Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash-memory cards with or without a PC

• US 6,438,638 B1
• Filed: 07/06/2000
• Issued: 08/20/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: MCM Portfolio LLC
• Original Assignee: OnSpec Electronic Incorporated
• Inventors: Jones, Larry Lawson, Venkidu, Arockiyaswamy, Mambakkam, Sreenath
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Peter
• Assistant Examiner(s): VO, TIM T
• Application Number:
  US09/610,904
• Time in Patent Office: 775 Days
• Field of Search: 710/300, 710/301, 710/302, 710/303
• US Class Current: 710/301
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/38 Information transfer, e.g. on bus G06F13/14 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/385 for adaptation of a particular data processing system to different peripheral devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/387 for adaptation of different data processing systems to different peripheral devices, e.g. protocol converters for incompatible systems, open system
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/4027 using bus bridges G06F13/4022 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0646 Horizontal data movement in storage systems, i.e. moving data in between storage devices or systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07741 comprising a first part operating as a regular record carrier and a second attachable part that changes the functional appearance of said record carrier, e.g. a contact-based smart card with an adapter part which, when attached to the contact card makes the contact card function as a non-contact card
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0013 by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers connectors in general H01R13/00; connectors for SIM cards used in mobile phones or the like H04B1/3816
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0043 the plurality of cards being cards of different formats, e.g. SD card and memory stick
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0052 connectors capable of contacting cards of different formats, e.g. memory stick and SD card readers sharing at least one connector contact and the associated signal line, e.g. both using the same signal line for input or output of data
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0073 having multiple insertion slots, the respective slots suited for the same or different card form factors
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0282 Adapters for connecting cards having a first standard in receptacles having a second standard

Abstract

A flash-memory-card reader reads and writes multiple types of flash-memory cards, including CompactFlash, and the smaller SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick. A converter chip converts the different card signals for transfer to a host personal computer (PC). Serial-to-parallel data conversion is performed for the smaller card formats with serial data interfaces, but not for CompactFlash with a parallel-data interface. A single slot has a 50-pin connector for CompactFlash cards or passive adapters. The passive adapters have the CompactFlash form factor and a smaller connector fitting smaller flash cards. Passive adapters have no components but simply wire the smaller connector to the CompactFlash connector. A pin mapping allows card-type detection by sensing the LSB address pins of the CompactFlash interface. A larger CompactFlash reader has multiple slots for each card type. The reader is connected to the PC by a cable, or located within the PC chassis in a drive bay. A stand-alone reader copies images from the flash-memory card to a removable disk media. Pressing a button initiates image transfer.

Claims

1. A single-slot multi-flash-card reader comprising:

a personal computer interface for transferring data to a personal computer;

a converter means, coupled to the personal computer interface, for converting multiple flash-card interfaces to a format used by the personal computer interface;

wherein the multiple flash-card interfaces include a CompactFlash interface and smaller interfaces having fewer pins that the CompactFlash interface;

a CompactFlash connector, coupled to the converter means, for receiving a CompactFlash card through a single slot in the single-slot multi-flash-card reader, the CompactFlash connector making electrical connection with the CompactFlash card for signals in the CompactFlash interface;

an adapter, having a physical shape to removably insert into the CompactFlash connector, the adapter having a mating CompactFlash connector that fits the CompactFlash connector, the adapter also having a smaller connector, the smaller connector for fitting to other flash-memory cards having the smaller interfaces; and

wiring means, in the adapter, connected between the smaller connector and the mating CompactFlash connector, for directly connecting signals from the smaller connector in the smaller interface with signals in the mating CompactFlash connector;

whereby the adapter allows the other flash-memory cards having the smaller interfaces to fit into the CompactFlash connector through the single slot to be read by the converter means.

2. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 1 wherein the wiring means connects card select signals from all of the smaller interfaces to card select signals in the CompactFlash connector;

wherein the converter means includes card-detect means, coupled to sense the card select signals, for detecting presence of a flash-memory card inserted into the CompactFlash connector,

whereby the converter means detects presence of CompactFlash and the other flash-memory

cards having the smaller interfaces.

3. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 2 wherein the wiring means connects signals from the smaller interfaces to least-significant-bit (LSB) address signals in the CompactFlash connector;

wherein the converter means includes card-type-detect means, coupled to sense the LSB address signals, for detecting a type of a flash-memory card inserted into the CompactFlash connector;

wherein the type of flash-memory card detected includes CompactFlash cards and smaller flash-memory cards having the smaller interface;

whereby the converter means detects the type of flash-memory card inserted including CompactFlash and the other flash-memory cards-having the smaller interfaces.

4. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 3 wherein the LSB address

signals comprise an A0 signal and an A1 signal in the CompactFlash interface;

wherein the A1 signal is connected to a serial data signal in the smaller interface when

the smaller interface is a MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital interface or a Memory Stick interface,

whereby type detection is performed using the A1 signal connected to the serial data signal of the smaller interfaces.

5. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 4 wherein each type of the flash-memory cards for the smaller interfaces drives signals connected to the LSB address signals by the adapter to different logic levels;

wherein CompactFlash cards do not drive the LSB address signals, whereby the LSB address signals float for CompactFlash cards, but at least one of the LSB address signals are driven by the other flash-memory cards having the smaller interfaces when connected by the adapter.

6. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 5 further comprising:

pullup resistors, connected to the LSB address signals from the CompactFlash connector, for pulling the LSB address signals high when the converter means and the flash-memory card are not driving signals connected to the LSB address signals,

whereby the pullup resistors assist card-type detection.

7. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 6 wherein the wiring means is a passive wiring means without active components including integrated circuit chips, transistors, resistors, or capacitors,

whereby the adapter is a passive adapter.

8. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 7 wherein the smaller interfaces are selected from the group consisting of MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick flash-memory-card interfaces.

9. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 8 further comprising:

a second adapter, having a physical shape to removably insert into the CompactFlash connector, the second adapter having a mating CompactFlash connector that fits the CompactFlash connector, the second adapter also having a second smaller connector, the second smaller connector for fitting to a SmartMedia flash-memory cards having the smaller interface for SmartMedia, whereby the second adapter connects SmartMedia flash-memory cards to the CompactFlash connector.

10. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 9 further comprising:

a third adapter, having a physical shape to removably insert into the CompactFlash connector, the third adapter having a mating CompactFlash connector that fits the CompactFlash connector, the third adapter also having a third smaller connector, the third smaller connector for fitting to a Memory Stick flash-memory cards having the smaller interface for Memory Stick,

whereby the third adapter connects Memory Stick flash-memory cards to the CompactFlash connector.

11. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 10 wherein the CompactFlash interface has 50 pins including power and ground pins;

wherein the smaller interfaces have no more than 10 pins including power and ground pins.

12. The single-slot multi-flash-card reader of claim 10 wherein the converter means further comprises:

serial-to-parallel means, receiving serial data from the smaller interfaces, for converting serial data to a parallel data format for transfer to the personal computer,

whereby serial data from the smaller interfaces is converted to parallel, but parallel data

from CompactFlash cards are not converted.

13. A multi-flash-card reader comprising:

a host connection for transferring data to a host computer;

a converter chip, coupled to the host connection, for converting signals from flash-memory cards to read data from the flash-memory cards for transfer to the host computer;

a first connector, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a CompactFlash card inserted into a first slot for the first connector, the first connector having a parallel-data bus and an address bus and control signals for controlling parallel data transfer from the CompactFlash card to the converter chip;

a second connector, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a SmartMedia card inserted into a second slot for the second connector, the second connector having a parallel-data bus and control signals for controlling parallel data transfer from the SmartMedia card to the converter chip; and

a third connector, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a MultiMediaCard MMC card inserted into a third slot for the third connector, the third connector having a serial-data pin and a clock pin for controlling serial data transfer from the MMC card to the converter chip;

wherein the converter chip controls parallel data and address transfer for the CompactFlash card, parallel data transfer for the SmartMedia card, and serial data transfer for the MMC card,

whereby multiple flash-memory cards can be read by the multi-flash-card reader using the converter chip.

14. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 13 wherein the first connector, the second connector, and the third connector each have card detect signals for detecting presence of a flash-memory card inserted into a connector;

wherein the converter chip senses a voltage change in the card detect signals from a connector and activates a routine to access the flash-memory card activating the card detect signals,

whereby flash-memory cards are detected by the converter chip.

15. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 14 further comprising:

a fourth connector, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a Memory Stick card inserted into a fourth slot for the fourth connector, the fourth connector having a serial-data pin and a clock pin for controlling serial data transfer from the Memory Stick card to the converter chip;

wherein the converter chip also controls serial data transfer for the Memory Stick card.

16. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 14 further comprising:

a fourth connector, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a Memory Stick card inserted into the fourth connector, the fourth connector having at least one serial data pin and a clock pin for controlling serial data transfer from the Memory Stick card to the converter chip;

wherein the converter chip also controls serial data transfer for the Memory Stick card.

17. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 15 wherein the host connection is through an external cable to the host computer;

wherein the multi-flash-card reader is in an external housing separate from the host computer chassis,

whereby the multi-flash-card reader is external.

18. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 15 wherein the host connection is through an internal cable to a board for the host computer;

wherein the multi-flash-card reader is in a computer chassis that contains the host computer, whereby the multi-flash-card reader is internal.

19. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 15 wherein the converter chip further comprises:

a memory for storing routines for detecting presence of the flash-memory cards in the first, second, and third connectors, and routines for transferring data from the flash-memory car to the host computer;

central processing unit means for executing the routines stored in the memory;

timers, coupled to the central processing unit means, for determining a time interval;

input-output means, responsive to the central processing unit means, for sensing input signals from the first, second, and third connectors, and for driving output signals to the first, second, and third connectors;

shift means, responsive to the central processing unit means, for shifting serial data from the third and fourth connectors, but for shifting parallel data from the first and second connectors.

20. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 17 further comprising:

a removable mass storage, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a removable disk through a fifth slot in the external housing, the removable mass storage storing data from the flash-memory card in response to the converter chip,

whereby data is transferred to the removable mass storage.

21. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 18 wherein the multi-flash-card reader is located in a drive bay for an extra disk drive in the computer chassis.

22. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 20 further comprising:

an activating switch, closable by a user, for initiating transfer of data from a flash-memory card inserted into the first, second, or third connector to the removable mass storage, the activating switch coupled to activate a transfer routine in the converter chip,

whereby user-activated data transfer to the removable mass storage is initiated by the activating switch.

23. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 22 wherein the activating switch operates

when the host connection is not currently connected to the host computer, whereby the multi-flash-card reader is a stand-alone reader for transferring data from a flash-memory card to the removable mass storage.

24. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 23 wherein the removable mass storage accepts a removable tape or a removable rotating disk as a storage media.

25. A multi-flash-card reader comprising:

a host connection for transferring data to a host computer;

a converter chip, coupled to the host connection, for converting signals from flash-memory cards to read data from the flash memory cards for transfer to the host computer;

a first connector coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a CompactFlash card inserted into the first connector, the first connector having a data bus and an address bus and control signals for controlling parallel data transfer from the CompactFlash card to the converter chip;

a second connector, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a SmnartMedia card inserted into the second connector, the second connector having a data bus and control signals for controlling parallel data transfer from the SmartMedia card to the converter chip; and

a third connector, coupled to the convener chip, for accepting a MultiMediaCard MMC card iced into the i connector, the third connector having at least one serial-data pin and a clock pin for controlling serial data transfer from the MMC card to the converter chip;

wherein the converter chip controls parallel data and address transfer for the CompactFlash card, data transfer for the SmartMedia card, and serial data transfer for the MMC cared,

whereby multiple flash-memory cards can be read by the multi-flash-card reader using the converter chip.

26. A multi-flash-card reader comprising:

a host connection for transferring data to and from a host computer;

a converter chip, coupled to the host connection, for converting signals from flash-memory cards to read data from the flash-memory cards for transfer to and from the host computer;

a first connector, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a CompactFlash card inserted into the first connector, the first connector having a data bus and an address bus and control signals for controlling parallel data transfer from the CompactFlash card to the converter chip;

a second connector, coupled to the convener chip, for accepting a SmartMedia card insured into the second connector, the second connector having a data bus and control signals for controlling parallel data transfer to and from the SmartMedia card to and from the converter chip; and

a third connector, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a MultiMediaCard (MMC) or Secure Digital (SD) card inserted into the third connector, the third connector having at least one serial pin and a clock pin for controlling serial data transfer to and from the MMC/SD card to and from the converter chip;

wherein the converter chip controls data and address transfer for the CompactFlash card, data transfer for the SmartMedia card, and serial data transfer for the MMC/SD card,

whereby multiple flash-memory cards can be read by the multi-flash-card reader using the converter chip.

27. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 26 further comprising:

a fourth connector, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a Memory Stick card inserted into the forth connector, the fourth connector having at least one serial-data pin and a clock pin for controlling serial data transfer from the Memory Stick card to the converter chip;

wherein the converter chip also controls serial data transfer for the Memory Stick.

28. The multi-flash-card reader of claim 27 further comprising:

a removable mass storage, coupled to the converter chip, for accepting a removable disk in the external housing, the removable mass storage storing data from the flash-memory card in response to the converter chip, whereby data is transferred to the removable mass storage.