JPH09134232A - Composite function-type pc card - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use a composite function-type PC card without changing software in a data processor which is designed in such a way that only a single function- type PC card can be used and to make the function of the data processor to be high. SOLUTION: The composite function-type PC card is constituted by a card main body 10 where two functions A and B are mounted, a first back connector 20 for using the function A and a second back connector 30 for using the function B. A first connector part 15 transferring data with a PC card socket 40 provided in the data processor and a second connector part 16 for connecting the back connectors are provided. The first back connector 20 and the second back connector 30 are constituted so that they can individually be fitted to the second connector part 16.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-function PC card for adding at least two types of functions that are the same or different from the originally provided functions to a data processing device such as a personal computer or a portable terminal. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a PC card for adding a function that is not originally provided in a data processing device, a single-function type PC card in which one function is mounted on one card body has been used. In 1995, a multi-function PC card having a plurality of functions mounted on a single card body was recognized. The multi-function type PC card is applied when a plurality of communication functions, for example, a function of a modem and a LAN are mounted on one card body and two or more communication functions are added to a data processing device. This multifunction PC card is
It is particularly advantageous in that a plurality of functions can be added to a data processing device having only one card socket at the same time.

In the case of a PC card having a communication function, a back connector for connecting a communication cable to the card body is required. However, since the type of back connector that is suitable for each communication function is different, a plurality of communication is required. In the case of a multi-function PC card having a function, the number of back connectors corresponding to the number of communication functions installed is required. The multi-function PC card that has been conventionally proposed is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, two back connectors 2 and 3 adapted to the respective communication functions are connected in parallel to the card body 1 having the two communication functions. The back connector is composed of a combination of plugs and jacks.

[0004]

By the way, the conventional multi-function type PC card is constructed so that the function changing switch mounted therein is operated by a signal from the data processing device to select a desired function. If the data processing device is designed on the assumption that the multi-function PC card is installed and the data processing device is equipped with software for function selection, the installed functions are switched appropriately for use. can do. However, since the data processing device designed so that only a single-function type PC card can be mounted does not have software for function selection, in order to use the multi-function type PC card, at least the software In some cases, the multi-function PC card cannot be used because it needs to be changed.

Further, with regard to the PC card, even if the person who does not have the specialized knowledge about the interface specifications of the computer under the idea of "plug and play", the function installed by simply inserting the card is automatically used. It is desirable to be able to do so. In the conventional single-function PC card, an attribute information memory that stores the attribute information of the PC card is mounted on the card body in order to cope with the request, and the data processing device can read the stored data of the memory. By this, the attribute information of the PC card can be automatically detected. However, in a multi-function PC card, a plurality of attribute information must be stored in the attribute information memory according to each function,
When the attribute information is read by the same method as in the case of the single-function type PC card, all the attribute information stored in the attribute information memory is read, and it is not possible to specify which function is used on the data processing device side. For this reason, the user is forced to operate the software to switch the function, which is inconvenient for the user who does not have specialized knowledge about the computer.

Further, in the conventional multi-function type PC card, since the attribute information memory is mounted on the card body and the stored contents cannot be easily changed, the function is expandable. There was also the inconvenience of not being able to do it.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and firstly, its purpose is to provide a single-function type P
A data processing device designed to be able to use only a C card can use a multi-function PC card without changing the software so that the data processing device can be highly functionalized.

Secondly, the plug-and-play of the multi-function PC card is realized to provide the multi-function PC card which is more convenient to use.

Thirdly, the compound function type PC card is provided with the expandability of the function to provide a compound function type PC card having a higher function.

[0010]

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention provides a plurality of communication circuits, storage circuits or data processing circuits (in this specification, these are collectively referred to as "functional circuits"). A card body provided with a first connector portion for mounting in a PC card socket provided in an external data processing device and a second connector portion for mounting a back connector. The second
In a multi-function type PC card which is detachably connected to the connector part of the back connector and has a plurality of back connectors that correspond to a specific functional circuit in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of back connectors is connected to the second connector part. With respect to each of the plurality of functional circuits mounted on the card body, between the second connector portion and each of the back connectors, each back connector is configured to be independently mountable. The contact is provided to selectively operate the functional circuit of the card corresponding to the connector.

In a data processing device designed to use only a single-function type PC card, in order to be able to use the multi-function type PC card without changing the software, It suffices to provide some function switching means and operate the means so that only one of the plurality of functions mounted on the multi-function PC card can be selectively used.

When each of the plurality of back connectors is configured so that only one back connector can be independently connected to the second connector portion, when one back connector is connected to the second connector portion, , It is possible to prohibit the connection of other back connectors. Further, if a contact for function selection is provided between the card body and each back connector, when one back connector is attached to the second connector portion, only one function corresponding to the back connector is selectively selected. Can be used. Further, when the back connector connected to the second connector portion is removed and replaced with another back connector, the previously used single function type card is pulled out from the data processing device side as if it were the card socket. , Looks like fitted with another single-function card.

Therefore, the multi-function type PC card can be used even in the data processing apparatus designed so that only the single-function type PC card can be used, and the high performance of the data processing apparatus can be realized.

Further, in order to achieve the second object, the present invention provides a PC card interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the data processing device in the card body in the multi-function PC card. An attribute information memory in which attribute information of each of the functional circuits is stored in advance is mounted, and a functional circuit unique to the back connector is provided between the second connector portion provided on the card body and each back connector. A contact is provided for connecting the selection line to the attribute information memory, and a contact is provided for connecting the functional component provided in the back connector to the selected specific functional circuit.

Further, as another means for achieving the second object, in the multi-function type PC card,
A PC card interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the data processing device is mounted on the card body, and attribute information of a specific functional circuit selected from the functional circuits is stored in advance in each of the back connectors. And a back connector which connects the PC card interface and the attribute information memory between a second connector portion provided on the card body and each back connector. And a contact for connecting the functional component provided in the above to a specific functional circuit selected by the stored data of the attribute information memory.

Further, as another means for achieving the second object, in the multi-function type PC card, a PC card interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the card main body is performed. A face, an attribute flash memory having an address decoder, and an upper address generation circuit for designating an upper address of the memory, and a PC card socket provided in the data processing device and a first card provided in the card body. 1
And a connector for connecting a lower address bus provided in the data processing device to the attribute flash memory between the connector unit and the second connector unit provided in the card body and the back connectors. A contact for connecting the selection line for the upper address to the upper address generation circuit and a contact for connecting the functional component provided on the back connector to the selected specific functional circuit are provided between them.

According to each of these means, since the desired functional circuit and the attribute information of the functional circuit are switched by replacing the back connector, the data processing device can recognize the attribute information of any one of the functional circuits. You can Therefore, it is possible to realize plug-and-play even though it is a multi-function type PC card, and it is possible to obtain almost the same usability as the single-function type PC card.

Further, in order to achieve the third object, the present invention is equipped with a PC card interface for inputting / outputting data to / from a data processing device and a functional circuit capable of rewriting software, A card body provided with a first connector portion for mounting in a PC card socket provided in the processing device and a second connector portion for mounting a back connector, and detachably mounted in the second connector portion. In a multi-function PC card including a plurality of back connectors connected to each other, at least one of the plurality of back connectors is allowed to rewrite software of the functional circuit via the PC card interface. A second memory provided on the card body with a built-in attribute information memory in which a software rewrite permission key is stored in advance. And the configuration of including the PC card contacts connecting the interface and attribute information memory between the connector portion and the each back connector.

As described above, when the multi-function type PC card is configured from the card main body having the functional circuit capable of rewriting software and the back connector having the attribute information memory storing the software rewriting permission key, the card main body is formed. Since the software of the functional circuit can be rewritten simply by attaching the back connector to, and it becomes possible to execute various functions by changing the software.
The function can be expanded more than a PC card in which a plurality of functional circuits are pre-installed.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

<First Embodiment> A multifunction PC card according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-function PC card according to this example.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a card detection method.

As is apparent from FIG. 1, the multi-function PC card of this example has a card body 10 having two functions, that is, a function A and a function B, and a first function for using the function A. It is composed of a back connector 20 and a second back connector 30 for using the function B.

The card body 10 has a first data processing circuit 11 or the like for executing the function A, a second data processing circuit 12 or the like for executing the function B, and first and second back circuits. Detecting which back connector of the connectors 20 and 30 is connected to the card body 10 A
A / B detection circuit 13 and a function switching circuit 14 for switching the function of the card to A or B based on the detection data of the A / B detection circuit 13 are mounted. As the function switching circuit 14, a PC card interface having an attribute information memory is usually used. A first connector section 15 for exchanging data with a PC card socket 40 provided in the data processing device is provided on the insertion side of the card body 10 into the data processing device.
On the connection side of the second back connectors 20 and 30, there is provided a second connector portion 16 having contacts corresponding to the contacts provided on the back connector in a one-to-one correspondence.

The first connector section 15 has an input / output terminal 15a for exchanging data with an input / output pin 41 provided in the PC card socket 40, and a card detection pin 42 provided in the PC card socket 40. And a card detection terminal 15b for transmitting a card detection signal. Further, the card detecting terminal 1 is provided on the second connector portion 16.
A first contact 16a electrically connected to 5b;
Second contact 16 electrically connected to the / B detection circuit 13
b, a third contact 16c electrically connected to the first data processing circuit 11 or the like, and a fourth contact 16d electrically connected to the second data processing circuit 12 or the like. To be The input / output pin 41 is usually composed of a set of a plurality of pins of 68 or less.

On the other hand, the first back connector 20
Has a first contact 2 connected to the first contact 16a.
0a, a second contact 20b connected to the second contact 16b, an input / output cable 21 at one end, and a third contact 20c connected to the third contact 16c.

On the other hand, the second back connector 30 has a first contact 30a connected to the first contact 16a,
A second contact 30b connected to the second contact 16b
And an input / output cable 31 is connected to one end, and a third contact 30c is connected to the fourth contact 16d.

As is apparent from FIG. 1, the first contact point 20a of the first back connector 20 and the first contact point 30a of the second back connector 30 have a contact point structure (setting position and shape of the contact point, etc.). ) Has the same structure, and whichever back connector is attached to the card body 10, the attachment of the back connector can be detected in the card body 10.

Hereinafter, a method for detecting whether the card is mounted or not mounted will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a method for detecting the mounting or non-mounting of a card defined by the 16-bit PC card standard, in which the first contact 16a provided on the card body 10 is provided with the first contact provided on the back connector. If the one contact 20a or 30a is not connected,
The potential of the card detection terminal 15b electrically connected to the first contact 16a, that is, the potential of the card detection pin 42 is the power supply voltage Vcc. From this state, the card body 1
When the first contact 16a provided in 0 is connected to the first contact 20a or 30a provided in the back connector, the potential of the card detection terminal 15b, that is, the potential of the card detection pin 42 becomes the ground voltage GND. As a result, the data processing device can detect the attachment or non-attachment of the back connector to the card body 10.

On the other hand, the first back connector 20
The second contact 20b provided in the first back connector 20b and the second contact 30b provided in the second back connector 30 have different contact structures from each other. It is possible to discriminate whether or not is connected or the second back connector 30 is connected.

The method of use and the operation of the multi-function PC card constructed as described above will be described below.

When the card body 10 is inserted into the PC card socket 40 of the data processor with the card body 10 oriented in a predetermined direction, the input / output terminal 15a and the card detection terminal 15b provided on the first connector portion 15 of the card body 10 become The input / output pin 41 and the card detection pin 42 provided on the PC card socket 40 are electrically connected to each other.

When the first back connector 20 is connected to the second connector portion 16 of the card body 10 in this state,
The first back connector 2 is attached to the first, second and third terminals 16a, 16b and 16c provided in the second connector portion 16.
0 provided with the first, second and third terminals 20a, 20
b and 20c are electrically connected to each other. by this,
The potential of the card detection pin 42 becomes the ground voltage GND, and the PC card socket 40 is set to P on the data processor side.
It is detected that the C card is attached. Also, A / B
The detection circuit 13 detects that the first back connector 20 is connected to the card body 10, and the function switching circuit 14 switches the data processing circuit or the like to the first data processing circuit 11 or the like. Further, the first data processing circuit 11 and the like are electrically connected to the input / output cable 21 provided in the first back connector 20. Then, after waiting for the access of the attribute information from the data processing device, the data indicating that the function A is selected is returned from the card body 10 to the data processing device, and the software provided in the data processing device is the PC of the function A. When it is determined that the card has been installed, the function A has a usable status.

When the first back connector 20 is removed from the card body 10 after the desired data processing is completed, the potential of the card detection pin 42 becomes the power supply voltage Vcc again. Four
You can see that the PC card was removed from 0.

In place of the first back connector 20, a second back connector 20
When the back connector 30 of is attached to the card body 10,
The second back connector 3 is attached to the first, second, and fourth terminals 16a, 16b, 16d provided in the second connector portion 16.
The first, second and third terminals 30a, 30
b and 30c are electrically connected to each other. by this,
The potential of the card detection pin 42 becomes the ground voltage GND again, and the PC card socket 4 becomes
It is detected that the PC card is attached to 0. Also,
The A / B detection circuit 13 detects that the second back connector 30 is connected to the card body 10, and the function switching circuit 14 switches the data processing circuit or the like to the second data processing circuit 12 or the like. Furthermore, the second
The data processing circuit 12 of the second back connector 30
Is electrically connected to the input / output cable 31 provided in the. Then, after waiting for the access of the attribute information from the data processing device, the data indicating that the function B is selected is displayed on the card body 1.
The data is returned from 0 to the data processing device, and the software provided in the data processing device determines that the PC card of the function B is installed, and the status of the function B becomes available.

<Second Embodiment> A multi-function PC card according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a block diagram of a multi-function PC card according to this example, FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a wiring array of a back connector applied to the multi-function PC card of this example, and FIG. 5 is a card-type standardization. It is a table showing a detection method.

As is apparent from FIG. 3, the multi-function PC card of this example is the multi-function PC according to the first embodiment.
A PC card interface 51 constituting the function switching circuit 14 is replaced with a configuration in which the function switching circuit 14 is operated based on the detection data of the A / B detection circuit 13 like a card.
The attribute information memory (hereinafter referred to as "CIS memory") is separated from each other, and the CIS memories 23 and 33 storing required attribute information are mounted on the respective back connectors 20 and 30, and the reset circuit is provided in the card body 10. It is characterized by having 52. The PC card interface 51 is, for example, P of National Semiconductor Co.
CM16C02 or the like can be used, and EEPROM is used as the CIS memories 23 and 33. In addition, in FIG. 3, a standardized 32-bit card bus PC card is illustrated, but a 16-pit PC
It can be directly applied to standardized cards.

Also in the multi-function PC card of this example,
The card body 10 is equipped with a first data processing circuit 11 or the like for executing the function A and a second data processing circuit 12 or the like for executing the function B. A first connector section 15 for exchanging data with a PC card socket 40 provided in the data processing device is provided on the insertion side of the card body 10 into the data processing device. On the connection side of the second back connectors 20 and 30, there is a one-to-one correspondence with each contact provided on the back connector.
Is provided with a second connector portion 16 having contacts corresponding to.

The first connector section 15 has an input / output terminal 15a for exchanging data with an input / output pin 41 provided in the PC card socket 40, and a card type detection pin provided in the PC card socket 40. A card type detection terminal 15b for transmitting a card detection signal to the P.
Reset signal receiving terminal 15 for receiving a reset signal from the reset terminal 43 provided in the C card socket 40
c and are provided. In addition, in the second connector portion 16,
A first contact 16a electrically connected to the card type detection terminal 15b and a second contact 16a for transmitting data stored in the CIS memories 23 and 33 mounted on the back connectors 20 and 30 to the PC card interface 51. Contact 16
b, a third contact 16c electrically connected to the first data processing circuit 11 or the like, a fourth contact 16d electrically connected to the second data processing circuit 12 or the like, and a reset A fifth contact 16e connected to the circuit 52 is provided. The input / output pin 41 is composed of a set of a plurality of pins within 68. Further, as the card type detection pins, four pins shown in FIG. 3 are assigned from the 68 pins defined in the standard of the PC card.

On the other hand, the first back connector 20
The first contact 20a for connecting the wiring array 24 to the first contact 16a and the CI for the second contact 16b.
A second contact 20b for connecting the S memory 23 and a third contact for connecting the input / output cable 21 to the third contact 16c.
And a fourth contact 20d for connecting the reset terminal group 25 to the fifth contact 16e.
The CIS memory 23 stores the attribute information of the first data processing circuit 11 or the like.

On the other hand, the second back connector 30 has a first contact 16a for connecting the wiring array 34 to the first contact 16a.
30a, a second contact 30b for connecting the CIS memory 33 to the second contact 16b, and a third contact 3 for connecting the input / output cable 31 to the fourth contact 16d.
0c and a fourth contact 30d for connecting the reset terminal group 35 to the fifth contact 16e. The CIS memory 33 stores the attribute information of the second data processing circuit 12 and the like 12.

FIG. 4 shows a specific structure of the wiring arrays 24 and 34. FIG. 4A is a configuration diagram of a wiring array of a 16-bit PC card, and FIG. 4B is a configuration diagram of a wiring array of a 32-bit card bus PC card. In the 32-bit card bus PC card, the card type detection and the card mounting / non-mounting are detected based on the standardized card type detection method shown in FIG. That is, when the first contact 16a provided on the card body 10 is not connected to the first contact 20a or 30a provided on the back connector, the card type detection electrically connected to the first contact 16a is detected. The potential of the terminal 15b, that is, the potential of the card type detection pin 42 is in a floating state. From this state, the first
When the first contact 20a or 30a provided on the back connector is connected to the contact 16a, the potential of the card type detection terminal 15b, that is, the potential of the card type detection pin 42 becomes as defined in FIG. As a result, the data processing device can detect the attachment or non-attachment of the back connector to the card body 10.

As is apparent from FIG. 3, the first contact point 20a of the first back connector 20 and the first contact point 30a of the second back connector 30 have the same contact position and shape. Therefore, no matter which back connector is attached to the card body 10, the card body 10
The four card type detection pins 42 provided in the PC card socket 40 and the first contacts 20a, 30a provided in the back connectors 20, 30 can be connected to each other through the through connector. Wearing can be detected. Further, since the second contact 20b of the first back connector 20 and the second contact 30b of the second back connector 30 have the same structure,
Whichever back connector is mounted on the card body 10, the CIS memory 2 mounted on each back connector
3, 33 can be connected to the PC card interface 51 mounted on the card body 10. Furthermore, the first
The fourth contact point 20d of the back connector 20 and the fourth contact point 30d of the second back connector 30 have the same structure, and no matter which back connector is attached to the card body 10, Since the installed reset circuit 52 can be closed, the PC card interface 51 can be reset.

On the other hand, the first back connector 20
The third contact 20c provided in the second back connector 30 and the third contact 30c provided in the second back connector 30 are different from each other in the arrangement position or shape of the contact (in FIG. 3,
It is displayed when the contact positions are different. ), When the first back connector 20 is attached to the card body 10, the input / output cable 21 can be connected to the first data processing circuit 11 but the input / output to the second data processing circuit 12 is performed. The cable 31 cannot be connected. On the other hand, when the second back connector 30 is attached to the card body 10, the input / output cable 31 can be connected to the second data processing circuit 12 or the like. The input / output cable 21 cannot be connected to the data processing circuit 11 of No. 1 or the like.

Therefore, when the first back connector 20 is attached to the card body 10, the input / output cable 2
Data processing and the like using the first data processing circuit 11 to which 1 is connected becomes selectively possible, and when the first back connector 30 is attached to the card body 10, the input / output cable 31 is connected. Second data processing circuit or the like 12
It becomes possible to selectively process data using the.

The method of use and the operation of the multi-function PC card having the above-mentioned structure will be described below.

When the card body 10 is inserted into the PC card socket 40 of the data processing device in a predetermined orientation, the input / output terminal 15a, the card detection terminal 15b and the reset terminal provided on the first connector portion 15 of the card body 10 are reset. The signal receiving terminal 15c is electrically connected to the input / output pin 41, the card detecting pin 42, and the reset terminal 43 provided in the PC card socket 40, respectively.

When the first back connector 20 is connected to the second connector portion 16 of the card body 10 in this state,
The first, second, third, and third parts provided in the second connector section 16
The first, second, third, and fourth terminals provided on the first back connector 20 for the fifth terminals 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16e.
The terminals 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d are electrically connected to each other. This enables the card type detection pin 42
5 becomes the potential specified in FIG. 5, and it is determined that the PC card is mounted in the PC card socket 40 on the data processing device side. Further, a signal is generated at the input terminal of the OR gate 52a provided in the reset circuit 52, and P
The C card interface 51 is reset.

As described above, the PC card socket 40
When the insertion of the PC card into the PC is detected, the data processing device such as a personal computer initializes the PC card interface 51.

After the initialization, the PC card interface 51 reads the information stored in the CIS memory 23. The read information is transferred from the PC card interface 51 to the data processing device through the PC card socket 40, and the data processing device recognizes the contents of the CIS memory 23 mounted on the first back connector 20.
By this operation, the data processing device recognizes that the first back connector 20 is connected.

When the data processing device detects the attribute information read from the CIS memory 23, the PC card control software performs an enabling operation to bring the function to be used into a usable status. By this enable operation, the 2
Of the two functions, the function A has a usable status. Therefore, the first input / output cable 21 is connected to the first
Predetermined data processing can be performed using the data processing circuit 11 of FIG.

When the first back connector 20 is removed from the card body 10 after the desired data processing is completed,
Since the potential of the card type detection pin 42 becomes floating again, the data processing device side determines that the PC card is removed from the PC card socket 40.

Instead of the first back connector 20, a second connector
When the back connector 30 is attached to the card body 10, the first, second, fourth, and fifth terminals 16a, 16b, 16 provided on the second connector portion 16 of the card body 10 are attached.
d, 16e, the first, second, third, and fourth terminals 30a, 30b, 30c, which are provided on the second back connector 30,
30d are electrically connected to each other, and again OR gate 52a
A signal rises at the input terminal of the PC card interface 5
When 1 is reset, the attribute information is read from the CIS memory 33, and the function B provided in the PC card 10 becomes available. Therefore, it is possible to perform data processing using the second data processing circuit 12 to which the input / output cable 31 is connected. In addition,
The reset operation of the PC card interface 51 can also be performed by transmitting a reset signal from the data processing device to the other input terminal of the OR gate 52a via the reset terminal 43 and the reset signal receiving terminal 15c. Others are the same as the case where the first back connector 20 is mounted, and therefore the description is omitted to avoid duplication.

<Third Embodiment> A multifunction PC card according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a multi-function PC card according to this example.

As is apparent from FIG. 6, the multi-function PC card of the present example has a plurality of data processing circuits in the card body 10 like the multi-function PC cards according to the first and second embodiments. Instead of the mounted structure, the card body 10 is equipped with a program storage memory 61 and a programmable data processing circuit 62 including an I / O function. The card body 10 has a first contact 16a electrically connected to the card type detection terminal 15b and a back connector 20A, 20A on the connection side of the back connector.
A second contact 16b for transmitting the data stored in the CIS memories 23 and 33 mounted on B to the PC card interface 51, a third contact 16c electrically connected to the data processing circuit 62, and a reset. A fourth contact 16d connected to the circuit 52 is provided. The other parts are the same as those of the card body according to the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication.

The program storage memory 61 is provided as one of the so-called common memories in the PC card standard. On the other hand, the data processing circuit 62 or the like is a device having a microprocessor configuration that performs a required function by executing a program stored in the program storage memory 61, and the microprocessor accesses the program storage memory 61. . Therefore, by appropriately rewriting the stored contents of the program storage memory 61, various programs can be executed by the data processing circuit 62 or the like.

The back connector is a back connector (software rewriting permission key) 20A for making the program storage memory 61 in a rewritable state, and a back connector 20B for executing the program written in the program storage memory 61. Consists of.

The software rewrite permission key 20A has a CI
The S memory 23A and the wiring array 24A are mounted, and the first contact 20a for connecting the wiring array 24A to the first contact 16a provided on the back connector connection side of the card body 10 and the card body 10 are provided. A second contact 20b for connecting the CIS memory 23A to the second contact 16b provided on the second contact 16b, and a third contact 20c for connecting the reset terminal group 25A to the fourth contact 16d. The CIS memory 23A stores information for rewriting the program storage memory 61. The other parts are the same as those of the back connector according to the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication.

On the other hand, the back connector 20B has a CIS
The memory 23B and the wiring array 24B are mounted, and the first contact 20a for connecting the wiring array 24B to the first contact 16a provided on the back connector connection side of the card body 10 and the card body 10 are provided. A second contact 20b for connecting the CIS memory 23B to the second contact 16b provided, and a third contact 20c for connecting the input / output cable 21A to the third contact 16c provided on the card body 10, A fourth contact 16d provided on the card body 10 is provided with a fourth contact 20d for connecting the reset terminal group 25B. The CIS memory 23B stores the attribute information of the data processing circuit 62 and the like. The other parts are the same as those of the back connector according to the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication.

In the multi-function PC card of this example, when the card body 10 is inserted into the PC card socket 40 and the software rewrite permission key 20A is attached to the second connector portion 16 of the card body 10, In the same manner as described in the second embodiment, the mounting of the PC card is detected, the initialization operation of the PC card interface 51 is performed, and the CIS
The attribute information is read from the memory 23A. This allows the data processing device to rewrite the program storage memory 61.

After rewriting the program, the back connector 20
When B is mounted on the card body 10, the mounting of the PC card is detected by the same procedure as described above, the initialization operation of the PC card interface 51 is performed, and the attribute information is read from the CIS memory 23B. Then, the attribute information is transferred to the data processing device after waiting for the access of the attribute information from the data processing device, and the data indicating that the specific function is selected is returned from the card body 10 to the data processing device. As a result, the required enable operation is performed, and the function selected by the attribute information becomes available. Therefore, predetermined data processing and the like can be performed using the data processing circuit 62 and the like to which the input / output cable 21 is connected.

In the multi-function PC card of this example, the CIS memory 23B storing the attribute information is connected to the back connector 20B.
Since it is mounted on the card main body 10 and the program storage memory 61 is mounted on the card main body 10 so that the function program can be rewritten appropriately, it is possible to further improve the function compared to the case where a plurality of fixed functions are mounted on the card main body 10. Excellent expandability. In addition, in this example, in addition to the function switching back connector 20B, the program rewriting back connector (software rewriting permitting key) 20A is separately prepared, but each function switching back connector has a software. It is also possible to adopt a configuration having a rewrite permission function.

<Fourth Embodiment> A multi-function PC card according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a multifunction PC card according to this example.

As is apparent from FIG. 7, the multi-function PC card of this example has a configuration in which the CIS memory is mounted on the back connector like the multi-function PC cards according to the second and third embodiments. Then, the CIS memory 71 is mounted on the card body 10, and the CIS memory 71 is mounted on each of the back connectors 20 and 30.
It is characterized in that the address selection lines 26 and 36 of the IS memory 71 are formed. With this configuration as well, similar to the multi-function PC card according to the first and second embodiments, a plurality of data processing circuits mounted on the card body 10 can be selectively operated. The other parts are the same as those of the card body according to the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication.

<Fifth Embodiment> A multifunction PC card according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a multi-function PC card according to this example.

As is apparent from FIG. 8, the multi-function PC card of this example has a back connector or a CIS memory mounted on the card body like the multi-function PC cards according to the second to fourth embodiments. , The data processing circuits and the like 11, 12
The attribute flash memory 81 in which the attribute information of 12a is stored separately for each upper address and the memory 8
In order to connect the upper address generating circuit 82 connected to 1 to the card main body 10 and connect the lower address bus of the data processing device to the attribute flash memory 81 to the first connector section 15 provided in the card main body 10. 15d of the back connector 20,
It is characterized in that selection lines 27, 37, 37a for the address signal output from the higher-order address generation circuit 82 are formed on 30, 30a. With this configuration as well, similar to the multi-function PC card according to the first, second, and fourth embodiments, it is possible to selectively operate a plurality of data processing circuits mounted on the card body 10. The other parts are the same as those of the card body according to the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication.

Other embodiments of the multi-function type PC card according to the present invention will be listed below.

In the first and second embodiments, a multi-function PC card having two functions has been described as an example, but as shown in FIG. 9, a multi-function PC card having three or more functions. Can be carried out in the same manner as described above.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the first and second back connectors 20 and 30 provided with the input / output cables 21 and 31 have been described as an example. The output cable is not limited to the output cable, and may have a necessary functional component according to the type of function mounted on the card body 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which functional parts other than the input / output cable are provided. The third terminal 20c of the first back connector 20 has an antenna 6 for wireless communication.
1 is provided, and the third terminal 30c of the second back connector 30 is provided with the external memory 62. In FIG. 10, the external memory 62 is attached to the outside of the second back connector 30, but it goes without saying that the external memory 62 can be built in the second back connector 30. In the embodiment example of FIG. 10, the first back connector 20 is provided with the antenna 61 for wireless communication, and the second back connector 30 is provided with the external memory 62. However, each of the first and second back connectors is provided. In addition, various memories having different memory capacities or types (for example, SRAM, EEPROM, flash EEPROM, etc.) can be attached. A battery for memory backup is also mounted on the back connector to which the SRAM is attached. If the type of memory attached to each back connector is different, the interface between the data processing device and the PC card is unified so that the difference in access method peculiar to the memory is absorbed in the card body. Each data processing device and the like are configured. With this, PC
It is possible to replace and use a back connector provided with a different memory without changing the ATA interface normally mounted on the card.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the outer shape of the card body 10 is formed in a so-called card shape, and the back connector is connected to the end side thereof. However, as shown in FIG. It is also possible to form a recess 10a for inserting the back connector 20 or 30 so that when the card body 10 and the back connector 20 or 30 are combined, they are integrated into a card shape.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Each of the plurality of back connectors is configured such that only one back connector can be independently connected to the second connector portion, and the back connector is mounted or not mounted between the card body and each back connector. To the card body, a second contact for transmitting the type or attribute information of the attached back connector to the card body, and an external input / output cable connected to the back connector to the card body. A selective connection to a data processing circuit or the like unique to the back connector provided in the third
When the one back connector is attached to the second connector portion, only one function corresponding to the back connector can be selectively used. Therefore, the multi-function PC card can be used even in the data processing device designed to be able to use only the single-function PC card, and the high performance of the data processing device can be realized.

Further, since the user can switch the function of the card only by replacing the back connector, and at the same time, the external data processing device can recognize the switching of the card function, it is a multi-function type PC card. However, it is possible to add plug-and-play usability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-function PC card according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a card detection method in the multi-function PC card according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a multifunction PC card according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a wiring array in a back connector.

FIG. 5 is a table showing a standardized card type detection method in a multi-function PC card.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a multi-function PC card according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a multi-function PC card according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a multi-function PC card according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a multi-function PC card according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a multifunction PC card according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a multifunction PC card according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a multi-function PC card according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Card Main Body 11 First Data Processing Circuit 12 Second Data Processing Circuit 13 A / B Detection Circuit 14 Function Switching Circuit 15 First Connector 16 Second Connector 16a to 16d Contact 20 First Back Connector 20a to 20c Contact 21 Input / output cable 30 Second back connector 30a to 30c Contact 31 Input / output cable 40 PC card socket 51 PC card interface 52 Reset circuit 61 Program storage memory 62 Programmable data processing circuit 71 CIS memory 81 Attribute Flash memory 82 Upper address generation circuit

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of functional circuits are mounted, and a first connector portion for mounting a PC card socket provided in a data processing device and a second connector portion for mounting a back connector are provided. The card body and the second
In a multi-function type PC card which is detachably connected to the connector part of the back connector and has a plurality of back connectors which correspond to a specific functional circuit on a one-to-one basis. It is configured such that only one back connector can be attached to the connector part independently, and among the plurality of functional circuits mounted on the card body, between the second connector part and each back connector. A multi-function type PC card having a contact for selectively operating a functional circuit of the card corresponding to each back connector. 2. The multi-function PC card according to claim 1, wherein the functional circuit is a communication circuit, a storage circuit, or a data processing circuit. 3. The multi-function PC card according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of back connectors has an input / output cable, an antenna, a light emitter and a light receiver as functional components necessary for operating the functional circuit. A multi-function PC card, characterized in that it is provided with either an optical communication device which is combined with a device or an external memory. 4. The multi-function PC card according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined function circuit is selected based on a circuit that detects which back connector is attached to the card body and detection data of the detection circuit. And a contact for connecting a selection line of a function circuit specific to the back connector to the detection circuit, between the second connector portion provided on the card body and each back connector. And a contact for connecting a functional component provided on the back connector to a selected specific functional circuit, a multi-function PC card. 5. The multi-function PC card according to claim 1, wherein the PC card interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the data processing device from the card body and the attribute information of each of the functional circuits are stored in advance. A stored attribute information memory is mounted, and a selection line of a functional circuit unique to the back connector is connected to the attribute information memory between the second connector portion provided on the card body and each back connector. And a contact for connecting a functional component provided on the back connector to a selected specific functional circuit, a multi-function PC card. 6. The multi-function PC card according to claim 1, wherein a PC card interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the data processing device is mounted on the card body, and each back connector is provided. The attribute information memory in which the attribute information of the specific functional circuit selected from each of the functional circuits is stored in advance is installed, and the PC is provided between the second connector portion provided in the card body and each back connector. A contact for connecting the card interface and the attribute information memory, and a contact for connecting the functional component provided in the back connector to a unique functional circuit selected by the stored data of the attribute information memory. Characteristic multi-function PC card. 7. The multi-function PC card according to claim 1, further comprising: a PC card interface for inputting and outputting data to and from the data processing device in the card body.
An attribute flash memory having an address decoder and an upper address generation circuit for designating an upper address of the memory are mounted, a PC card socket provided in the data processing device and a first connector provided in the card body. And a contact for connecting a lower address bus provided in the data processing device to the attribute flash memory, and between a second connector portion provided in the card body and each back connector. A multi-function type comprising a contact for connecting a selection line for an upper address to the upper address generation circuit, and a contact for connecting a functional component provided on the back connector to a selected specific functional circuit. PC card. 8. A PC card interface for inputting / outputting data to / from a data processing device and a functional circuit capable of rewriting software are mounted, and are mounted in a PC card socket provided in the data processing device. A multi-function type including a card body provided with a first connector section and a second connector section for mounting a back connector, and a plurality of back connectors detachably connected to the second connector section. In the PC card, at least one of the plurality of back connectors is provided with the P
An attribute information memory pre-stored with a software rewrite permission key for permitting rewriting of software of the functional circuit via a C card interface is mounted, and a second connector portion provided on the card body and the backs are provided. A multi-function PC card comprising a contact for connecting the PC card interface and an attribute information memory between the connector and the connector. 9. The multi-function PC card according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of back connectors have an attribute information memory in which the software rewrite permission key is stored, and a function for connecting to the functional circuit. One back connector not provided with parts, an attribute information memory in which unique attribute information for operating the functional circuit whose software is rewritten by the software rewriting permission key is stored in advance, and the functional circuit are operated. A multi-function PC card comprising a combination with a back connector provided with the functional parts required for. 10. The multi-function PC card according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of back connectors operate the software rewrite permission key and the functional circuit in which software is rewritten by the software rewrite permission key. A multi-function PC card, which comprises a combination of a plurality of back connectors provided with an attribute information memory in which unique attribute information is stored in advance and functional components necessary for operating the functional circuit. . 11. The multi-function PC card according to claim 5, wherein the card body has a second connector portion mounted on a PC card socket of the data processing device. A multi-function PC card having a reset circuit for resetting the PC card interface when the back connector is mounted.