TWI421772B - Memory card complying with a plurality of standards - Google Patents

Description

Memory card that meets multiple standards

The present invention relates to a memory card that conforms to various standards, and also to a method of switching standards.

Non-volatile memory cards such as SD card (registered trademark) and MMC (multimedia card: registered trademark) are used for exchange between portable digital devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras and digital devices such as personal computers and printers. News.

The SD card and MMC referenced above as non-volatile memory cards have similar electrical characteristics and card shapes. However, in terms of control methods and communication methods, the two cards are not perfectly compatible with each other, and one of these non-volatile memory cards cannot be used in card sockets for other non-volatile memory cards.

In addition, conventional non-volatile memory cards have only a single non-volatile memory card controller that is not perfectly compatible with non-volatile memory card controllers that meet different standards. First, conventional non-volatile memory cards are not equipped with switches that switch a plurality of non-volatile memory card controllers or switches for switching internal programs.

In the following, an SD card and an MMC will be used as an embodiment of the analysis. The SD card and MMC have high compatibility in shape and electrical specifications, so that the same controller can be used in both cards. Therefore, although the control commands on the two memories are different from the communication protocol, the rewriting of the control program in the memory card allows the specifications of the memory card to conform to the specifications of other memory cards. Unfortunately, the rewriting of control programs in memory cards is quite a difficult task.

Some host controllers (that is, controllers located in the host computer) support one of the SD card and the MMC. In this case, only one of the two memory cards can operate with a given host computer.

Some main controllers support both SD card and MMC. When a memory card different from the memory card supported by the main controller is connected to it, for example, when the high-speed MMC is connected to the SD card host controller that can only support the normal speed MMC, the controller can only be lower than SD. The card's transmission rate transmits normal speed MMC compatible data. Even in this case, if the MMC can be made to operate as an SD card, data transfer can be performed at a higher transfer rate.

The problem as described above also occurs between the SD card and the SDHC memory card (registered trademark), which is a general-purpose standard card covering the SD card, and the problems as described above also occur between their main controllers. The non-volatile memory of the SDHC memory card is larger than the non-volatile memory of the SD card. In this case, although the shape and electrical characteristics are the same, the main controller designed to support the SD card cannot support the SDHC memory card.

Even if a controller compatible with the SD card is implemented in the SDHC memory card, the main controller designed to support the SD card cannot recognize the data area of the SDHC memory card exceeding 4 GB. This is because the SD card does not support the data area exceeding 2 GB. .

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for a main controller to detect and determine a memory card, but is not related to controller switching in a memory card. Patent Document 2 discloses integration of SD, MMC, and SIM. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for providing a shape conversion to convert a mini MMC into an adapter of an SD card.

When there are multiple types of non-volatile memory cards that have similar electrical characteristics and shapes but meet different standards, a non-volatile memory card that can operate with the host computer's main controller and any standard card sockets are required.

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3655597 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. WO01/08449 [Patent Document 3] Japanese New Registration No. 3114194

At least one embodiment of the present invention may achieve one or more of the objects set forth above.

The memory card according to the present invention comprises a control device, a non-volatile memory, and a program storage memory, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a plurality of control programs corresponding to individual standards for controlling non-volatile memory and Data access between external devices.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a plurality of control devices, a non-volatile memory, and an anti-write switch, wherein the control device is configured to control data access between the non-volatile memory and the external device according to an individual memory card standard And, the anti-write switch is configured to switch the switch to select one of the plurality of control programs.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a control device, a non-volatile memory, a program storage memory, and an anti-write switch, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a plurality of control programs corresponding to individual standards for controlling non- Data access between the volatile memory and the external device, and the write-protect switch are configured to switch the switch to select one of the plurality of control devices.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a control device, a non-volatile memory, a program storage memory, and a switch, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a plurality of control programs corresponding to individual standards for controlling non-volatile memory The data access between the body and the external device, the control device is configured to monitor the signal state supplied by the switch, and execute one of the control programs for the selected memory card to respond to the signal state.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a control device, a non-volatile memory, a program storage memory, a switch, and a switch, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a plurality of control programs corresponding to individual standards for controlling non-volatile Data access between the memory and the external device, and the control device is configured to execute one of the control programs for the selected memory card by the signal state supplied by the receiving switch to respond to the signal state and respond to the capture Reset the signal reset circuit of the signal.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a control device, a non-volatile memory, a program storage memory, a switch, and a switch, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a plurality of control programs corresponding to individual standards for controlling non-volatile Data access between the memory and the external device, and the control device is configured to execute one of the control programs for the selected memory card by the signal state supplied by the receiving switch to respond to the signal state and respond to the external device Scheduled order for supply.

The memory card according to the present invention comprises a control device, a non-volatile memory, and a program storage memory, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a plurality of control programs corresponding to individual standards for controlling non-volatile memory and external Data access between devices, and the control device is configured to monitor an access protocol from an external device command or its generation to select one of the control programs in response to the monitored command or communication protocol, and to perform the selection One of the control programs for the memory card.

The memory card according to the present invention comprises a control device, a non-volatile memory, and a program storage memory, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a command check program for checking a command of the external device supply, and a memory card sharing portion control a program, and a plurality of memory card-specific control programs corresponding to individual standards, wherein the memory card sharing control program is configured to control non-volatile memory and external by performing control common to a plurality of memory cards corresponding to individual standards Data access between devices, wherein the memory card specific control program is configured to control data access between the non-volatile memory and the external device by performing control on a particular pair of memory cards, and wherein, The device is configured to use a command check program to check commands supplied by the external device, and to select and execute at least one of a memory card sharing portion control program and a memory card specific control program in response to the command to be checked.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a data storage non-volatile memory corresponding to a first memory card standard and a control device configured to support a first memory card standard and a second memory card standard, the first memory card standard providing the first data The second memory card standard provides a second amount of data smaller than the first amount of data, wherein a portion of the data storage memory serves as a data storage area for the memory card of the second memory card standard.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a data storage non-volatile memory corresponding to a first memory card standard and a control device configured to support a first memory card standard and a second memory card standard, the first memory card standard providing the first data The second memory card standard provides a second amount of data smaller than the first data amount, wherein the data area of the data storage memory serves as a data storage area of the memory card of the second memory card standard.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a data storage non-volatile memory corresponding to a first memory card standard and a control device configured to support a first memory card standard and a second memory card standard, the first memory card standard providing the first data The second memory card standard provides a second amount of data smaller than the first amount of data, wherein the data storage memory is divided into a plurality of zones, one of which when the control device operates in a mode compatible with the second memory card standard As a data storage area of the memory card of the second memory card standard.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a data storage non-volatile memory corresponding to a first memory card standard and a control device configured to support a first memory card standard and a second memory card standard, the first memory card standard providing the first data The second memory card standard provides a second amount of data smaller than the first amount of data, wherein the directory in the memory area of the data storage memory is allocated for operation when the control device is in a mode compatible with the second memory card standard The data storage area that is used at the time.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a data storage non-volatile memory corresponding to a first memory card standard and a control device configured to support a first memory card standard and a second memory card standard, the first memory card standard providing the first data The second memory card standard provides a second amount of data smaller than the first amount of data, wherein the file in the memory area of the data storage memory is allocated for operation when the control device is in a mode compatible with the second memory card standard The data storage area that is used at the time.

A memory card according to the present invention includes a data storage non-volatile memory corresponding to a first memory card standard and a control device configured to support a first memory card standard and a second memory card standard, the first memory card standard providing the first data The second memory card standard provides a second amount of data smaller than the first amount of data, wherein the compressed file in the memory area of the data storage memory is allocated as a mode in which the control device is compatible with the second memory card standard. The data storage area used during operation.

The memory card according to the present invention comprises a non-volatile memory and a control device, the non-volatile memory having a first data storage area corresponding to the first memory card standard and a second data storage area corresponding to the second memory card standard, The control device is configured to support the first memory card standard and the second memory card standard control device, the first memory card standard provides a first data amount, and the second memory card standard provides a second data amount smaller than the first data amount, wherein The second data storage area can be accessed by using a command or communication protocol that is not supported by the first memory card standard and the second memory card standard.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, a single memory card can conform to a variety of standards that are compatible with electrical features and card sockets. In addition, an anti-write switch, a toggle switch, a reset signal, or a command from a host controller may be utilized to select one of a plurality of control programs corresponding to an individual standard to select one of a plurality of control devices corresponding to an individual standard, Or choose one of several memory cards. Additionally, control processing to be performed can be actuated in response to commands from the primary controller.

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In accordance with the present invention, in order to comply with a number of standards, a control program is provided in the memory card, and an external switch or content control program is used to switch the control program or control device inside the memory card to select a memory card standard suitable for the main controller.

In the present invention, many of the above criteria are considered to have similar shapes and similar electrical characteristics.

The embodiments (first to eighth embodiments) to be described below relate to an SD card and an MMC card, and to an SD card and an SDHC memory card. The invention is not limited to these particular cards.

[First Embodiment]

1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the first embodiment includes a control device 4, a non-volatile memory 6, and a program storage memory 8.

The non-volatile memory card 2 transmits data between the non-volatile memory 6 and the main controller (not shown) via the control device 4. A control program 12a for controlling the first memory card, a control program 12b for controlling the second memory card, and an initialization program 10 are provided as control programs.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the first embodiment, after the initialization program 10 is executed, the control program 12a or 12b for the first memory card or the second memory card can be executed. For example, a control program for the SD card or a control program for the MMC is executed so that the non-volatile memory card 2 operates as an SD card or MMC. The method for selection and the mechanism for operation will be explained with reference to the third embodiment and the above.

Another embodiment is that the control program 12a for the first memory card is a control program for the SD card, and the control program 12b for the second memory card is a control program for the SDHC memory card.

[Second embodiment]

2A and 2B are block diagrams showing the internal configuration of a nonvolatile memory card in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the second embodiment includes a first control device 4a, a second control device 4b, a non-volatile memory 6, and an anti-write switch 16.

The non-volatile memory card 2 transmits data between the non-volatile memory 6 and the main controller (not shown) via the control device 4 (i.e., the first control device 4a or the second control device 4b). The control device 4a is for controlling the first memory card, and the control device 4b is for controlling the second memory card. The number of control devices can be more.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the second embodiment, the anti-write switch 16 provides the first memory card write protection, but does not provide the second memory card write protection.

The circuit is configured such that when the write-protect switch 16 is set to the write enable position as shown in FIG. 2A, the control device 4a is in an operational state. In this case, according to the method of the first memory card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2. Since the anti-write switch 16 is set at the write enable position, the material can be written to the memory card as the first memory card.

Further, the circuit is configured such that when the write-protect switch 16 is set at the write disable position as shown in Fig. 2B, the control device 4b is in the operating device. In this case, according to the method of the second memory card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2. Since the anti-write switch 16 does not provide the second memory card write protection, although the anti-write switch is set at the write disable position (ie, the switch setting is ignored), the data can be written to the second memory card. Memory card.

In the following, an embodiment of a memory card will be described which is provided with a control device for the SD card and a control device for the MMC. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card described above, and the MMC corresponds to the second memory card. When it is required to operate as an SD card, the anti-write switch 16 is set at the write enable position. In this case, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the method of the SD card. Since the anti-write switch 16 is set at the write enable position, the data can be written to the non-volatile memory card 2.

When it is required to operate as an MMC, the anti-write switch 16 is set at the write disable position. In this case, according to the MMC method, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2. Since the setting of the anti-write switch 16 is ignored, the data can be written to the non-volatile memory card 2.

Another embodiment is that the memory card is provided with a control device for the SD card and a control device for the SDHC memory card. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card, and the SDHC memory card corresponds to the second memory card. In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the second embodiment, the write enable/write disable mechanism using the write-protect switch 16 can be used to switch the control device for the memory card. This allows for the addition of switching functions without the need to add other physical switches.

[Third embodiment]

3A and 3B are block diagrams showing the internal configuration of a nonvolatile memory card in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the third embodiment includes a control device 4, a non-volatile memory 6, a program storage memory 8, and a write protection switch 16.

The non-volatile memory card 2 transmits data between the non-volatile memory 6 and the main controller (not shown) via the control device 4. A control program 12a for controlling the first memory card, a control program 12b for controlling the second memory card, and an initialization program 10 are provided as control programs.

In the non-volatile memory card 3 according to the second embodiment, the anti-write switch 16 provides the first memory card write protection, but does not provide the second memory card write protection.

When the anti-write switch 16 is set to the write enable position as shown in FIG. 3A, the initialization program 10 selects the control program 12a for the first memory card. In this case, according to the method of the second memory card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 1. Since the anti-write switch 16 is set at the write enable position, the material can be written to the memory card as the first memory card.

Further, when the write-protect switch 16 is set to the write disable position as shown in FIG. 3B, the initialization program 10 selects the control program 12b for the second memory card. . In this case, according to the method of the second memory card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2. Since the anti-write switch 16 does not provide the second memory card write protection, although the anti-write switch 16 is set at the write disable position (ie, the switch setting is ignored), the data can be written to the second memory card. Memory card.

In the following, an embodiment of a memory card will be described which is provided with a control program for the SD card and a control program for the MMC. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card described above, and the MMC corresponds to the second memory card. When it is required to operate as an SD card, the anti-write switch 16 is set at the write enable position. In this case, according to the method of the SD card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2. Since the anti-write switch 16 is set at the write enable position, the data can be written to the non-volatile memory card 2.

When it is required to operate as an MMC, the anti-write switch 16 is set at the write disable position. In this case, according to the MMC method, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2. Since the setting of the anti-write switch 16 is ignored, the data can be written to the non-volatile memory card 2.

Another embodiment is that the memory card is provided with a control device for the SD card and a control device for the SDHC memory card. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card, and the SDHC memory card corresponds to the second memory card.

As in the second embodiment, the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the third embodiment is configured such that the write enable/write disable mechanism using the write-protect switch 16 can be used to switch the control for the memory card. Device. This allows for the addition of switching functions without the need to add other physical switches.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the third embodiment, a single control device is provided. Compared with the memory card of the second embodiment in which a plurality of control devices are provided, the cost can be reduced.

[Fourth embodiment]

Figure 4A is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the non-volatile memory card according to the third embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the case of the non-volatile memory card according to the third embodiment described above, the timing of the switching control program is not defined. The time when the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the fourth embodiment is configured such that the switch 17 is moved to another position is taken as the timing of switching the control program. The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the fourth embodiment includes a switch 17 that can generate an interrupt signal 15. Alternatively, the anti-write switch 16 can be used as the switch 17.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when it is required to use the non-volatile memory card 2 as the first memory card, the switch 17 is set to the on position. In this case, an interruption occurs at the time of switching, so that the interrupt processing program 20 stored in the program storage memory 8 is executed to select a control program for the first memory card. As a result, according to the method of the first memory card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

On the other hand, when it is necessary to use the non-volatile memory card 2 as the second memory card, the switch 17 is set at the closed position. In this case, an interruption occurs also at the time of switching, so that the interrupt processing program 20 stored in the program storage memory 8 is executed to select a control program for the second memory card. As a result, according to the method of the second memory card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

Fig. 4B is a flow chart showing the program of the interrupt processing program which selects the control program for the memory card when the switch 17 is set. At the start of the program (for example, when the switch is turned on) (S02), the interrupt handler 20 determines the state of the interrupt signal 15 transmitted by the switch 17 (S04), and in response to this, executes the control program for the first memory card. Or the control program for the second memory card (SO6, S10). In FIG. 4B, "H" corresponds to the on state of the switch 17 in "SO4", and "L" corresponds to the closed state of the switch 17.

Even when the control program 12a for the first memory card is executed or during the execution of the control program 12b for the second memory card, the state of the switch 17 is changed (YES in S08, NO in S12). The interrupt handler 20 still determines the state of the interrupt signal 15 (S04), and in response to this, executes the control program for the first memory card or the control program for the second memory card (SO6, S10) .

In the following, an embodiment in which a memory card for a control program for an SD card and a control program for an MMC is provided will be described. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card described above, and the MMC corresponds to the second memory card. When it is required to operate as an SD card, the switch 17 is set to the on position. In this case, an interruption occurs at the time of switching, so that the interrupt handler 20 selects a control program for the SD card. According to the method of the SD card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

When it is required to operate as an MMC, the switch 17 is set to the closed position. In this case, an interruption occurs at the time of switching, so that the interrupt handler 20 selects a control program for the MMC. According to the MMC method, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

Another embodiment is that the memory card is provided with a control device for the SD card and a control device for the SDHC memory card. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card, and the SDHC memory card corresponds to the second memory card.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the fourth embodiment, the interrupt processing is executed in response to the setting change of the switch 17. Therefore, even when the switch 17 is inadvertently or accidentally changed, it is possible to switch to another memory card type, thereby preventing erroneous operation.

[Fifth Embodiment]

Figure 5A is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card according to the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the non-volatile memory card according to the fourth embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the fifth embodiment, the switch 17 generates the switching signal 14. Alternatively, the anti-write switch 16 can be used as the switch 17.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the fifth embodiment, the reset operation performed at the time of open source opening causes the control program to be set for the memory card. The positive and negative circuits 26 are provided inside or outside the control device 4 of the non-volatile memory card 2. The positive and negative circuit 26 receives the switching signal supplied from the data receiving and receiving switch 17, and receives the reset signal 22 at its clock input. The output of the forward/reverse control circuit 26 is used by the control device 4 as a switching signal for switching the control program. The reset signal can also be used to reset the control device 4.

When it is necessary to use the non-volatile memory card 2 as the first memory card, the switch 17 is set to the on position. In this case, the initialization program selects the control program for the first memory card in response to the "H" state of the reset signal 22 of the power-on memory of the non-volatile memory card. As a result, according to the method of the second memory card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 1.

On the other hand, when it is necessary to use the non-volatile memory card 2 as the second memory card, the switch 17 is set at the closed position. In this case, the initialization program selects the control program for the second memory card in response to the "H" state of the reset signal 22 of the power-on memory of the non-volatile memory card. As a result, according to the method of the second memory card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 1.

Fig. 5B is a flow chart showing a program for initializing a program for selecting a control program for a memory card at the time of resetting. The initialization program 10 determines the state of the exchange signal 14 when the reset signal becomes "H" (YES at S24) (S26), and in response to this, executes the control program for the first memory card or uses The control program of the second memory card (S28, S30). Accordingly, when a reset operation occurs, the control program to be executed is selected in response to the state of the switch 17.

In the following, an embodiment in which a memory card for a control program for an SD card and a control program for an MMC is provided will be described. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card described above, and the MMC corresponds to the second memory card. When it is required to operate as an SD card, the switch 17 is set to the on position. In this case, the initialization program 10 selects a control program for the SD card in response to the "H" state of the reset signal 22 of the memory card power-on. According to the method of the SD card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

When it is required to operate as an MMC, the switch 17 is set to the closed position. In this case, the initial program 10 selects a control program for the MMC in response to the "H" state of the reset signal 22 of the memory card power-on. According to the MMC method, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

Another embodiment is that the memory card is provided with a control device for the SD card and a control device for the SDHC memory card. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card, and the SDHC memory card corresponds to the second memory card.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the fifth embodiment, the reset signal generated when the power of the memory card is turned on is used to select a control program. Therefore, the control program settings will not change unless a reset signal is generated. Even if the switch is moved to another location for some reason, the selection criteria for the memory card will not change.

[Sixth embodiment]

Figure 6A is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card according to the sixth embodiment is substantially the same as the non-volatile memory card according to the fifth embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the sixth embodiment, the initialization program 10A and the control program have a code for analyzing a reset command from the main controller embedded therein.

When it is necessary to use the non-volatile memory card 2 as the first memory card, the switch 17 is set to the on position. In this case, when the reset command from the main controller is received by the control device 4, the initialization program 10A or the control program selects the control program for the first memory card. As a result, according to the method of the second memory card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 1.

On the other hand, when it is necessary to use the non-volatile memory card 2 as the second memory card, the switch 17 is set at the closed position. In this case, when the reset command from the main controller is received by the control device 4, the initialization program 10A or the control program selects the control program for the second memory card. As a result, according to the method of the second memory card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

Fig. 6B is a flow chart showing the operation of the control means for selecting a control program for the memory card upon receiving a reset command from the main controller. When the reset command is received by the initialization program 10A (YES in S44), the state of the exchange signal is checked (S46), and the control program for the first memory card (S48) is selected or used for the second The control program of the memory card (S52) (S28, S30). The "H" state of the exchange signal indicates that the first memory card is selected, and the "L" state of the exchange signal indicates that the second memory card is selected.

When the reset command is received by the control program (YES in S50, YES in S54), the state of the exchange signal is checked even during execution of the control program (S46), and newly selected for the first A control program of the memory card (S48) or a control program for the second memory card (S52).

In the following, an embodiment in which a memory card for a control program for an SD card and a control program for an MMC is provided will be described. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card described above, and the MMC corresponds to the second memory card. When it is required to operate as an SD card, the switch 17 is set to the on position. In this case, upon receiving the reset command "CMD0" sent from the main controller, the initialization program 10A or the control program selects the control program for the SD card. According to the method of the SD card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

When it is required to operate as an MMC, the switch 17 is set to the closed position. In this case, upon receiving the reset command "CMD0" sent from the main controller, the initialization program 10A or the control program selects the control program for the MMC. According to the MMC method, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

Another embodiment is that the memory card is provided with a control device for the SD card and a control device for the SDHC memory card. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card, and the SDHC memory card corresponds to the second memory card.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the sixth embodiment, a reset command used by the main controller to initialize the memory card is used to select a control program. Therefore, the control program settings will not change unless a reset command is generated. Even if the switch is moved to another location for some reason, the selection criteria for the memory card will not change.

[Seventh embodiment]

Figure 7A is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card according to the seventh embodiment is substantially the same as the non-volatile memory card according to the sixth embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The nonvolatile memory card 2 according to the seventh embodiment is not provided with a switch. In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the seventh embodiment, a communication protocol accessed by a main controller (not shown) is analyzed to select a control program.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the seventh embodiment, the initialization program 10A and the control program have a code for analyzing the communication protocol of the host controller to initialize the memory card.

When the initialization program 10A analyzes the communication protocol accessed by the main controller and determines that the communication protocol is for the first memory card, the initialization program 10A selects the control program for the first memory card. According to the method of the first memory card, the main controller can thus exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

When the initialization program 10A analyzes the communication protocol accessed by the main controller and determines that the communication protocol is for the second memory card, the initialization program 10A selects the control program for the second memory card. According to the method of the second memory card, the main controller can thus exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2. In response to the communication protocol being neither for the first memory card nor for the second memory card, the interrupt routine is executed to continue the communication protocol analysis.

Fig. 7B is a flow chart showing the operation of the control means for selecting a control program for the memory card by analyzing the communication protocol accessed by the main controller. When a reset command (for example, CMD0) is received by the initialization program 10A (or the control program) (YES in S64), it is checked whether the communication protocol is used for the first memory card. If the confirmation communication protocol is for the first memory card (YES in S66), the control program for the first memory card is selected and executed (S68). If the confirmation communication protocol is for the second memory card (NO in S66, YES in S70), the control program for the second memory card is selected and executed (S72). In response to the fact that the communication protocol is neither for the first memory card nor for the second memory card ("NO" at S70), the interrupt program is executed to wait for other reset commands.

In the following, an embodiment in which a memory card for a control program for an SD card and a control program for an MMC is provided will be described. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card described above, and the MMC corresponds to the second memory card. When the CMDO and CMD 55 are continuously received by the initialization program 10A (or the control program), the initialization program 10A (or the control program) selects the control program for the SD card. According to the method of the SD card, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

When the CMDO and CMD1 are continuously received by the initialization program 10A (or the control program), the initialization program 10A (or the control program) selects the control program for the MMC. According to the MMD method, the main controller can exchange data with the non-volatile memory card 2.

Another embodiment is that the memory card is provided with a control device for the SD card and a control device for the SDHC memory card. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card, and the SDHC memory card corresponds to the second memory card. It should be noted that in the case of these memory cards, the commands at S70 of Fig. 7B are different (i.e., CMD8 should replace CMD1).

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the seventh embodiment, the initialization program 10A and the control program analyze the communication protocol of the access performed by the main controller to select the control program. This configuration thus does not require a switch.

In the example used in the above embodiment, the number of control programs is two. Alternatively, more than two control programs can be provided for the memory card. Even in this case, unlike the first to sixth embodiments, it is not necessary to provide an increased switch.

[Eighth Embodiment]

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card according to the eighth embodiment is substantially the same as the non-volatile memory card according to the seventh embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the eighth embodiment is not provided with a switch. In addition, the switching of the control program is not performed. Despite this configuration, data transfer can still be performed with host controllers with different specifications.

The non-volatile memory card 2 of the eighth embodiment performs data transfer between the non-volatile memory 6 and the main controller (not shown) via the control device 4. The program storage memory 8 stores therein a command check program 24, a memory card sharing portion control program 26, a first memory card dedicated control program 30a, and a second memory card dedicated control program 30b.

Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control device 4 of the memory card. Upon receiving a command from the primary controller, the command checker 24 checks what the command is. If the command is a command shared by all the memory cards (YES in S84), the command is transmitted to and processed by the memory card sharing portion control program 26 (S86). Then, the program returns to the check processing executed by the command check program 24.

If the command is specified for the first memory card (NO in S84, YES in S88), the command is transmitted to and processed by the first memory card dedicated control program 30a (S90). Then, the program returns to the check processing executed by the command check program 24.

If the command is specifically used for the second memory card (NO in S84, NO in S88, YES in S92), the command is transmitted to and processed by the second memory card dedicated control program 30b ( S94). Then, the program returns to the check processing executed by the command check program 24.

In response to the determination that none of the patterns is a command (NO in S84, NO in S88, NO in S92), the interrupt processing is executed (S96). Then, the program returns to the check processing executed by the command check program 24.

In the following, an embodiment of a memory card will be described, which is provided with a command check program, an SD card & MMC shared partial control program, an SD card dedicated control program, and an MMC dedicated control program.

First, a case where the non-volatile memory card 2 is inserted into an SD card dedicated slot (not shown) of a host computer (not shown) will be described. When receiving a command from the SD card host controller, the command check program checks the command. If the command is a command shared by all memory cards, the command is transferred to and processed by the memory card sharing part of the control program. The program then returns to the check processing performed by the command checker.

If the command is specifically used for the SD card, the command is transmitted to and processed by the SD card dedicated control program (S90). Then, the program returns to the check processing executed by the command check program 24. In this case, since the memory card of the present invention appropriately responds to all commands supported by the SD card, the SD card master controller accesses the memory card of the present invention by treating it as an SD card. In addition, since the main controller is designed for use with an SD card, the controller does not transmit commands specific to the MMC. Therefore, no matter what, there will be no order to hand over to the MMC-specific control program.

In the following, the case where the non-volatile memory card 2 is inserted into an MMC dedicated slot (not shown) of a host computer (not shown) will be described. When receiving a command from the MMC host controller, the command checks the program to check the command. If the command is a command shared by all memory cards, the command is transferred to and processed by the memory card sharing part of the control program. The program then returns to the check processing performed by the command checker.

If the command is specific to the MMC, the command is passed to and processed by the MMC-specific control program. Then, the program returns to the check processing executed by the command check program 24. In this case, since the memory card of the present invention appropriately responds to all commands supported by the MMC, the MMC master controller accesses the memory card of the present invention by considering it as an MMC. In addition, since the main controller is designed for MMC, the controller does not transmit commands specific to the SD card. Therefore, no matter what, there will be no commands given to the SD dedicated control program.

The case where the memory card is inserted into the SD card & MMC compatible slot will be further explained. In the case where the main controller supports both the SD card and the MMC, the main controller needs to check that the inserted memory card is an SD card or an MMC. The master controller determines what memory card is by transmitting a command specifically supported by the SD card or a command specifically supported by the MMC card and checking the response to the command transmitted.

For example, if an appropriate response is sent back in response to the continuously transmitted CMDO and CMD1, the primary controller finds the MMC and, if an appropriate response is sent back in response to the continuously transmitted CMDO and CMD55, then the primary control Find the SD card.

When the main controller continuously transmits CMD0 and CMD55 specific for the SD card, the memory card of the present invention appropriately responds to the command. In this case, the main controller determines that the inserted memory card is an SD card, and then accesses the memory card by using a command supported by the SD card. Since the memory card of the present invention responds appropriately to the command, the data transfer between the main controller and the memory card of the present invention will be properly performed.

With the same token, the memory card of the present invention operates properly as an MMC when the master controller determines the memory card by using a command specific to the MMC.

In another embodiment, the memory card is provided with a command check program, an SD card & SDHC card sharing part control program, an SD card dedicated control program, and an SDHC memory card dedicated control program. This memory card has substantially the same configuration and operation as the non-volatile memory card 2 shown in Figs.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the eighth embodiment, the control programs can be shared, except for the control program that is specific to the processing commands of the individual standards. Therefore, the overall size of the control program can be reduced. In addition, since there is no need to switch the control program, no switch is required.

In the embodiment used in the above embodiment, the number of control programs is two. Alternatively, more than two control programs can be provided for the memory card, and switching between these programs can be performed. Even in this case, unlike the first to sixth embodiments, it is not necessary to provide an increased switch.

[Example of non-volatile memory]

The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the above first to eighth embodiments is configured such that the control device has a different configuration. The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the ninth to fifteenth embodiments described below is configured in a configuration in which non-volatile memories are different.

As described earlier, even if a controller compatible with an SD card is implemented in an SDHC memory card, since the SD card does not support a data area exceeding 2 GB, the main controller designed to support the SD card cannot recognize more than 4 GB. The data area of the SDHC memory card. According to the ninth to fifteenth embodiments, the non-volatile memory card is particularly useful for overcoming the problems. However, needless to say, the invention is not limited to these two specific types of cards.

In the ninth to fifteenth embodiments described below, the control device 4 is compatible with a plurality of memory cards. That is, the control device 4 is provided with at least the function of the control device for the first memory card (ie, the first memory card compatibility mode) and the function of the control device for the second memory card (ie, the second memory) Card compatibility mode). For example, the control device 4 is provided with at least the functions of the SD card control device (ie, the SD card compatibility mode) and the functions of the SDHC memory card control device (ie, the SDHC memory card compatible mode).

[Ninth Embodiment]

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention includes a control device 4 and a non-volatile memory 6, and the non-volatile memory 6 is divided into a first memory card data area 6a and a second memory card data area. 6b.

When the control device 4 operates in the first memory card compatibility mode, access to the first memory card data area is permitted. Access to the second memory card data area is permitted when the control device 4 is operating in the second memory card compatible mode.

When the control device 4 operates in the first memory card compatibility mode, access to the first memory card data area is permitted. Access to the second memory card data area is permitted when the control device 4 is operating in the second memory card compatible mode.

When the control device 4 operates in the first memory card compatible mode, access to the second memory card data area is not permitted. When the control device 4 operates in the second memory card compatible mode, access to the first memory card data area is not permitted. In this way, it is not possible to access the common data area of the memory card in the system in which the individual host controller supports the individual memory card. Data cannot be shared between systems via this memory card.

In the following, an embodiment of a memory card having a function of a control device for an SD card and a function of a control device for an SDHC memory card will be described. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card described above, and the SDHC card corresponds to the second memory card described above. The non-volatile memory 6 of the memory card is divided into an SD card data area 6 and an SDHC memory card data area.

In this case, the SD card master controller operates in SD mode and can access an SD card data area of less than 2 GB. The SDHC memory card master controller operates in the SDHC memory card mode and can access the SDHC memory card data area.

However, as in the case of the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the seventh and eighth embodiments described above, when the control program automatically switches the function of the control device 4, the SDHC memory card host controller cannot access the SD card asset area. . Therefore, data exchange and data sharing cannot be performed between a system having an SD card host controller and a system having an SDHC memory card host controller. Therefore, data exchange and data sharing cannot be performed between a system having an SD card host controller and a system having an SDHC memory card host controller. If the non-volatile memory card is configured as in the second to sixth embodiments described above, so that the control device 4 or the control program is manually switched, by operating the control device 4 in the SD card operation mode, the SDHC memory card master The controller can use an area equivalent to 2GB to perform data exchange and data sharing.

[Tenth embodiment]

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card according to the tenth embodiment is substantially the same as the non-volatile memory card according to the ninth embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the tenth embodiment has a single file system 7 in the non-volatile memory 6, and the non-volatile memory 6 is divided into a first memory card data area 6a and a second memory card data area 6b.

When the control device 4 operates in the first memory card compatibility mode, access to the first memory card data area is permitted. Access to the second memory card data area is permitted when the control device 4 is operating in the second memory card compatible mode.

When the control device 4 operates in the second memory card compatibility mode, since the first memory card data area 6a exists in the file system as a single disk image file, the first memory card data in the file system 7 is accessed. Will need special software. Therefore, the system having the second memory card main controller cannot directly access the first memory card data area 6a. That is, since it is impossible to easily access the common data area of the memory card in the system in which the individual host controller supports the individual memory, it is not easy to share the data between the systems via the memory card.

In the following, an embodiment of a memory card having a function of a control device for an SD card and a function of a control device for an SDHC memory card will be described. The SD card corresponds to the first memory card described above, and the SDHC card corresponds to the second memory card described above. Non-volatile memory is divided into SD card data area and SDHC memory card data area in the file system of the memory card.

In this case, the SD card main controller operates in the SD mode and can access the SD card data area of less than 2 GB, and the SD card data area exists in the file system in the disc image file. The SDHC memory card master controller operates in the SDHC memory card mode and can access the SDHC memory card data area.

In order to access the data stored in the SD card compatibility mode, as in the case of the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the seventh and eighth embodiments described above, when the control program automatically switches the function of the control device 4, the SDHC memory The card master controller requires special software to access the disc image files in the SD card data area. Therefore, data exchange and data sharing cannot be easily performed between a system having an SD card host controller and a system having an SDHC memory card host controller. If the non-volatile memory card is configured as in the second to sixth embodiments described above, so that the control device 4 or the control program is manually switched, by operating the control device 4 in the SD card operation mode, the SDHC memory card master The controller can use an area equivalent to 2GB to perform data exchange and data sharing.

[Eleventh Embodiment]

Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card according to the eleventh embodiment is substantially the same as the non-volatile memory card according to the tenth embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the eleventh embodiment has a plurality of file systems (first file system 7a and second file system 7b) in the non-volatile memory 6, and these file systems 7a and 7b are respectively provided with A memory card data area 6a and a second memory card data area 6b.

When the control device 4 operates in the first memory card compatible mode, the first memory card data area 6a of the first file system 7a can be accessed. When the control device 4 operates in the second memory card compatibility mode, if the individual file systems 7a and 7b can be independently recognized, the control device 4 can access the first memory card data area 6a of the first file system 7a and The second memory card data area 6b of the second file system 7b.

In this case, the system having the first memory card master can access the single file system (i.e., the first file system 7a) in the first memory card compatible mode. In addition, the system having the second memory card host controller can access a plurality of file systems (i.e., the first file system 7a and the second file system 7b) in the second memory card compatible mode.

An embodiment of the memory card will be considered here, as shown in Fig. 17, which is provided with the functions of the control means for the SD card and the functions of the control means for the SDHC memory card. In the non-volatile memory of the non-volatile memory card 2A shown in FIG. 17, the first file system 7a' is provided with an SD card data area 6a', and the second file system 7b' is provided with an SDHC memory card data area 6b. '.

In this case, the system with the SD card master controller operates in the SD mode and can access an SD card of less than 2 GB that is located in the first file system 7a' and detected as a drive (eg, a Y drive). Data area 6a'.

In addition, the system with the SDHC memory card main controller operates in the SDHC memory card mode, and can access the SDHC memory card data set in the second file system 7b' and detected as another drive (for example, an X drive). District 6b'. Further, the SD card data area 6a' of less than 2 GB provided in the first file system 7a' is detected as a Y drive) and is accessible. That is, the SD card data area 6a' and the SDHC memory card data area 6b' are detected as two separate drivers.

Therefore, data exchange can be easily performed between a system having an SD card host controller and a system having an SDHC memory card host controller, thereby providing data sharing via a single memory card.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the eleventh embodiment, the file system is divided into a plurality of pieces. The SD card data area can be set in a single file system (as in the tenth embodiment) and the data area is detected as a different drive than the drive on the SDHC memory data area. According to this configuration, the same functions and results as those of the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the eleventh embodiment are obtained.

[Twelfth Embodiment]

Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card according to the twelfth embodiment is substantially the same as the non-volatile memory card according to the eleventh embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the twelfth embodiment has a non-volatile memory 6, and the non-volatile memory 6 is divided into a plurality of partitions. These partitions are provided with individual file systems (first file system 7a and second file system 7b). These file systems 7a and 7b are respectively provided with a first memory card data area 6a and a second memory card data area 6b.

When the control device 4 operates in the first memory card compatible mode, the first memory card data area 6a of the first file system 7a can be accessed. When the control device 4 operates in the second memory card compatible mode, the second memory card data area of the second file system can be accessed. Further, the first memory card data area 6a of the first file system 7a is assigned to a specific directory in the second file system 7b, so that the first memory card data area 6a can be accessed without directly via the second file system 7b.

In this case, the system having the first memory card master can access the single file system (i.e., the first file system 7a) in the first memory card compatible mode. In addition, the system having the second memory card master controller can access the two memory card data areas via the single file system (i.e., the second file system 7b) in the second memory card compatible mode.

An embodiment of the memory card will be considered here, as shown in Fig. 18, which is provided with the functions of the control means for the SD card and the functions of the control means for the SDHC memory card. The non-volatile memory 6A of the non-volatile memory card 2A shown in Fig. 18 is divided into a plurality of partitions. These partitions contain individual file systems (i.e., first file system 7a' and second file system 7b'). The first file system 7a' is provided with an SD card data area 6a', and the second file system 7b' is provided with an SDHC memory card data area 6b'.

In this case, the system with the SD card master controller operates in the SD mode and can access an SD card of less than 2 GB that is located in the first file system 7a' and detected as a drive (eg, a Y drive). Data area 6a'.

In addition, the system with the SDHC memory card main controller operates in the SDHC memory card mode, and can access the SDHC memory card data set in the second file system 7b' and detected as another drive (for example, an X drive). District 6b'. The SD card data area 6a' of less than 2 GB is allocated to the directory SDFILES in the second file system 7b' where the SDHC memory card data area 6b' is provided. According to this configuration, the system having the SDHC memory card main controller can access the SD card data area 6a'.

That is, the second file system 7b' is accessed to access the first file system having the SD card data area. Therefore, data exchange can be easily performed between a system having an SD card host controller and a system having an SDHC memory card host controller, thereby providing data sharing via a single memory card.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the twelfth embodiment, the file system is divided into a plurality of pieces. The SD card data area can be set in a single file system (as in the tenth embodiment) and the data area is identified as a directory in the second file system. According to this configuration, the same functions and results as those of the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the twelfth embodiment are obtained.

[Thirteenth Embodiment]

Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. The non-volatile memory card according to the thirteenth embodiment is substantially the same as the non-volatile memory card according to the twelfth embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the thirteenth embodiment has a non-volatile memory 6, and the non-volatile memory 6 is divided into a plurality of partitions. These partitions are provided with individual file systems (first file system 7a and second file system 7b). These file systems 7a and 7b are respectively provided with a first memory card data area 6a and a second memory card data area 6b.

When the control device 4 operates in the first memory card compatible mode, the first memory card data area 6a of the first file system 7a can be accessed. When the control device 4 operates in the second memory card compatible mode, the second memory card data area of the second file system can be accessed. Further, the first memory card data area 6a of the first file system 7a is assigned to a specific directory in the second file system 7b, so that the first memory card data area 6a can be accessed without directly via the second file system 7b.

Operating in the second memory card compatible mode, for example, the first memory card data area 6a exists as a single disc image file in the second file system. Therefore, special software is required to access the first memory card data (area) of the image file, and thus the system having the second memory card main controller cannot obtain direct access. That is, since a system having an individual host controller cannot easily access a common data area of the non-volatile memory, it is not easy to share data between the systems via the memory card.

An embodiment of the memory card will be considered here, as shown in Fig. 19, which is provided with the functions of the control means for the SD card and the functions of the control means for the SDHC memory card. The non-volatile memory 6A of the non-volatile memory card 2A shown in Fig. 19 is divided into a plurality of partitions including individual file systems (i.e., the first file system 7a' and the second file system 7b'. ). The first file system 7a' is provided with an SD card data area 6a', and the second file system 7b' is provided with an SDHC memory card data area 6b'.

In this case, the system with the SD card master controller operates in the SD mode and can access an SD card of less than 2 GB that is located in the first file system 7a' and detected as a drive (eg, a Y drive). Data area 6a'.

In addition, the system with the SDHC memory card main controller operates in the SDHC memory card mode, and can access the SDHC memory card data set in the second file system 7b' and detected as another drive (for example, an X drive). District 6b'. The SD card data area 6a' of less than 2 GB is allocated to the file SD.IMG in the second file system 7b' where the SDHC memory card data area 6b' is provided. According to this configuration, the system having the SDHC memory card main controller can access the SD card data area 6a'.

However, it should be noted that since the file SD.IMG exists as a disc image file, access to the SD card data (area) of this image file requires special software. That is, a system having an SDHC memory card host controller cannot directly access SD card data (area). In other words, since a system having an individual host controller cannot easily access the common data area of the non-volatile memory, it is not easy to share data between the systems via the memory card.

If the non-volatile memory card is configured as in the second to sixth embodiments described above, so that the control device 4 or the control program is manually switched, by operating the control device 4 in the SD card operation mode, the SDHC memory card master The controller can use an area equivalent to 2GB to perform data exchange and data sharing.

[Fourteenth Embodiment]

Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. The nonvolatile memory card according to the fourteenth embodiment is substantially the same as the nonvolatile memory card according to the thirteenth embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the thirteenth embodiment has a non-volatile memory 6, and the non-volatile memory 6 is divided into a plurality of partitions. These partitions are provided with individual file systems (first file system 7a and second file system 7b). These file systems 7a and 7b are respectively provided with a first memory card data area 6a and a second memory card data area 6b.

When the control device 4 operates in the first memory card compatible mode, the first memory card data area 6a of the first file system 7a can be accessed. When the control device 4 operates in the second memory card compatible mode, the second memory card data area of the second file system can be accessed. In addition, the first memory card data area 6a of the first file system 7a is assigned to a specific general purpose compressed file in the second file system 7b, so that the first memory card data can be accessed without directly via the second file system 7b. District 6a.

In this case, when the second memory card compatibility mode is used, the first memory card data area 6a exists as a compressed file in the second file system. Therefore, it is necessary to operate the special software of the compressed file to access the first memory card data (area) of the compressed file, and therefore, the system having the second memory card main controller cannot obtain direct access.

Although the file is a general purpose compressed file, there is no need to define the format of the file. In contrast to the tenth embodiment and the eleventh embodiment, a system having an individual host controller is relatively easy to access the common data area of the non-volatile memory, so that it is easier to share data between the systems via the memory card.

An embodiment of the memory card will be considered here, as shown in Fig. 20, which is provided with the functions of the control means for the SD card and the functions of the control means for the SDHC memory card. The non-volatile memory 6A of the non-volatile memory card 2A shown in Fig. 20 is divided into a plurality of partitions including individual file systems (i.e., the first file system 7a' and the second file system 7b'. ). The first file system 7a' is provided with an SD card data area 6a', and the second file system 7b' is provided with an SDHC memory card data area 6b'.

In this case, the system with the SD card master controller operates in the SD mode and can access an SD card of less than 2 GB that is located in the first file system 7a' and detected as a drive (eg, a Y drive). Data area 6a'.

In addition, the system with the SDHC memory card main controller operates in the SDHC memory card mode, and can access the SDHC memory card data set in the second file system 7b' and detected as another drive (for example, an X drive). District 6b'. The SD card data area 6a' of less than 2 GB is allocated to the file SD.ZIP in the second file system 7b' where the SDHC memory card data area 6b' is provided. According to this configuration, the system having the SDHC memory card main controller can access the SD card data area 6a'.

Since the file SD.ZIP exists as a compressed file, accessing the SD card data (area) of this compressed file requires special software for operating the compressed file. That is, a system having an SDHC memory card host controller cannot directly access SD card data (area).

Since the ZIP file is a general-purpose compressed file, there is no need to define the format of the file. In contrast to the tenth embodiment and the eleventh embodiment, a system having an individual host controller is relatively easy to access the common data area of the non-volatile memory, so that it is easier to share data between the systems via the memory card.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the fourteenth embodiment, the file system is divided into a plurality of pieces. The SD card data area can be set in a single file system (as in the tenth embodiment) and the data area is identified as a compressed file in a second file system such as AIP. According to this configuration, the same functions and results as those of the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the fourteenth embodiment are obtained.

[Fifteenth Embodiment]

Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. The nonvolatile memory card according to the fifteenth embodiment is substantially the same as the nonvolatile memory card according to the fourteenth embodiment. The same elements as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The non-volatile memory card 2 according to the fourteenth embodiment has a plurality of file systems (first file system 7a and second file system 7b) in the non-volatile memory, and the file systems 7a and 7b are respectively provided with the first The memory card data area 6a and the second memory card data area 6b.

When the control device 4 operates in the first memory card compatible mode, the first memory card data area 6a of the first file system 7a can be accessed. When the control device 4 operates in the second memory card compatible mode, the second memory card data area of the second file system can be accessed. In addition, when the control device 4 operates in the second memory card compatibility mode, the first memory of the first file system 7a can be accessed by using a command that is neither the first memory card nor the second memory card. Card data area 6a.

In this case, the system having the first memory card master can access the single file system (i.e., the first file system 7a) in the first memory card compatible mode. A system having a second memory card master can access a plurality of file systems in a second memory card compatible mode. However, when a command that is not supported by both the first memory card and the second memory card is used, the compatibility with the two memory cards cannot be maintained.

An embodiment of the memory card will be considered here, as shown in Fig. 21, which is provided with the functions of the control means for the SD card and the functions of the control means for the SDHC memory card. The non-volatile memory 6A of the non-volatile memory card 2A shown in Fig. 21 includes a plurality of file systems (i.e., the first file system 7a' and the second file system 7b'). The first file system 7a' is provided with an SD card data area 6a', and the second file system 7b' is provided with an SDHC memory card data area 6b'.

In this case, the system with the SD card master controller operates in the SD mode and can access an SD card of less than 2 GB that is located in the first file system 7a' and detected as a drive (eg, a Y drive). Data area 6a'.

In addition, the system with the SDHC memory card main controller operates in the SDHC memory card mode, and can access the SDHC memory card data set in the second file system 7b' and detected as another drive (for example, an X drive). District 6b'. In addition, when a command that is not supported by the SD card and the SDHC memory card is used to access the SDHC memory card, the SD card data area 6a' of less than 2 GB set in the first file system 7a' is detected as the Y drive and is stored. take. That is, the SD card data area and the SDHC memory card data area are detected (identified) as two individual drives.

Therefore, data exchange can be easily performed between a system having an SD card host controller and a system having an SDHC memory card host controller, thereby providing data sharing via a single memory card. However, it should be noted that since the commands that are not supported by the SD card and the SDHC memory card are used, it is necessary to use a control program that does not conform to the SDHC memory card in the SDHC main controller.

In the non-volatile memory card 2 according to the fifteenth embodiment, the file system is divided into a plurality of pieces. The SD card data area can be set in a single file system (as in the tenth embodiment) and the data area is detected as a different drive than the one used for the second file system 7b in response to both the SD card and the SDHC memory card. Unsupported command. According to this configuration, the same functions and results as those of the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the fifteenth embodiment are obtained.

Further, as in the twelfth, thirteenth, or fourteenth embodiment, a directory or file may be assigned instead of the drive.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

The present application is based on Japanese Priority Application No. 2006-240294 filed on Sep.

2. . . Non-volatile memory card

2A. . . Non-volatile memory card

4. . . Control device

4a. . . First control device

4b. . . Second control device

6. . . Non-volatile memory

6a. . . First memory card data area

6b. . . Second memory card data area

6a’. . . SD card data area

6b’. . . SDHC card data area

7. . . File system

7a. . . First file system

7b. . . Second file system

7a’. . . First file system

7b’. . . Second file system

8. . . Program storage memory

10. . . Initializer

10A. . . Initializer

12a. . . First memory card control program

12b. . . Second memory card control program

17. . . switch

20. . . Interrupt handler

twenty four. . . Command checker

26. . . Memory card sharing part control program

30a. . . First memory card dedicated control program

30b. . . Second memory card dedicated control program

1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2A and 2B are block diagrams showing the internal configuration of a nonvolatile memory card in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B are block diagrams showing the internal configuration of a nonvolatile memory card in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4A is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4B is a flow chart showing the program of the interrupt processing program which selects the control program for the memory card when the switch 17 is set.

Figure 5A is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

5B is a flowchart showing a program of an initialization program for selecting a control program for a memory card at the time of resetting; FIG. 6A is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the non-volatile memory card according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. .

6B is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device which selects a control program for the memory card upon receiving the reset command from the main controller; FIG. 7A is a block diagram showing the seventh embodiment according to the present invention. Internal configuration of the volatile memory card.

Fig. 7B is a flow chart showing the operation of the control means for selecting a control program for the memory card by analyzing the access communication protocol of the main controller.

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control device 4 of the memory card.

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a non-volatile memory card in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 shows a memory card having the functions of a control device for the SD card and the functions of the control device for the SDHC memory card.

Figure 18 shows a memory card having the functions of a control device for the SD card and the functions of the control device for the SDHC memory card.

Figure 19 shows a memory card having the functions of a control device for the SD card and the functions of the control device for the SDHC memory card.

Figure 20 shows a memory card having the functions of a control device for the SD card and the functions of the control device for the SDHC memory card.

Figure 21 shows a memory card having the functions of a control device for the SD card and the functions of the control device for the SDHC memory card.

2. . . Non-volatile memory card

4. . . Control device

6. . . Non-volatile memory

8. . . Program storage memory

10. . . Initializer

12a. . . First memory card control program

12b. . . Second memory card control program

Claims (26)

A memory card comprising: a control device; a non-volatile memory; and a program storage memory, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a plurality of control programs corresponding to individual standards for controlling the non-volatile memory and Data access between external devices, and the control device is configured to monitor an access protocol from the external device command or the external device to select one of the plurality of control programs in response to the monitored command or communication a protocol, and one of the plurality of control programs for executing the selected memory card, and wherein the control program detects the communication protocol for which the monitored communication protocol is used for access by the first standard Or, when detecting that the monitored communication protocol is specific to the first standard, selecting a control program corresponding to the first standard, and the control device is detecting the monitored communication protocol Corresponding to the second standard access protocol, or when it is detected that the monitored communication protocol is specific to the second standard, The second standard control program. A memory card comprising: a control device; a non-volatile memory; and a program storage memory, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a command check program for checking commands supplied by the external device, and a memory card sharing portion control Cheng And a plurality of memory card-specific control programs corresponding to the individual standards, wherein the memory card sharing control program is configured to control the non-volatile memory and the control by performing a common control of a plurality of memory cards corresponding to the individual standards Data access between external devices, wherein the memory card specific control program is configured to control data access between the non-volatile memory and the external device by performing control specific to the individual memory card, and The control device is configured to use the command to check the program to check the command supplied by the external device, and to select and execute at least one of the memory card sharing portion control program and the memory card dedicated control program in response to being checked And the command, wherein the control program selects the memory card sharing part control program by detecting all the standard sharing commands, and detects that the checked command is for the first criterion Selecting a dedicated memory card control program corresponding to the first standard at a specific time, and detecting the detected command pair second It must have a specific occasion should be chosen for the second standard memory card dedicated control program. A memory card comprising: a control device; a non-volatile memory; and a program storage memory, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a command check program for checking commands supplied by the external device, and a memory card sharing portion control Program, SD memory card dedicated control program, MMC dedicated control program, The memory card sharing control program is configured to control data access between the non-volatile memory and the external device by performing common control of the SD card and the MMC, wherein the SD card dedicated control program is configured to be configured by Performing control specific to the SD card to control data access between the non-volatile memory and an external device, wherein the MMC-specific control program is configured to control the non-volatile by performing control specific to the MMC Data access between the memory and the external device, and wherein the control device is configured to use the command to check the program to check the command supplied by the external device, and to select and execute the memory card sharing part control program, SD card At least one of a dedicated control program and an MMC-specific control program to respond to the checked command, and wherein the control device selects the memory card when detecting that the checked command is shared by the SD card and the MMC The shared part control program selects the dedicated control program of the SD card when detecting that the checked command is specific to the SD card, and detects the Check command to the MMC is specific occasion select the control program dedicated to the MMC. A method for switching memory card control in a memory card, the memory card comprising a plurality of control devices and an anti-write switch, the method comprising the step of using the anti-write switch as a switch to select one of the plurality of control devices. A method for switching memory card control in a memory card, the memory card comprising a control device, a non-volatile memory, a program storage memory, and An anti-write switch, wherein the program storage memory is configured to store a plurality of control programs corresponding to individual standards for controlling data access between the non-volatile memory and an external device, the method comprising using the anti-write switch As a switch to select one of the plurality of control programs. A memory card comprising: a data storage non-volatile memory corresponding to a first memory card standard; and a control device configured to support a first memory card standard providing a first amount of data and a second memory providing a second amount of data a card standard, wherein the second amount of data is smaller than the first amount of data, wherein a directory in the memory area of the data storage non-volatile memory is allocated as the control device operates in a mode conforming to the second memory card standard The data storage area used. A memory card comprising: a data storage non-volatile memory corresponding to a first memory card standard; and a control device configured to support a first memory card standard providing a first amount of data and a second memory providing a second amount of data a card standard, wherein the second amount of data is smaller than the first amount of data, wherein the file in the memory area of the data storage non-volatile memory is allocated as the control device operates in a mode conforming to the second memory card standard The data storage area used. A memory card comprising: a data storage non-volatile memory corresponding to a first memory card standard; And a control device configured to support a first memory card standard providing a first amount of data and a second memory card standard providing a second amount of data, wherein the second amount of data is less than the first amount of data, wherein the data is stored non-volatile The compressed file in the memory area of the memory is assigned as the data storage area used by the control device to operate in a mode compatible with the second memory card standard. A memory card comprising: a non-volatile memory having a data storage area corresponding to a first memory card standard and a data storage area corresponding to a second memory card standard; and a control device configured to support providing the first amount of data a first memory card standard and a second memory card standard providing a second amount of data, the second amount of data being less than the first amount of data, wherein the first memory card standard and the second memory card standard are not supported A second data storage area can be accessed by a command or communication protocol. A method of using a memory card of a first memory card standard, the memory card comprising a data storage non-volatile memory corresponding to a first memory card standard and a control device configured to support providing a first amount of data a memory card standard and a second memory card standard providing a second amount of data, wherein the second amount of data is less than the first amount of data; wherein the data storage non-volatile memory is divided into a plurality of regions, when the control device is in compliance with the When operating in the mode of the memory card standard, one of the plurality of areas is used as a data storage area of the memory card of the second memory card standard, and the method includes the following steps: Assigning one of the plurality of regions of the data storage area of the memory card as the second memory card standard to the first driver; and assigning at least another of the plurality of regions to the second driver different from the first driver. A method of using a memory card according to claim 6 of the patent application as a first memory card standard memory card, comprising the steps of: storing the control device in a mode compatible with a second memory card standard; The data stored in the non-volatile memory is allocated to a predetermined directory. A method of using a memory card as claimed in claim 7 as a first memory card standard, comprising the steps of: operating the control device in a mode compatible with the second memory card standard The data storage area is assigned to a predetermined file. A method of using a memory card as claimed in claim 8 as a first memory card standard, comprising the steps of: operating the control device in a mode compatible with the second memory card standard The data storage area is assigned to a predetermined compressed file. A method of using a memory card as claimed in claim 9 as a first memory card standard, comprising the steps of: using a command not supported by the first memory card standard and the second memory card standard Or a communication agreement to access the second data storage area. An SDHC memory card includes a data storage non-volatile memory, and the data is stored in a non-volatile memory as a data storage area of an SD card in an SD card compatible mode. An SDHC memory card, including data storage non-volatile memory The data storage part of the non-volatile memory is used as the data storage area of the SD card in the SD card compatibility mode. An SDHC memory card includes a data storage non-volatile memory, the data storage non-volatile memory is divided into a plurality of regions, and at least one of the plurality of regions is used as a data storage region of an SD card in an SD card compatibility mode. An SDHC memory card includes a data storage non-volatile memory, wherein a directory in a memory area of the data storage non-volatile memory is allocated as a data storage area of an SD card in an SD card compatible mode. An SDHC memory card includes a data storage non-volatile memory, wherein the file in the memory area of the data storage non-volatile memory is allocated as a data storage area of the SD card in the SD card compatibility mode. An SDHC memory card includes a data storage non-volatile memory, wherein the compressed file in the memory area of the data storage non-volatile memory is allocated as a data storage area of the SD card in the SD card compatibility mode. An SDHC memory card comprising: a non-volatile memory having a first data storage area corresponding to an SDHC memory card standard and a second data storage area corresponding to an SD card standard; and a control device configured to support an SDHC memory card standard And the SD card standard, wherein the second data storage area can be accessed in an operation mode compatible with the SDHC memory card standard by using a command or communication protocol that is not supported by the SDHC memory card standard and the SD card standard. A method for using an SDHC memory card according to claim 17 in the SDHC memory card mode, comprising the steps of: assigning one of the plurality of regions of the data storage area of the SD card in the SD card compatibility mode Giving the first driver; and assigning at least another of the plurality of regions to the second driver different from the first driver. A method of using an SDHC memory card according to claim 18 in the SDHC memory card mode, comprising the steps of: assigning an area used by the SD card compatibility mode to a predetermined directory. A method of using an SDHC memory card according to claim 19 in the SDHC memory card mode, comprising the steps of: assigning an area used in the SD card compatibility mode to a predetermined file. A method of using an SDHC memory card according to claim 20 in the SDHC memory card mode, comprising the steps of: assigning an area used in the SD card compatibility mode to a predetermined compressed file. A method for using an SDHC memory card according to claim 21 in the SDHC memory card mode, comprising the steps of: accessing SD by using a command or communication protocol not supported by the SDHC memory card standard and the SD card standard The area used in card compatibility mode.