CN104951419B

CN104951419B - Dual bus express card peripheral

Info

Publication number: CN104951419B
Application number: CN201510362731.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔纳森.休伯特; 贾森.P.汉隆
Original assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
Current assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2007-06-29
Filing date: 2008-06-27
Publication date: 2020-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-27
Also published as: TW200907822A; WO2009006280A3; TWI475493B; CN101765833A; CN104951419A; WO2009006280A2; KR20100042628A

Abstract

A method of using first and second buses coupled to a single memory card slot associated with a host device, and a peripheral device capable of operating with PCIe and USB buses within a memory card slot associated with a host device are disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: (a) configuring a peripheral device to be coupled within a card slot having a first bus and a second bus; (b) configuring the peripheral device to transmit signals between the host device and a first semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device over a PCIe bus interface using a first bus; and (c) configuring the peripheral device to transfer signals between the host device and a second semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device over the USB interface using a second bus concurrently with signals being transferred between the host device and the first semiconductor memory over the first bus.

Description

Dual bus express card peripheral

The application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with the application date of 2008-27.6 and the application number of 200880022599.1 and the name of 'dual-bus express card peripheral'.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a peripheral device for using a dual bus interface in an express card (ExpressCard) slot, and a method of using the same.

Background

The strong growth in demand for portable consumer electronics drives the need for high capacity storage devices. Non-volatile semiconductor memory devices, such as flash memory type memory cards, are becoming widely used to meet the ever-increasing demand for digital information storage and exchange. Their portability, versatility and robust design, along with their high reliability and large storage capacity, have made such memory devices ideal for use in a wide variety of electronic devices, including, for example, digital cameras, digital music players, video game consoles, PDAs and cellular telephones.

One type of flash memory device that is popular is mil, californiaManufactured by SanDisk corporation of Pitas

And (7) storing the card. While being used for a variety of different applications, CompactFlash memory cards have been adopted as a de facto standard in both the professional and consumer imaging markets. Although there are several reasons for this including large storage capacity and low cost per megabyte, the form factor of CompactFlash memory cards has also proven to be an important contributing factor. In current high resolution digital cameras, the 43 mm by 36 mm size card is large enough for easy handling and small enough for convenient transport and use. Professionals and consumers feel comfortable and increasingly accustomed to memory cards of this size.

Several years ago, a consortium of member companies of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) developed express cards as a new standard for PC card technology

A peripheral device. Fig. 1 shows a pair of express

card storage cards

20 and 22 according to two standard express card form factors. The express card module 20 has a length of 75 mm and a maximum width of 54 mm. The express card module 22 has a length of 75 mm and a width of 34 mm. Both formats are 5 mm thick.

Module 20 is configured in a standard that is received within express card slot 24. The module 22 is configured so that it is received within either the slot 24 or the narrower slot 26. Specifically, the slot 24 includes guide rods 28 for guiding the module 22 into the correct position to ensure proper receipt of the module 22 when inserted into the wider slot 24.

One advantage of the fast card format over earlier PC card formats is improved data transfer speed due to the use of a higher performance serial data interface than a parallel bus. Express card technology uses simpler connectors and eliminates the CardBus controller in PC card applications by using direct connections to the PCI-express (pcie) and USB ports of the host platform 30. This reduces the cost of slot implementation in the host platform. However, in order to comply with the express card standard, there is a need for: host platform 30 must support both PCIe and USB interfaces. This includes: a single PCIe lane (lane) running at a baseline 2.5Gbps data rate in each direction (x1), as defined in PCI Express base specification 1.0a of PCI-SIG, which specification is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The host interface must also support: low-speed, full-speed, and high-speed USB data rates as defined in the USB 2.0 specification of the USB Implementers Forum, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Due to space and cost constraints, host computing platform 30 typically includes only a single express card slot. In a platform with only a single express card slot, when express card module 20/22 is inserted into the slot, the slot is no longer then available to perform any other functions. This is true despite the fact that the interface has two separate buses, a high performance PCIe bus and a more general USB interface. Currently, there are no known peripherals that accommodate two buses within the same express card slot.

Disclosure of Invention

Briefly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a peripheral device having two associated memory modules and which is configured to fit into a express card slot. One memory module communicates with the host through the PCIe bus interface of the express card slot, and the other memory module communicates with the host through the USB interface of the express card slot.

A first embodiment of the peripheral device comprises: an internal memory; and a card reader for receiving a memory card and an interface for connecting the peripheral device to a express card slot. In an embodiment, the memory module may communicate with the host device over a PCIe interface, and the memory card may communicate with the host device via the card reader over a USB interface. These communications over the PCIe and USB interfaces may occur concurrently because they use separate and independent pathways through the peripheral device interface.

In another embodiment of the present invention, instead of having an integrated module, the peripheral device may be formed by a first memory module and a second memory module, both of which may be inserted into or removed from the express card slot, and may also be fixed or detachable from each other. The individual memory modules may use separate and independent pathways through the peripheral device interface so that communication over the PCIe and USB interfaces may occur concurrently.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a first bus and a second bus coupled to a single memory card slot associated with a host device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) configuring a peripheral device to be coupled within a card slot having a first bus and a second bus; (b) configuring the peripheral device to transmit signals between the host device and a first semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device over a PCIe bus interface using a first bus; and (c) configuring the peripheral device to transfer signals between the host device and a second semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device over the USB interface using a second bus concurrently with signals being transferred between the host device and the first semiconductor memory over the first bus.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a peripheral device capable of operating with PCIe and USB buses within a memory card slot associated with a host device, comprising: a first semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device, the first semiconductor memory capable of communicating with the host device via a PCIe bus; and a second semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device, the second semiconductor memory being capable of communicating with the host device via the USB bus while transmitting signals over the PCIe bus between the host device and the first semiconductor memory, the second semiconductor memory communicating with the host device via the USB bus when the first semiconductor memory communicates with the host device via the PCIe bus while, and the second semiconductor memory communicating with the host device via the PCIe bus when the first semiconductor memory does not communicate with the host device.

Other embodiments of the present invention may include a pair of adapters that operate in conjunction with each other to allow a variety of different off-the-shelf memory cards to be used within the express card slot.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional express card standard memory card system.

Fig. 2 is a top view of a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a front view of a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a rear view of a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a top view of a peripheral device, and a memory card in a position to be received therein, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a top view of a peripheral device having a memory card secured therein according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a high-level block diagram of a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a detailed block diagram of a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a memory module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a side view of the memory module assembly shown in fig. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the storage module assembly according to FIG. 9 adjacent to a host device and receiving a second storage module.

FIG. 12 is a high-level block diagram of the combined memory module shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a detailed block diagram of the combined memory module of FIG. 11.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a host device including an adapter assembly inserted within a express card slot, and a second adapter for receiving a memory card.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a host computing device including the adapter assembly of FIG. 14 and a second adapter in which a memory card is positioned.

Detailed Description

Embodiments will now be described with reference to fig. 2 through 15, which relate to a peripheral device for using a dual bus interface in a express card slot, and a method of using the same. It is understood that the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents of these embodiments, which are included within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

Referring now to the top, front and back views of fig. 2-4, respectively, there is shown a peripheral device 100 for use within a standard express card slot such as that shown in prior art fig. 1. In general, the peripheral device 100 includes an internal memory, and a reader for receiving a memory card to allow concurrent data exchange between the internal memory and an attached memory card via a dual bus interface of the express card slot. Each of these features is described in more detail below. The peripheral device 100 may have the dimensions of a standard express card/34 module; i.e. a length of 75 mm, a width of 34 mm, and a height of 5 mm. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the peripheral device 100 may have the dimensions of a standard express card/54 module or other dimensions.

As can be seen in fig. 2, and in the view of fig. 3 along line 3-3, the front of peripheral device 100 includes a front interface 110 that includes female electrical connectors that mate with pins within a standard express card slot. As used herein, the "front" of the peripheral device refers to the portion of the device that is first inserted into the express card slot and, when inserted, is located at the rear of the slot. The "rear" of the peripheral device refers to the portion of the device that is located at the front opening of the slot when the device is inserted. In an embodiment, the interface 110 would be configured to mate with a standard 26 pin beam-on blade type connector used in a express card slot. As explained below, in alternative embodiments, peripheral device 100 may be used with other types of card slots, which may include other types of interface connectors at the front of the adapter.

Referring now to fig. 2-6, the rear end of the peripheral device 100 may include a slot 112, as best seen in the view of fig. 4 taken along line 4-4 in fig. 2. Slot 112 is configured to receive a memory card 130, which may be any of a variety of memory card standards, such as an SD card, Smart Media card, Mini SD card, TransFlash memory card, memory stick (MemoryStick), Pico card, MMC card, or RS-MMC card. Other memory modules are also contemplated. As explained below, the rear portion of peripheral device 100 may include a memory card reader for transferring data to and from memory card 130.

The peripheral device 100 may also include

side rails

116a and 116b along two edges of the device 100. The side rails 116a, 116b provide at least 4 functions. First, the

side rails

116a, 116b mate within channels provided in the memory card slot to provide a user with a robust, accurate feel for inserting the peripheral device 100 into the card slot and removing the device 100 from the slot.

Side rails

116a, 116b may also prevent apparatus 100 from being inserted upside down into a speed card slot. Third,

side rails

116a, 116b frictionally engage channels within the card slot to securely hold peripheral 100 within the card slot at all times except when peripheral 100 is intentionally removed.

The fourth function of

side rails

116a and 116b is to discard the ejector mechanisms that are conventionally provided in all express card slots. In particular, it is known to provide a conventional ejector mechanism within a speed card slot for ejecting a memory card. Such ejector mechanisms include the push button ejector commonly used in earlier PC cards, and a "push-push" mechanism in which a module within the protected express card slot is pressed at the rear end of the module and, once protected, is again pressed at the rear end of the module to eject the module from the slot. The functionality of the ejector mechanism may not be compatible with a peripheral device according to embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, a user may wish to place an embodiment of peripheral device 100 into a express card slot and leave peripheral device 100 there while inserting and removing a memory module operating with peripheral device 100 (as explained below). Pressing the "push-push" memory card or ejector button within the ejector slot may not only eject the memory card, but disadvantageously eject peripheral device 100.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a "set-it-and-get-it" function to peripheral 100. That is, the user may insert peripheral device 100 into the express card slot, and thereafter, the user may insert and remove the memory card without requiring the user to take any additional action or attention with peripheral device 100. This functionality is provided by

side rails

116a, 116b that are configured to disable (i.e., deactivate) an ejector mechanism provided within the express card slot.

To disable the quick card slot ejector mechanism,

side rails

116a, 116b are provided with a length that: it is sufficient to allow for secure insertion and removal, as well as frictional engagement with the quick-card slot, but also terminates short of the front of the device 100. Specifically, for example, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the

side rails

116a, 116b extend from the rear of the peripheral 100, but terminate short of the front end of the device 100. Conventional ejector mechanisms operate by engaging portions of the front of the express card memory card. By terminating the

side rails

116a, 116b short of the front of the device 100, the peripheral device has no portion that can engage with the ejector mechanism in a conventional express card slot.

Since some express card slots may have their ejector mechanisms on the left side and some express card slots may have their ejector mechanisms on the right side,

side rails

116a and 116b terminate before the front of peripheral 100 so that the ejector mechanisms are discarded whether they are located on the left or right side of the card slot. However, in an alternative embodiment, for an example where the peripheral device 100 is to be used in a card slot having an ejector mechanism that is always on the same side, the side rail on that side may terminate short of the front of the device, and the side rail on the opposite side may extend all the way to the front of the device. In an embodiment, the side rails may accomplish this function by terminating 10 mm to 15 mm from the front of the peripheral 100. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the side rails 116a and 116b may terminate at a greater or lesser distance from the front end.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a high level block diagram of a peripheral device 100 coupled to a host computing platform 134 via a express card interface. As can be seen in fig. 7, the internal peripheral device 100 includes an integrated memory module 140 capable of transferring data to and from the host computing platform 134 via the PCIe bus interface of the express card slot. The internal peripheral device 100 also includes a reader 142 that can receive the memory card 120. Reader 142 is capable of transferring data between host computing platform 134 and card 120 via the USB bus interface of the express card slot. As used herein, the term "memory module" may mean: integrated semiconductor memory, as in the case of module 140; or a portable semiconductor memory as in the case of the memory card 120. Memory card 120 may be any of a variety of known memory card standards having dimensions capable of fitting within reader 142.

Peripheral device 100 is secured (affix) to host computing platform 134 via interface 110, which interface 110 may be a 26 pin connector. A first set of those pins is dedicated to the PCIe bus interface, while a separate set of pins in interface 110 is dedicated to the USB interface. Peripheral device 100 thus allows data to be exchanged between host computing platform 134 and memory module 140, and host computing platform 134 and memory card 120 via the dual bus interface of the express card slot. In an embodiment, memory module 140 may communicate with a host device over a PCIe interface, while memory card 120 may communicate with a host device over a USB interface. Since these communications use separate and independent pathways through interface 110, these communications over the PCIe and USB interfaces may occur concurrently.

The integrated memory module 140 may be located adjacent to the interface 110 and electrically connected to pins of the interface 110 adjacent thereto, which are dedicated to the PCIe bus interface. Instead, the reader 142 may be located at the back end of the peripheral device 100. The pins of interface 110 dedicated to the USB bus may be electrically coupled to reader 142 via electrical leads that pass through peripheral device 100, between interface 110 and reader 142, and through memory module 140.

A more detailed block diagram of peripheral device 100 is shown in fig. 8. As shown in fig. 8, peripheral device 100 includes a memory module 140 and a card reader 142, both integrated within peripheral device 100. As is known in the art, the memory module 140 may include a controller, such as an ASIC, having a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, and a flash interface for communicating with non-volatile flash memory. As shown, the controller may also include a PCIe interface for interfacing with a PCIe bus.

As is known in the art, the reader 142 may include a memory card interface designed to interface with a memory card 120 of the type in which the reader 142 is configured. Data may be transferred between the memory card interface and the USB interface within reader 142, with reader 142 in turn being coupled to the USB-specific portion of interface 110 via electrical leads through peripheral 100. It should be understood that peripheral device 100 may be configured to operate via a USB interface according to the USB 2.0 specification, the USB 3.0 specification, or any other version that may be provided now or in the future.

Memory card 120 may operate in a manner similar to memory module 140. As is known in the art, the card 120 may include a controller, such as an ASIC, having a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, and a flash interface for communicating with non-volatile flash memory. As shown, the controller may also include an interface for interfacing with a memory card reader 142.

In the above embodiment, peripheral device 100 includes an integrated memory module 140, and an integrated card reader 142 for exchanging data with host computing platform 134 via the two buses provided by the express card standard. In another embodiment of the present invention, rather than having an integrated module, peripheral device 100 may be formed from a first memory module and a second memory module, both of which may be inserted and removed from the fast card slot and also may be fixed and detached from each other. Such alternative embodiments are described below with reference to fig. 9-13.

In the embodiment of fig. 9-13, peripheral device 100 includes a memory module assembly 150 and a memory card 130. The storage module assembly 150 may be identical to the Adapter assembly 100 disclosed in U.S. patent application No. 11/771,767 (previously incorporated by reference) entitled "Adapter for an ExpressCard Slot" filed on 29.6.2007 with one exception. That is, the adapter assembly 100 of the incorporated application includes an adapter 102 that is simply a pass-through of electrical leads connecting the front and rear interfaces. In the fig. 9-13 embodiment of the present invention, the adapter 102 of the incorporated application is replaced by a storage module 152 that is similar in operation to the storage module 140 described above. Storage module 152 may include a front interface 154 similar to interface 110 described above, and

side rails

156a and 156b similar in function to

side rails

116a and 116b described above. Memory module 152 may be 45 millimeters long, 34 millimeters wide, and 5 millimeters high, thereby fitting snugly within the rear end of the express card slot.

The memory module assembly 150 also includes a backend interface 158 that includes a male connector (maleconnector) for mating with and electrically coupling to one of a plurality of memory card formats. In one embodiment, the interface 158 may be configured to mate with a memory card 130, described later, the interface 158 being 45 millimeters long, 34 millimeters wide, and 4 millimeters thick. For such applications, interface 158 may employ a standard connector, such as that used in a flash card slot for a 5 mm thick memory card, but which has been modified to be thinner to operate with a 4 mm thick card. The interface 158 may be similar to a standard 5 millimeter connector in all other respects, such as the number and type of pin contacts and the contact forces established by the pin contacts. In an alternative embodiment, memory module assembly 150 according to the present invention may operate with memory cards other than memory card 130, such as CompactFlash memory cards, secure digital memory cards, or a variety of other standard cards. In such embodiments, interface 158 may be a standard connector for interfacing with these cards.

Memory module assembly 150 also includes a tongue (tongue)164 secured to memory module 152. The tongue 164 may be formed of a strong material such as metal, plastic, or other polymer, and may be the same or different material as the material of the housing. In an embodiment, tongue 164 may have a length of 45 millimeters to extend from memory module 152 to the front opening of the express card slot. Thus, the memory module 152 and tongue 164 together extend the entire 75 mm length of the express card slot. The width of the tongue 164 may be the width of the express card slot, such as 34 mm. It should be understood that the width of tongue 164 need not extend across the entire width of the express card slot, and may be less than 34 millimeters in other embodiments.

The tongue 164 may have a thickness of, for example, 1 millimeter. Memory card 130 is received in the express card slot on top of tongue 164, as described below. Thus, the combined thickness of the tongue 164 and the memory card 130 must be less than or equal to the height of the express card slot, e.g., 5 millimeters. In embodiments where a memory card 130 is provided having a thickness of less than 4 millimeters, the thickness of the tongue 164 may be greater than 1 millimeter. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the tongue 164 may be thinner than 1 millimeter, wherein the tongue 164 is specified to have sufficient stiffness to transmit insertion forces exerted on the handle (grip)166, as described below.

Handle 166 is secured to tongue 164 and, when memory module assembly 150 is fully inserted into the slot, protrudes from the front opening of the memory card slot. In an embodiment, a handle 166 is provided for removal and insertion of the storage module assembly 150. The memory module assembly 150 may be a set-it-and-fork-it device that does not become dislodged when a memory card is inserted or removed. However, when the user desires, the user may remove the memory module assembly 150 from the fast card slot by grasping the finger grip 166 and manually pulling the memory module assembly 150 out of the slot. Additionally, as described above, the user may grasp handle 166 to insert storage module assembly 150 into the fully engaged position within the quick-card slot.

In particular, memory card 130 may be adapted to fit within a express card slot, attached at the back end of memory module 152. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the storage module assembly 150 adjacent to the slot 160 of the host device 134. Fig. 11 also shows the memory card 130 adjacent to the memory module assembly 150. When assembled together, memory module assembly 150 and memory card 130 form peripheral device 100. The memory module assembly 150 itself may be inserted into the slot 160, after which the card 130 is inserted into the slot 160. Alternatively, memory card 130 may be first coupled to memory module assembly 150, and then memory module assembly 150 and memory card 130 may be inserted together into express card slot 160.

The operation of the memory module assembly 150 and memory card 130 will now be described with reference to the high-level block diagram of fig. 12. When both memory module assembly 150 and memory card 130 are inserted into express card slot 160, as explained above with respect to integrated memory module 140, memory module 152 may exchange data with host platform 134 via the PCIe bus interface.

Memory card 130 communicates with host platform 134 through memory module assembly 150. Specifically, the memory card 130 is connected to an interface 158 of the component 150. Interface 158 has pins dedicated to a USB interface and is coupled to a USB port of host platform 134 via electrical leads extending between interface 154 and interface 158 at the front of assembly 150. The electrical leads extend through the housing around the memory module 152 (fig. 9). Thus, memory card 130 may use the USB interface of the express card slot through memory module assembly 150 when operating with memory module assembly 150.

In the first embodiment described above, the peripheral device 100 has been described as including an integrated memory module 140 and an integrated card reader 142 for receiving a memory card. In the second embodiment described above, the peripheral device 100 may include a first memory module and a second memory module that may be assembled with each other and may be removably inserted into the express card slot. In other alternate embodiments of the present invention (not shown), peripheral device 100 may include a first integrated memory module permanently secured within peripheral device 100, and a second integrated memory module permanently secured within the peripheral device. In such embodiments, the first integrated storage module and the second integrated storage module may concurrently communicate with the host platform 134 over respective PCIe and USB interfaces as described above.

The invention discloses an embodiment that: memory card 130 operates with memory module 152 to utilize both buses of the express card slot. In such an example, memory card 130 uses a USB interface. However, it is also contemplated that memory card 130 may operate within express card slot 160 without memory module 152. Specifically, the memory card 130 may operate with an Adapter assembly 200 (FIGS. 14-15), the Adapter assembly 200 may be identical to the Adapter assembly 100 disclosed in the previously incorporated patent application entitled "Adapter for an ExpressCardSlot".

When memory card 130 and adapter assembly 200 operate within express card slot 160, data exchange between host computing platform 134 and memory card 130 may occur over the PCIe bus interface. In an embodiment, memory card 130 may include a controller capable of identifying when it is secured to interface 158 of memory module 152, or when it is secured to adapter assembly 200. When the controller senses that memory card 130 is secured to memory module 152, the controller may cause data exchange via the USB interface. Conversely, when the controller of the memory card 130 senses that the card 130 is secured to the adapter assembly 200, the controller may cause data exchange via the PCIe bus interface.

More detailed details of the memory module 152 and the memory card 130 are now described by referring to the block diagram of fig. 13. The memory module 152 may include components known in the art as described above with reference to the memory module 140 in fig. 8. The memory module 152 may primarily include a controller, such as an ASIC, having a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, and a flash interface for communicating with non-volatile memory. As shown, the controller may also include a PCIe interface for interfacing with a PCIe bus.

Memory card 130 may have components similar to memory card 120 described above with reference to fig. 8. However, in embodiments of the present invention, one difference is that: depending on whether memory card 130 is operating with memory module 152 or adapter assembly 200, memory card 130 may communicate with host platform 134 via a PCIe bus or a USB bus. Thus, memory card 130 may include a USB interface for communicating with a USB port of host device 134, and a PCIe interface for communicating with a PCIe port of host device 134. As noted above, a controller included as part of memory card 130 may determine whether communication is occurring over a USB interface or a PCIe interface.

Referring now to fig. 14 and 15, an embodiment of the present invention may include a pair of adapters operating in conjunction with each other to allow the use of multiple different standard memory cards within express card slot 160. In particular, in the embodiments described above with reference to fig. 9-13, memory card 130 may be used within express card slot 160 via memory module assembly 150 or via an adapter assembly, as described in the above-referenced adapter patent application. In the embodiment of fig. 14 and 15, the memory card 130 may be replaced with an adapter 180 described below.

Fig. 14 shows a first adapter, adapter assembly 200. The adapter assembly 200 is identical to the adapter assembly 100 disclosed in the above-referenced adapter patent application. Instead of the adapter assembly 200, the storage module assembly 150 described above may be used. These figures are referred to by the reference numeral "150/200" to indicate that the illustrated component may be a storage module component 150 or an adapter component 200. Fig. 14 also shows a second adapter, adapter 180. Adapter 180 may have the same form factor and external features as memory card 130. That is, the adapter 180 may have a length of about 45 millimeters, a width of about 34 millimeters, and a height of about 4 millimeters.

The adapter 180 may include a front interface 182 that is capable of mating with a rear interface on the storage module assembly 150/adapter assembly 200 (hereinafter "assembly 150/200"). Adapter 180 may also include a slot 184 for receiving a memory card, such as memory card 120 described above. A lip (lip)186 may also be provided on the adapter 180. Lip 186 functions similarly to lip 132 of the adapter patent application referenced above to prevent adapter 180 from being lost within express card slot 160 without adapter 200.

Referring now to fig. 15, memory card 120 may be inserted into adapter 180. Although not shown, an interface at the front of slot 184 may be electrically coupled to interface 182 of adapter 180 to pass signals from memory card 120 to a rear interface of assembly 150/200. Component 150/200 may then transmit these signals to host computing platform 134. In fig. 15, memory card 120 is shown as: the adapter 180 is inserted into the adapter 180 before the adapter 180 is inserted into the component 150/200 within the express card slot 160. In an alternative mode of use, adapter 180 may be inserted into a quick-card slot and mated with component 150/200. Memory card 120 may then be inserted into slot 184 while adapter 180 is installed in the express card slot. Memory card 120 may be formed in accordance with any of a number of standard card configurations, such as an SD card, SmartMedia card, Mini SD card, Ttansflash memory card or memory stick, Pico card, MMC card, and RS-MMC card. Other devices are also contemplated.

In other optional modes of operation, the adapter 180 may be coupled to the component 150/200 while the component 150/200 is outside of the express card slot 160. The combined components may then be inserted into express card slot 160. Memory card 120 in this embodiment may be secured within adapter 180 before or after adapter 180 is secured to assembly 150/200.

In embodiments where the components used are memory module components 150, memory modules 152 of components 150 may communicate over a PCIe bus interface and memory card 120 may communicate over a USB interface. In embodiments where the component used is an adapter component 200 (or some other adapter that allows memory card 120 to be used in a express card slot), memory card 120 may communicate with host platform 134 over a PCIe bus interface. Memory card 120 may have a controller for determining when the memory module assembly is using the PCIe bus interface and the corresponding direct communication over the USB interface. In the event that the controller determines that no other storage modules are present and the PCIe bus is not being used, the controller may cause communications to occur over the PCIe bus interface.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, any of various existing memory cards can be used in the express card slot. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, it should also be understood that adapter 180 may be used without either of components 150 or 200, in card slots other than express card slots that are sized to receive adapter 180.

The foregoing detailed description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The described embodiments were chosen in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A method of using a first bus and a second bus coupled to a single memory card slot associated with a host device, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) configuring a peripheral device to be coupled within a card slot having a first bus and a second bus;

(b) configuring the peripheral device to transmit signals between the host device and a first semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device over a PCIe bus interface using a first bus;

(c) configuring the peripheral device to transmit signals between the host device and a second semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device over the USB interface using a second bus concurrently with the transmission of signals between the host device and the first semiconductor memory over the first bus; and

(d) the peripheral device is configured to transmit signals between the host device and the second semiconductor memory using a PCIe bus interface when the first semiconductor memory is not in communication with the host device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (b) of configuring the peripheral device to utilize a first bus to transmit signals between the host device and a first semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device comprises the steps of: the peripheral device is configured such that the first semiconductor memory is integrated into the peripheral device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said step (b) of configuring the peripheral device to transmit signals between the host device and a first semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device using a first bus comprises the steps of: the first semiconductor memory is electrically coupled to electrical leads dedicated to the first bus.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said step (c) of configuring the peripheral device to transmit signals between the host device and a second semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device using a second bus comprises the steps of: the peripheral device is configured to operate with a second semiconductor memory secured to the peripheral device by a memory card reader.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said step (c) of configuring the peripheral device to transmit signals between the host device and a second semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device using a second bus comprises the steps of: the second semiconductor memory is electrically coupled to an electrical lead dedicated to the second bus.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (b) of configuring the peripheral device to utilize a first bus to transmit signals between the host device and a first semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device comprises the steps of: including a first portable semiconductor memory removably inserted into a memory card slot.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said step (c) of configuring the peripheral device to transmit signals between the host device and a second semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device using a second bus comprises the steps of: including a second portable semiconductor memory removably inserted into the memory card slot.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of configuring the peripheral device to utilize a second portable semiconductor memory removably inserted into the memory card slot comprises the steps of: the connector of the second portable semiconductor memory is configured to be fixed to the connector of the first portable semiconductor memory.

9. A peripheral device capable of operating with PCIe and USB buses within a memory card slot associated with a host device, comprising:

a first semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device, the first semiconductor memory capable of communicating with the host device via a PCIe bus; and

a second semiconductor memory associated with the peripheral device, the second semiconductor memory capable of communicating with the host device via the USB bus while transmitting signals over the PCIe bus between the host device and the first semiconductor memory, the second semiconductor memory communicating with the host device via the USB bus when the first semiconductor memory communicates with the host device via the PCIe bus while communicating with the host device via the PCIe bus, and the second semiconductor memory communicating with the host device via the PCIe bus when the first semiconductor memory does not communicate with the host device.

10. The peripheral device of claim 9, further comprising an interface connector for mating with a connector within the memory card slot, the interface connector including a first set of electrical contacts dedicated to the first bus and a second set of electrical contacts dedicated to the second bus.

11. The peripheral device of claim 10, wherein the first semiconductor memory is electrically coupled to the first set of electrical contacts.

12. The peripheral device as recited in claim 11, wherein the second semiconductor memory is electrically coupled to the second set of electrical contacts.

13. The peripheral device as recited in claim 9, wherein the first semiconductor memory is integrated into the peripheral device.

14. A peripheral device as recited in claim 13, wherein the second semiconductor memory is secured to a card reader that is integrated into the peripheral device.

15. The peripheral device as recited in claim 13, wherein the second semiconductor memory is integrated into the peripheral device.

16. The peripheral device of claim 9, wherein the first semiconductor memory is removably inserted into the memory card slot.

17. The peripheral device as recited in claim 16, wherein the second semiconductor memory is removably inserted into the memory card slot.