Removable memory media with integral indicator light

• US 7,277,011 B2
• Filed: 02/21/2003
• Issued: 10/02/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: Estakhri, Petro
• Primary Examiner(s): SWARTHOUT, BRENT
• Application Number:
  US10/371,861
• Publication Number:
  US 20030161199A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,684 Days
• Field of Search: 340/500, 369/22, 369/53.1, 369/53.31, 369/53, 369/44, 369/70, 365/185.33, 365/230.03, 365/221, 365/228.X, 371/10.2, 371/21.1, 711/163, 711/164, 711/103, 348/231.1, 348/231.3, 386/117, 386/107, 386/104, 395/430, 396/281, 396/310.X, 396/321.X
• US Class Current: 340/540
• 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. a controller, operatively coupled to the flash cells; and

c. a single LED, operatively coupled to the controller for providing an in-use signal which is perceivable by a user whether the flash memory module is active, including performing internal maintenance operations, wherein the LED is further coupled to a signal from the controller that causes the LED to blink in a first cadence to provide the in-use signal and to blink in a second cadence to provide a replacement signal.

2. The flash memory module according to claim 1, wherein the LED is further coupled to a signal from the controller that indicates that the controller has counted a threshold number of program-erase cycles of the plurality of flash cells and that the LED is to blink in a predetermined pattern.

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

4. The flash memory module according to claim 1, 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, including performing internal memory operations.

6. The flash memory module according to claim 1, wherein the LED is continuously lighted for the in-use signal and the LED is blinking according to a predetermined cadence for the replacement signal.

7. A flash memory module according to claim 1, in which the controller is an integrated controller.

8. A removable memory device comprising:

a. a housing;

b. a plurality of flash memory cells mounted within the housing;

c. a controller, operatively coupled to the flash memory cells and also mounted within the housing;

d. a single LED, operatively coupled to the plurality of flash memory cells and to the controller for indicating that the removable device is in use, including during internal memory operations, the LED further indicating that the controller has counted a maximum quantity of program-erase cycles of the plurality of flash memory cells; and

e. an electrical connector mounted to the housing and operatively coupled to the plurality of flash memory cells and the controller for coupling the removable flash memory device to the external system.

9. The removable memory device according to claim 8, in which the controller is an integrated controller.