TWI238578B - Memory module which includes a form factor connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A plurality of flash (solid state) media coupled to a single form factor connector to provide a module, i.e., referred to as a SmartStack module, that can be coupled directly to a device with a SmartStack module controller. The SmartStack module does not include a controller and is controlled from the host side. The form factor connector would typically be a CompactFlash (CF) form factor or some other form factor used in a variety of devices. The SmartStack memory module in a preferred embodiment includes a write protect switch that prevents certain portions of the memory within the SmartStack module from being written to. In addition, a portion of the flash memory will be allocated to the secure area for storing information to implement various forms of security. Another portion of the flash memory is allocated to store optional biometric information such as a user's fingerprint of retinal scan information, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the SmartStack module is a flash memory card in a CF Type I or II format; however, the card will not be compatible with standard CF readers, but will be compatible with SmartStack readers. Larger memory sizes will be available as larger flash memory chips become available.

Description

1238578 V. Description of the invention ο [Technical field to which the invention belongs] The present invention relates generally to a memory module, and in particular, it relates to a memory module coupled via a single connector. [Prior Art] It is known that flash media can be used in various environments. To date, flash media has been provided as a separate medium for devices. For such use, different types of module arrays must be provided to allow connection to devices such as digital cameras, MP3 game consoles and flash readers. It is desirable to be able to provide a memory module that can be used in various devices. The memory module must be compatible with existing standards and be able to operate as a module. Therefore, what is needed is a system and method that can be used to provide multiple memories to a device that does not require multiple connectors, or to a controller within a memory module. The system will be able to effectively reduce costs, simplify modification, and be easily implemented in combination with existing devices, and the present invention can meet these needs. [Summary of the Invention] A plurality of flash media are coupled to a single form factor connector to provide a module called a smart stack module, which can directly Connect to the smart stack enabler. The smart stack module does not include a controller and can be controlled by the host side. The form factor connector is typically a compact flash (CF) form factor, or other form factor used in a variety of different devices. In a preferred embodiment, the smart stack memory module includes a write protection switch, which allows the

92332.ptd Page 7 1238578 V. Description of the invention (2) An itb memory part in the smart stack module will not be written. In addition, the flash memory part will be allocated to a secure area for storing information. In order to perform various forms of confidentiality work 0 Another part of the flash memory is allocated to select biometric information such as user fingerprints or retinal scan information 0 In the preferred embodiment, 9 smart stacking modules are the first Type I (Type I) or Type I () CF flash memory card. This card will not be compatible with CF readers but will be compatible with smart stack readers. A larger memory size can be obtained when flashing a memory chip. Finally, the smart stack module will include a write-protect switch. [Embodiment: The present invention is generally related to memory modules, especially memory modules coupled through a single connector. The description presented below will enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and provide it as part of a patent claim And its description. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments and the general principles and features described herein are easily understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited by the illustrated embodiments. Conversely, the present invention will be consistent with the widest range of principles and features described herein by day. A plurality of flash (solid-state) media are coupled to a single form factor connector to provide a module (ie, called It is a smart stacking module:). This module can be directly coupled to the device. 0 The smart stacking module does not include a controller and can be controlled by the host side. Shape because the number of connectors typically small type quick flash shape number by, or is used for various different means of some of its his shape due to a number of 0 for coverage in Example 9 wise type stack mind mold pack, memory and contained in a relatively good real write

92332.ptd Page 8 1238578 V. Description of the invention (3) Comply with the switch, the write should ensure that the part of the memory that is opened is not compatible: some of the poor areas used to store information within the smart stack module are allowed ^ 'A part of the flash memory will be allocated to another neighbor of the flash memory, and m will perform various forms of confidentiality work. Quick or retinal scan㈡ :: for optional storage such as user fingerprint 1 West? Person 6: Biometric information. Explanation of cock sound.筮 1 闰%…, the following conditions will be explained, the present invention will be further modified ^ ηη brother 1 figure awarded unintelligent stacking module 100. The intellectual forbidden wound stack module 1 0 0 includes a plurality of memory devices (ie, flash chips 1 0 2 a, 1 〇 2 b $ 1 η 9 η 1 & π y ζ 1 0 2 η) 0 In a preferred embodiment, the flash chips are coupled together, so that redundancy is provided for each section. In a preferred embodiment, the smart stack module will have the same opening factor as a Compact Flash (CF) card, and then the module can be inserted into any c F slot. Figure 2 shows an example of such an application, which may use a smart stacking module 100 such as a flash reader 202, a digital camera 204, or a MP3 gaming machine 2006. In the preferred embodiment, only the smart stack module 202 based on the reader can be accessed / written to the smart stack media, and inserting the smart stack module into a standard CF reader will not damage it. The smart stack. As shown, the smart stack module does not include a controller and can be controlled by the host side. Because the module itself does not have any controller, it can be easily expanded with additional memory. Soil Shoulder JL. Figure 3 shows how to measure a specific card by the device. In this embodiment, when a smart stack module (that is, a smart stack inverse (NAND) or

92332.ptd

1238578 V. Description of the invention (4) When the intelligent stacking inverse (NOR) is inserted into the slot, the card detection pins (CD1 and CD2) will be low. When compatible with devices that can read smart stacked module cards, the card enable pins (CE1 and CE2) will also be low. As also shown, other memory modules will have different pin configurations for detection. Addressing Figure 4 shows the table of the addressing smart stack module. In the preferred embodiment, the smart stack module will be programmed in a manner similar to conventional memory modules, with the only difference being the chip selection. Figure 4A shows the relationship between the smart stack module address line (SO ··· S3) and its equivalent pins on a small flash card. Confidential and biometric information Figure 5 shows the smart stack module 300, which includes the write protection mechanism 3 02, the security zone 3 04, and the biometric zone 3 06. The write-protection mechanism can be locked or unlocked to allow writing to the module. The write protection mechanism in the preferred embodiment can be read by software to prevent writing in the user area. Space allocation must be used for confidentiality and biometrics on individual flash media, in which case the same table will be used to create this information. In this embodiment, it can be seen that the security area 304 and the biometric area 306 are allocated to 10 2 a ′. Those skilled in the art will recognize that regions 3 2 and 3 4 can be allocated to any or all flash chips 1 2 a 'to 10 2 η', and they are still within the spirit and scope of the present invention. . Fig. 6 is a table showing data used for setting a security zone in a smart stack module. For the security area provided in the smart stack module, in the preferred embodiment, the following method is adopted: the first two bytes (bytes 0 and 0)

92332.ptd Page 10 1238578 A—— * ----—_-—-— ^^ —— V. Description of the invention (5) Byte 1) Set to c 3 B 6 and place the next digit The tuple (byte 2) defines the function. In addition, byte 5 (block status flag) will always be set to 0x F 0 (or 0F) to indicate a failed block, so that the operating system or firmware will not inadvertently write in this failed block. Block. For additional performance improvements, add random access memory to the stack. Figure 7 shows the situation where random access memory 402 is added to the smart stack module 400 to improve performance. By adding random access memory 402 to the module 400, data can be cached in the random access memory 402, thereby enabling faster access to data in the module. In addition, the intelligent stacking module can be designed to function like a daughter board on a base board, so that the capacity can be increased in a modular manner. It is also possible to design smart stacking modules so that we can insert a card at the end of a previous card to form a chain (or interconnected daisy key). Tian + Fig. 8 shows the situation of a plurality of intelligent superimposed molds, 50 0, 50 2 according to the daisy-shaped link according to the present invention. Therefore, in this embodiment, a known stacking module 500 will include a female connector 5 06 on one end and a second j ^ (expansion port) connector 5 8 on the other end to allow insertion. More cards. Therefore, the (master-type magic card \ expansion card itself can be designed to have several expansion ports to stack modules. The intelligent stack module can optionally be used by 2 users of the media. ) In its own flash ', ★ month' J is the ability to view the image. Qiao Figure 9 is not a smart stack as an expansion board (expansioon bay)

1238578 V. Description of the invention (6) Stack module 6 0 0. In this embodiment, the male connection slot 602 can be inserted into an additional intelligent stacking module, and the female connection slot 604 is connected to a small flash host enabled by the intelligent stacking. Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various changes can be made to the embodiments, and such changes will still be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can make many modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the scope of patent application attached to the present invention.

92332.ptd Page 12 1238578 Simple illustration [Schematic description] Figure 1 shows the intelligent stacking module. Figure 2 shows examples of various applications that can use smart stack modules such as flash readers, digital cameras or MP3 game machines. Figure 3 shows a table of how a particular card is detected by the device. Figure 4 shows a table addressing the smart stack module. Figure 4A shows a table of the relationship between the smart stack module address lines and their equivalent pins on a small flash card. Figure 5 shows the smart stack module, which includes a write protection, security area, and biometric area. Figure 6 shows a table of the data set for the security zone of the smart stack module. Figure 7 shows the addition of random access memory to the smart stack module to improve performance. FIG. 8 shows a daisy-chained smart stack module according to the present invention. Figure 9 shows the intelligent stacking module as an expansion backplane. 100 Smart Stacking Modules 102a, 102b ... 102n, 102a ', 102b' ... 102n ', 102a' 102b '' ... 10211 '' Flash Chip 104 Connector 202 Flash Reader 204 Digital Camera 206 MP3 game machine 300 smart stack module 302 write protection mechanism

92332.ptd Page 13 1238578

Schematic description 304 Confidential area 306 Biometrics 400 Smart stacking module 402 Random access memory 5 0 0 ^ 502 Smart stacking module 506 Female connector 508 Male (extension port:) Connector 600 Smart Stacking module 602 Male connection slot 604 Female connection slot 92332.ptd Page 14

Claims (1)

Case number 92105306 amended in February, and the case number was 92105306, which was amended in February, and it was stated. 6. Scope of patent application 1. A type of connector controlled by a memory memory device has different types and plural types of connection with the host. Inquiry on-line and ordered the 2 · but applied for a patent module, including: a device controlled by a host separate from the memory module, the memory module does not have a controller; and, coupled to the memory Body device, in which the shape factor of the connecting device is the same as the shape factor of the memory module with the controller, and the connector is engaged with the connector; The independent host indicates the type of the memory module. The independent host uses a controller to control the memory device. The memory module of the first item, wherein the pin configuration includes first and second card enable pins, and the first and second card enable pins are low potential for indicating the memory module to the host. The group does not have a controller. 3. The memory module of item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the memory device has a security zone. 4. The memory module according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the memory device has a biometric area. 5. The memory module according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the memory device includes a flash memory. 6. For example, the memory module of the scope of application for patent No. 5, wherein the form factor is selected from the compact flash (CF) form factor, the secure digital (SD) form factor, the multimedia card (MM MC) form factor, and the memory bar. (M em 〇rystick) one of the groups of form factors. Revised 92332.ptc Page 15 Ife Case No. 92105306 Amended 6. Scope of patent application 7. If applying for patent, memory device coupling 8. If applying for patent for memory device. 9. If you apply for a patent connector, the 10. If you use a patented host package (PC), you can use it quickly. 1. If you apply for a patent review, it is stored in 1 2. The flashing shape and the connected pin, the host means to order the host 1 3. If the patent application device includes a memory module (, / 4 ~ year ο January range 5), it further contains and records Combined random access memory (RAM). The memory module of the seventh item, wherein the RAM is connected to the connector, and the RAM contains the first memory item of the cache range. And further includes a second and second connector connected to the second memory module. The memory module of the first item, wherein the plurality includes a digital camera, a portable music player, and a personal flash memory Reader, personal digital assistant, and any kind of memory device. Memory module of the seventh item, in which the user can write the content into the memory device after the content in RAM. The module includes: device , Controlled by the controller on the host , Coupled to the memory device, the connector has a small form factor for engaging with a plurality of types of hosts; a set of pins on the connector, including the first and second cards to the first and second cards The enabling pin is at a low potential, and is used for the non-mini flash module of the memory module and for controlling the memory device. The memory module of the range 1 to 2, wherein the memory dense area, The security zone includes a biometric zone. 92332 amendment. Ptc page 16 J.il238i1S U 6 π i case number 92105306 amendment ~ patent application scope 1 4. If the patent application scope includes flash memory. 15. If the scope of the patent application is connected to the memory device and the (RAM) 〇 16. If the scope of the patent application is the memory module of the 15th item, wherein the RAM includes a cache memory. 12 memory modules, the memory device 14 memory modules, further including a random access memory coupled between the connectors 1 7. A kind of memory module, device package The connector device is connected, and the memory connector is used to memorize a plurality of types of host memory modules. The connection module does not have to ask the host 1 8. If a patent application is included, it is accompanied by 19. 0. If one of the controllers in the patent application indicates that the range of the machine access range includes: including the security zone; to the memory device, the connector is engaged with the host of the controller included, and the connector is connected with The connector has a different kind of memory factor; and a part for indicating the memory to the host and for responding to the type of the memory module from the host. 1 The memory module of 7 items, wherein the cache memory (RAM). The memory module of item 17 further includes the memory module of item 17 of the write range, wherein a part of the connector includes the first and second card enable pins, and the card enable pins are Low potential to indicate to the host that the memory module does not have a controller. Page 17 92332 Revised Pic