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Semiconductor memory configured to emulate floppy and hard disk magnetic storage based upon a determined storage capacity of the semiconductor memory

  • US 5,226,168 A
  • Filed: 04/24/1990
  • Issued: 07/06/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/25/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An information processing system having a CPU and a main program and data storage unit, comprising:

  • auxiliary storage interface means for transferring data between said CPU and auxiliary storage devices, being configured to access at least one auxiliary magnetic storage device;

    semiconductor storage means connected to said auxiliary storage interface means, for receiving, storing, and retrieving data and programs;

    BIOS storage means coupled to said CPU and said semiconductor storage means for storing at least a portion of a BIOS that controls said semiconductor storage means so as to respond to said auxiliary storage interface means in the same manner as said auxiliary magnetic storage device;

    determination means, coupled to said semiconductor storage means, for determining a storage capacity of said semiconductor storage means and for outputting one of a first and second signal indicative of said determination;

    detection means, coupled to said determination means, for detecting when said semiconductor storage means is to be treated as one of a floppy disk type and hard disk type magnetic storage, said detection means, upon receiving said first signal from said determination means, detecting that said semiconductor storage means is to be treated as said floppy disk-type magnetic storage, and said detection means, upon receiving said second signal from said determination means, detecting that said semiconductor storage means is to be treated as said hard disk type magnetic storage; and

    ID information storage means, connected to said semiconductor storage means and said detection means, for storing ID information used by said BIOS storage means to initialize and configure said semiconductor storage means in one of a plurality of predetermined storage formats corresponding to the type detected by said detection means.

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