a plurality of flash cells, an integral controller operatively coupled to the flash cells;

and an LED, operatively coupled to the controller for providing a visual in-use signal for a user whether the flash memory module is active.

10. The flash memory module according to claim 9 further comprising a housing, wherein the housing is transparent to light, and further wherein the LED is mounted within the housing.

11. The flash memory module according to claim 10 further comprising electrical contacts, in electrical communication with the controller.

12. The flash memory module according to claim 11 further comprising an electronic signal coupled to the electrical contacts for indicating to a host digital device whether the flash memory module is active.

13. The flash memory module according to claim 9 further comprising means for generating a replacement signal which is perceivable by a user that the flash memory module should be replaced.

14. The flash memory module according to claim 13 wherein the LED operates is a first way to provide the in-use signal and operates in a second way to provide the replacement signal.

15. The flash memory module according to claim 14 wherein the LED is continuously lighted for the in-use signal and the LED is blinking according to a predetermined cadence for the engagement signal.

16. A flash memory module including:

a. a plurality of flash cells;

b. an integral controller operatively coupled to the flash cells; and

c. an indicator, operatively coupled to the controller for providing a replacement signal which is perceivable by a user whether the flash memory module should be replaced.

17. The flash memory module according to claim 16 wherein the indicator is an LED and the replacement signal is a visual signal.

18. The flash memory module according to claim 17 further comprising a housing, wherein the housing is transparent to light, and further where the LED is mounted within the housing.

19. The flash memory module according to claim 18 further comprising electrical contacts, in electrical communication with the controller.

20. The flash memory module according to claim 19 further comprising an electronic signal coupled to the electrical contacts for indicating to a host digital device whether the flash memory module should be replaced.

21. A flash memory module for use in a digital camera including a plurality of flash cells, an integral controller operatively coupled to the flash cells;

and an LED, operatively coupled to the controller for providing a visual in-use signal for a user whether the flash memory module should be replaced.

22. The flash memory module according to claim 21 further comprising a housing, wherein the housing is transparent to light, and further wherein the LED is mounted within the housing.

23. The flash memory module according to claim 22 further comprising electrical contacts, in electrical communication with the controller.

24. The flash memory module according to claim 23 further comprising an electronic signal coupled to the electrical contacts for indicating to a host digital device whether the flash memory module should be replaced.