+

US20070108300A1 - Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same - Google Patents

Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20070108300A1
US20070108300A1 US11/650,667 US65066707A US2007108300A1 US 20070108300 A1 US20070108300 A1 US 20070108300A1 US 65066707 A US65066707 A US 65066707A US 2007108300 A1 US2007108300 A1 US 2007108300A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
memory card
controller module
mmc
usb
controller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/650,667
Inventor
Chang-il Son
Sam-Yong Bahng
Jong-Keun Ahn
Sang-wook Kang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/650,667 priority Critical patent/US20070108300A1/en
Publication of US20070108300A1 publication Critical patent/US20070108300A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K17/00Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/0772Physical layout of the record carrier
    • G06K19/07732Physical layout of the record carrier the record carrier having a housing or construction similar to well-known portable memory devices, such as SD cards, USB or memory sticks
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/0772Physical layout of the record carrier
    • G06K19/07733Physical layout of the record carrier the record carrier containing at least one further contact interface not conform ISO-7816

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a memory card, and more particularly, to a memory card and connector for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and a connection system thereof.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • NAND flash memory in many types of read/write memory cards such as: a Multi Media Card (MMC), a Secure Digital (SD) card, a Compact Flash (CF) card, and a memory stick, etc.
  • MMC Multi Media Card
  • SD Secure Digital
  • CF Compact Flash
  • a conventional MMC typically communicates only with an MMC type host, and therefore, may require a separate Universal Serial Bus (USB) reader to communicate with a USB host.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • Embodiments according to the invention can provide removable memory card storage devices including usb and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same.
  • a removable memory card can include a plurality of connector contacts including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller module power contact and a separate controller module power contact configured to provide separate mutually exclusively applied voltage to the removable memory card.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital (SD) form-factor compliant memory card can include a plurality of connector contacts including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) power contact and a separate MMC/SD power contact configured to provide separate voltage supplies to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card.
  • the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card is included in an MMC/SD form-factor compliant singular housing.
  • the MMC/SD form-factor singular housing can have dimensions of about 32 mm ⁇ about 24 mm ⁇ about 1.4 mm.
  • the USB power contact can be a connector contact on a beveled edge of the MMC/SD form-factor compliant singular housing.
  • the MMC/SD power contact can be a connector contact at a center position on a straight edge of the MMC/SD form-factor compliant singular housing.
  • the plurality of contacts are arranged for USB or MMC/SD use on the straight edge from adjacent to the beveled edge as: a first USB clock output/a NC, first USB data input/CMD input, first ground input, MMC/SD power input, USB clock input/MMC clock input, second ground, second USB data input/MMC data input.
  • the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card operates according to a USB interface protocol via the plurality of connector contacts responsive to a USB voltage applied to the USB power contact and the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card operates according to an MMC/SD interface protocol via the plurality of connector contacts responsive to an MMC/SD voltage applied to the MMC/SD power contact.
  • the device can further include a non-volatile memory configured to store data for access.
  • a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface controller can be coupled to the plurality of connector contacts and to the non-volatile memory, configured to interface the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card to a USB host device according to a USB interface protocol responsive to a USB voltage applied to the USB power contact.
  • An MMC interface controller can be coupled to the plurality of connector contacts and to the non-volatile memory, configured to interface the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card to an MMC/SD host device according to an MMC/SD interface protocol responsive to an MMC/SD voltage applied to the MMC/SD power contact.
  • the USB voltage and the MMC/SD voltage are applied mutually exclusive of one another.
  • a connector can include a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital (SD) form-factor compliant memory card connector interface including a plurality of first contacts configured to interface to an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card.
  • MMC Multi-Media Card
  • SD Secure Digital
  • a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector interface including a plurality of second contacts can be coupled to the plurality of first contacts and configured to interface to a USB compliant host device.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • the plurality of first contacts are arranged for USB or MMC/SD use as: USB power input, a USB clock output/a NC, first USB data input/CMD input, first ground input, MMC/SD power input, USB clock input/MMC clock input, second ground input, second USB data input/MMC data input.
  • the connector can further include a voltage regulator coupled to the USB power input.
  • a capacitor can be coupled between the USB power input and the first and second ground inputs.
  • An oscillator circuit can be coupled between the first and second USB clock inputs.
  • a first impedance matching resistor can be coupled to the first USB data input and a second impedance matching resistor can be coupled to the second USB data input.
  • the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card connector interface is configured to removeably couple to a MMC/SD compliant singular housing.
  • the removable MMC/SD compliant singular housing can have dimensions of about 32 mm ⁇ about 24 mm ⁇ about 1.4 mm.
  • a removable memory system can include an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card including a plurality of connector contacts including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) power contact and a separate MMC/SD power contact configured to provide separate voltage supplies to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card and a connector.
  • the connector can include an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card connector interface including a plurality of first contacts configured to interface to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card.
  • a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector interface including a plurality of second contacts can be coupled to the plurality of first contacts and configured to interface to a USB compliant host device.
  • a method of interfacing an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card to a standard USB host device can include applying a USB voltage from the USB host to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card. Applying an MMC/SD voltage to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card can be avoided while the USB voltage is applied. An access to a memory included in the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card can be received from the a USB host. Signals received from the USB host included in the access to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card can be mapped to provide access to the memory.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a table illustrating exemplary pin configuration of the memory card of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card connector according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a connector, a MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card, and a USB host according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital (SD) form-factor compliant memory card (or memory card) 100 includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) power pin (or contact) 8 , a plurality of connection pins (or connector contacts) 1 through 7 , and a controller 110 .
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • the term “form-factor” means the physical size and shape of the memory card.
  • the form-factor of memory cards according to some embodiments of the invention is described herein as a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital memory card that has a size and shape that allows such memory cards to be used with other compliant devices, such as readers.
  • MMC Multi-Media Card
  • SD represents a later developed version of the MMC standard which may allow MMC compliant memory cards to be used with SD compliant devices.
  • MMC/SD form-factor compliant devices measure about 32 mm ⁇ about 24 mm ⁇ about 1.4 mm and can be shaped substantially as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 .
  • the MMC and SD standards are discussed further on the world-wide-web at “www.mmca.org.”
  • the memory card 100 can be implemented according to various types (or standards) such as MMC and SD. For convenience, an MMC memory card will be described as an example of the memory card.
  • the controller 110 communicates with an external host (not shown) through the USB power pin 8 and the connection pins 1 through 7 .
  • the controller 110 includes a first controller module 120 for controlling communication with a USB host (not shown) and a second controller module 130 (such as an MMC interface controller) for controlling communication with a host (not shown) other than a USB host.
  • the first controller module 120 operates in response to a supply voltage (such as a USB voltage) applied to the USB power pin 8 .
  • the second controller module 130 operates in response to a supply voltage (such as an MMC voltage) applied through a source voltage pin 4 among the plurality of connection pins 1 through 7 .
  • a supply voltage such as an MMC voltage
  • the source voltage pin 4 is located at a center position among the pins on the straight edge of the memory card.
  • the controllers and the pins are included as part of a singular housing that can be compliant with the mechanical dimensions specified as part of the different memory card standards (such as MMC and SD).
  • the memory card 100 includes the USB power pin (or connector contact) 8 as a separate pin for receiving a USB voltage from an external USB host (not shown).
  • the USB power pin 8 can be located on a beveled edge of the memory card, whereas the remaining plurality of pins are arranged along a straight edge of the memory card. It will also be understood that in some embodiments according to the invention, the USB power pin can be located at the opposite end of the edge.
  • the first controller module 120 operates in response to the source voltage applied from the USB host via the USB power pin 8 .
  • the second controller module 130 operates in response to a source voltage applied from a MMC host (not shown).
  • the USB power pin 8 is separate from a pin (or contact) for applying a source voltage to the second controller module 130 mutually exclusive of power being applied to the first controller module 120 via the USB power pin 8 . In other words, if one of the first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 receives the respective source voltage and operates, the other controller module does not operate.
  • the operations of the first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 are not separated by a specific recognition protocol but are divided by individually applying a source voltage.
  • the first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 can be included in the memory card 100 , without the separately applied source voltages interfering.
  • FIG. 2 is a table for explaining the pin configuration of the memory card of FIG. 1 .
  • the memory card 100 has connection pins 1 through 7 as follows: an RSV pin 1 , a command pin 2 , ground pins 3 and 6 , a source voltage pin 4 , a clock pin 5 , and a data pin 7 . If the memory card 100 is connected to an external host. (not shown) other than a USB host (not shown), that is, if the second controller module 130 is used, the RSV pin 1 is not connected and the command pin 2 , the ground pins 3 and 6 , the clock pin 5 , and the data pin 7 are connected.
  • an external host not shown
  • a USB host not shown
  • the first controller module 120 receives a clock signal through the clock pin 5 among the plurality of connection pins 1 through 7 and outputs the clock signal through the RSV pin 1 .
  • the memory card 100 receives a clock signal generated by a crystal oscillator (not shown) via the clock pin 5 and outputs the clock via the RSV pin 1 . In some embodiments according to the invention, where the memory card 100 receives a clock signal generated from an oscillator, only one of the clock pin 5 and the RSV pin 1 is used. Thus, the memory card 100 receives data through the command pin 2 and inversed data through the data pin 7 .
  • the first controller module 120 receives a source voltage applied from the USB host (not shown) through the USB power pin 8 .
  • the first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 share the ground pins 3 and 6 among the plurality of connection pins 1 through 7 .
  • the first controller module 120 may further include a regulator (not shown) for controlling a level of a source voltage applied through the USB power pin 8 .
  • the regulator acts to change the source voltage (generally, 5V) of the USB host into a voltage of 3.3V.
  • the regulator may be located outside of the memory card 100 . If located outside, the first controller module 120 receives a source voltage passed through the regulator at a source voltage of 3.3V through the USB power pin 8 . If the regulator is located in the first controller module 120 , a source voltage of 5V is received through the USB power pin 8 .
  • other source voltages for circuits (not shown) in the controller 110 of the memory card 100 excluding the first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 are received through the USB power pin 8 or the source voltage pin 4 .
  • a source voltage to be supplied to the NAND flash memory 140 in the memory card 100 is received through the USB power pin 8 or the source voltage pin 4 , or is provided by the controller 110 .
  • devices such as an oscillator for generating clocks or resistors, may be needed. Therefore, in some embodiments according to the invention, a connector allowing communication between the memory card 100 and the USB host can include the needed components.
  • a connector 300 includes a pin 38 for supplying USB power, a plurality of supply connection pins 31 through 37 , and a USB interface 310 .
  • the connector 300 communicates with an external memory card (not shown) through the USB power supply pin 38 and the supply connection pins 31 through 37 , and communicates with an external USB host (not shown) via the USB interface 310 .
  • the connector 300 includes a clock oscillator circuit 320 for applying a clock signal to a memory card (not shown) and an impedance matching unit 330 for impedance matching of data and inversed data applied from a USB host (not shown).
  • the clock oscillation circuit 320 may be an oscillator or a crystal oscillator.
  • the crystal oscillator is connected between a connection clock output pin 31 and a connection clock input pin 35 among the plurality of supply connection pins 31 through 37 .
  • the crystal oscillator outputs a clock signal to the memory card through the connection clock output pin 31 and receives a clock signal through the connection clock input pin 35 . If the clock oscillation circuit 320 is an oscillator, the clock signal is applied to the memory card through one of the connection clock output pin 31 and the connection clock input pin 35 .
  • the impedance matching unit 330 includes a first resistor R 1 and a second resistor R 2 .
  • the first resistor R 1 is serially connected between a connection data pin 32 among the plurality of supply connection pins 31 through 37 and the USB interface 310 .
  • the first resistor R 1 has a resistance value of about 22-44 ⁇ .
  • the second resistor R 2 is serially connected between a connection inversed data pin 37 among the plurality of supply connection pins 31 through 37 and the USB interface 310 .
  • the second resistor R 2 has a resistance value of about 22-44 ⁇ .
  • a line that transmits the data and inversed data and a line that receives the data and inverted data may be impedance-matched. Accordingly, the first resistor R 1 and the second resistor R 2 are resistors for impedance matching.
  • Connection ground pins 33 and 36 among the plurality of supply connection pins 31 through 37 are connected to a shielding ground of an external USB connected with the USB interface.
  • the shielding ground is connected to the connection ground pins 33 and 36 .
  • capacitors CAP 1 and CAP 2 for stabilizing a source voltage transmitted through the USB power supply pin 38 are connected between the USB power supply pin 38 and the connection ground pins 33 and 36 .
  • the connector 300 can further include a regulator 340 for controlling a source voltage level applied through the USB power supply pin 38 , between the USB power supply pin 38 and the USB interface 310 .
  • the regulator 340 changes a source voltage of 5V into a voltage of 3V.
  • the regulator 340 can be located in the connector 300 or the first controller module 120 of the memory card 100 of FIG. 1 .
  • a pull-up resistor of about 3.3 K ⁇ should be connected to a bus to which data is applied. Also, if a device including a pull-up resistor is connected to a USB host (not shown), the USB host recognizes that a USB client is connected.
  • the pull-up resistor is not located in the connector 300 , but is connected to a pad of a data input buffer (not shown) in the first controller module 120 of the memory card 100 of FIG. 1 so as to prevent an error from being generated when the connector 300 is connected to the USB host without the memory card 100 of FIG. 1 .
  • the connector 300 of FIG. 3 includes the clock oscillation circuit 320 , the first and second resistors R 1 and R 2 , etc., which.,have not been installed in the memory card due to a thickness limitation in thickness of the memory card (so that, for example, the memory card can be form-factor compliant).
  • the connector connects a memory card (not shown) with a USB host (not shown).
  • the connection system includes a memory card 100 and a connector 300 .
  • the memory card 100 includes a plurality of connection pins and a separate USB power pin for communication with a USB host 420 .
  • the connector 300 communicates with the memory card 100 using a USB power supply pin and a plurality of supply connection pins, and communicates with the USB host 420 using a USB interface.
  • the memory card 100 includes a controller 110 .
  • the control 110 includes a first controller module (not shown) for controlling communication with the USB host 420 and a second controller module (not shown) for controlling communication with a host 410 other than the USB host 420 .
  • the first controller module operates in response to a source voltage applied through a USB power pin.
  • the second controller module operates in response to a source voltage applied through a source voltage pin among a plurality of connection pins.
  • the connector 300 includes a clock oscillation circuit (not shown) for applying a clock signal to the memory card 100 and an impedance matching unit (not shown) for matching impedance of data and inversed data applied from the USB host 420 .
  • the memory card 100 further includes a separate USB power pin and receives a source voltage transferred from the USB host 420 via the connector 300 through the USB power pin.
  • the USB power pin is added at a location ⁇ circle around ( 1 ) ⁇ or ⁇ circle around ( 2 ) ⁇ of the memory card 100 . If the memory card 100 is a high speed MMC, the USB power pin is added at a location ⁇ circle around ( 3 ) ⁇ .
  • the first controller module 120 in the memory card 100 operates. If the memory card 100 is connected to the MMC host 410 , the second controller module 130 in the memory card 100 operates.
  • a memory card, a connector, and a connection system for connecting the memory card with the USB host can increase expandability and efficiency of the memory card by allowing communication between the memory card and the USB host.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Power Sources (AREA)
  • Techniques For Improving Reliability Of Storages (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

A removable memory card can include a plurality of connector contacts including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller module power contact and a separate controller module power contact configured to provide separate mutually exclusively applied voltage to the removable memory card.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application is a continuation of and claims priority to application Ser. No. 10/895,666, filed Jul. 21, 2004 which claimed priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2003-50500, filed on Jul. 23, 2003, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention relates to a memory card, and more particularly, to a memory card and connector for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and a connection system thereof.
  • BACKGROUND
  • It is known to use NAND flash memory in many types of read/write memory cards such as: a Multi Media Card (MMC), a Secure Digital (SD) card, a Compact Flash (CF) card, and a memory stick, etc. A conventional MMC typically communicates only with an MMC type host, and therefore, may require a separate Universal Serial Bus (USB) reader to communicate with a USB host. However, many problems arise when trying to add a USB function to a conventional MMC controller, such as how to provide the needed clocks for the USB interface.
  • SUMMARY
  • Embodiments according to the invention can provide removable memory card storage devices including usb and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same. Pursuant to these embodiments, a removable memory card can include a plurality of connector contacts including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller module power contact and a separate controller module power contact configured to provide separate mutually exclusively applied voltage to the removable memory card.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital (SD) form-factor compliant memory card can include a plurality of connector contacts including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) power contact and a separate MMC/SD power contact configured to provide separate voltage supplies to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card. In some embodiments according to the invention, the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card is included in an MMC/SD form-factor compliant singular housing.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the MMC/SD form-factor singular housing can have dimensions of about 32 mm×about 24 mm×about 1.4 mm. In some embodiments according to the invention, the USB power contact can be a connector contact on a beveled edge of the MMC/SD form-factor compliant singular housing. In some embodiments according to the invention, the MMC/SD power contact can be a connector contact at a center position on a straight edge of the MMC/SD form-factor compliant singular housing.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the plurality of contacts are arranged for USB or MMC/SD use on the straight edge from adjacent to the beveled edge as: a first USB clock output/a NC, first USB data input/CMD input, first ground input, MMC/SD power input, USB clock input/MMC clock input, second ground, second USB data input/MMC data input.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card operates according to a USB interface protocol via the plurality of connector contacts responsive to a USB voltage applied to the USB power contact and the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card operates according to an MMC/SD interface protocol via the plurality of connector contacts responsive to an MMC/SD voltage applied to the MMC/SD power contact.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the device can further include a non-volatile memory configured to store data for access. A Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface controller can be coupled to the plurality of connector contacts and to the non-volatile memory, configured to interface the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card to a USB host device according to a USB interface protocol responsive to a USB voltage applied to the USB power contact. An MMC interface controller can be coupled to the plurality of connector contacts and to the non-volatile memory, configured to interface the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card to an MMC/SD host device according to an MMC/SD interface protocol responsive to an MMC/SD voltage applied to the MMC/SD power contact. In some embodiments according to the invention, the USB voltage and the MMC/SD voltage are applied mutually exclusive of one another.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, a connector can include a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital (SD) form-factor compliant memory card connector interface including a plurality of first contacts configured to interface to an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card. A standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector interface including a plurality of second contacts can be coupled to the plurality of first contacts and configured to interface to a USB compliant host device.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the plurality of first contacts are arranged for USB or MMC/SD use as: USB power input, a USB clock output/a NC, first USB data input/CMD input, first ground input, MMC/SD power input, USB clock input/MMC clock input, second ground input, second USB data input/MMC data input.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the connector can further include a voltage regulator coupled to the USB power input. A capacitor can be coupled between the USB power input and the first and second ground inputs. An oscillator circuit can be coupled between the first and second USB clock inputs. A first impedance matching resistor can be coupled to the first USB data input and a second impedance matching resistor can be coupled to the second USB data input.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card connector interface is configured to removeably couple to a MMC/SD compliant singular housing. In some embodiments according to the invention, the removable MMC/SD compliant singular housing can have dimensions of about 32 mm×about 24 mm×about 1.4 mm.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, a removable memory system can include an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card including a plurality of connector contacts including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) power contact and a separate MMC/SD power contact configured to provide separate voltage supplies to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card and a connector. The connector can include an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card connector interface including a plurality of first contacts configured to interface to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card. A standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector interface including a plurality of second contacts can be coupled to the plurality of first contacts and configured to interface to a USB compliant host device.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, a method of interfacing an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card to a standard USB host device can include applying a USB voltage from the USB host to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card. Applying an MMC/SD voltage to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card can be avoided while the USB voltage is applied. An access to a memory included in the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card can be received from the a USB host. Signals received from the USB host included in the access to the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card can be mapped to provide access to the memory.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a table illustrating exemplary pin configuration of the memory card of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card connector according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a connector, a MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card, and a USB host according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION
  • The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. However, this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
  • The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
  • It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.
  • It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
  • Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
  • Referring to FIG. 1, a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital (SD) form-factor compliant memory card (or memory card) 100 according to some embodiments of the invention includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) power pin (or contact) 8, a plurality of connection pins (or connector contacts) 1 through 7, and a controller 110.
  • As used herein, the term “form-factor” means the physical size and shape of the memory card. Moreover, the form-factor of memory cards according to some embodiments of the invention is described herein as a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital memory card that has a size and shape that allows such memory cards to be used with other compliant devices, such as readers. As known to those skilled in the art, SD represents a later developed version of the MMC standard which may allow MMC compliant memory cards to be used with SD compliant devices. In some embodiments according to the invention, MMC/SD form-factor compliant devices measure about 32 mm×about 24 mm×about 1.4 mm and can be shaped substantially as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The MMC and SD standards are discussed further on the world-wide-web at “www.mmca.org.”
  • The memory card 100 can be implemented according to various types (or standards) such as MMC and SD. For convenience, an MMC memory card will be described as an example of the memory card. The controller 110 communicates with an external host (not shown) through the USB power pin 8 and the connection pins 1 through 7. The controller 110 includes a first controller module 120 for controlling communication with a USB host (not shown) and a second controller module 130 (such as an MMC interface controller) for controlling communication with a host (not shown) other than a USB host.
  • The first controller module 120 operates in response to a supply voltage (such as a USB voltage) applied to the USB power pin 8. The second controller module 130 operates in response to a supply voltage (such as an MMC voltage) applied through a source voltage pin 4 among the plurality of connection pins 1 through 7. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments according to the invention, the source voltage pin 4 is located at a center position among the pins on the straight edge of the memory card. In some embodiments according to the invention, the controllers and the pins are included as part of a singular housing that can be compliant with the mechanical dimensions specified as part of the different memory card standards (such as MMC and SD).
  • Hereinafter, the operation of the memory card 100 is described in detail with reference to FIG. 1. The memory card 100 includes the USB power pin (or connector contact) 8 as a separate pin for receiving a USB voltage from an external USB host (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments according to the invention, the USB power pin 8 can be located on a beveled edge of the memory card, whereas the remaining plurality of pins are arranged along a straight edge of the memory card. It will also be understood that in some embodiments according to the invention, the USB power pin can be located at the opposite end of the edge. The first controller module 120 operates in response to the source voltage applied from the USB host via the USB power pin 8. The second controller module 130 operates in response to a source voltage applied from a MMC host (not shown). The USB power pin 8 is separate from a pin (or contact) for applying a source voltage to the second controller module 130 mutually exclusive of power being applied to the first controller module 120 via the USB power pin 8. In other words, if one of the first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 receives the respective source voltage and operates, the other controller module does not operate.
  • That is, in some embodiments according to the invention, the operations of the first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 are not separated by a specific recognition protocol but are divided by individually applying a source voltage. As a result, the first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 can be included in the memory card 100, without the separately applied source voltages interfering.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, while the first controller module 120 operates, the second controller module 130 may not consume current. Likewise, while the second controller module 130 operates, the first controller module 120 may not consume current. FIG. 2 is a table for explaining the pin configuration of the memory card of FIG. 1.
  • Hereinafter, the pin connections of the first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Referring to FIG. 1, the memory card 100 has connection pins 1 through 7 as follows: an RSV pin 1, a command pin 2, ground pins 3 and 6, a source voltage pin 4, a clock pin 5, and a data pin 7. If the memory card 100 is connected to an external host. (not shown) other than a USB host (not shown), that is, if the second controller module 130 is used, the RSV pin 1 is not connected and the command pin 2, the ground pins 3 and 6, the clock pin 5, and the data pin 7 are connected. If the memory card 100 is connected to an external USB host (not shown), that is, if the first controller module 120 is used, the first controller module 120 receives a clock signal through the clock pin 5 among the plurality of connection pins 1 through 7 and outputs the clock signal through the RSV pin 1.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the memory card 100 receives a clock signal generated by a crystal oscillator (not shown) via the clock pin 5 and outputs the clock via the RSV pin 1. In some embodiments according to the invention, where the memory card 100 receives a clock signal generated from an oscillator, only one of the clock pin 5 and the RSV pin 1 is used. Thus, the memory card 100 receives data through the command pin 2 and inversed data through the data pin 7. The first controller module 120 receives a source voltage applied from the USB host (not shown) through the USB power pin 8.
  • The first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 share the ground pins 3 and 6 among the plurality of connection pins 1 through 7. In some embodiments according to the invention, the first controller module 120 may further include a regulator (not shown) for controlling a level of a source voltage applied through the USB power pin 8. The regulator acts to change the source voltage (generally, 5V) of the USB host into a voltage of 3.3V. In some embodiments according to the invention, the regulator may be located outside of the memory card 100. If located outside, the first controller module 120 receives a source voltage passed through the regulator at a source voltage of 3.3V through the USB power pin 8. If the regulator is located in the first controller module 120, a source voltage of 5V is received through the USB power pin 8.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, other source voltages for circuits (not shown) in the controller 110 of the memory card 100 excluding the first controller module 120 and the second controller module 130 are received through the USB power pin 8 or the source voltage pin 4.
  • A source voltage to be supplied to the NAND flash memory 140 in the memory card 100 is received through the USB power pin 8 or the source voltage pin 4, or is provided by the controller 110. To operate the memory card 100 of FIG. 1 in connection with the external USB host, devices, such as an oscillator for generating clocks or resistors, may be needed. Therefore, in some embodiments according to the invention, a connector allowing communication between the memory card 100 and the USB host can include the needed components.
  • Referring to FIG. 3, a connector 300 according to some embodiments of the invention includes a pin 38 for supplying USB power, a plurality of supply connection pins 31 through 37, and a USB interface 310. The connector 300 communicates with an external memory card (not shown) through the USB power supply pin 38 and the supply connection pins 31 through 37, and communicates with an external USB host (not shown) via the USB interface 310. The connector 300 includes a clock oscillator circuit 320 for applying a clock signal to a memory card (not shown) and an impedance matching unit 330 for impedance matching of data and inversed data applied from a USB host (not shown).
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the clock oscillation circuit 320 may be an oscillator or a crystal oscillator. The crystal oscillator is connected between a connection clock output pin 31 and a connection clock input pin 35 among the plurality of supply connection pins 31 through 37. The crystal oscillator outputs a clock signal to the memory card through the connection clock output pin 31 and receives a clock signal through the connection clock input pin 35. If the clock oscillation circuit 320 is an oscillator, the clock signal is applied to the memory card through one of the connection clock output pin 31 and the connection clock input pin 35.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the impedance matching unit 330 includes a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2. The first resistor R1 is serially connected between a connection data pin 32 among the plurality of supply connection pins 31 through 37 and the USB interface 310. The first resistor R1 has a resistance value of about 22-44Ω.
  • In some embodiments according to the invention, the second resistor R2 is serially connected between a connection inversed data pin 37 among the plurality of supply connection pins 31 through 37 and the USB interface 310. In some embodiments according to the invention, the second resistor R2 has a resistance value of about 22-44Ω.
  • To receive data and inverted data from an external USB host (not shown), a line that transmits the data and inversed data and a line that receives the data and inverted data may be impedance-matched. Accordingly, the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are resistors for impedance matching.
  • Connection ground pins 33 and 36 among the plurality of supply connection pins 31 through 37 are connected to a shielding ground of an external USB connected with the USB interface. There are generally four buses for USB communication and the shielding ground exists outside a cable surrounding the four buses. The shielding ground is connected to the connection ground pins 33 and 36. In the connector 300, capacitors CAP1 and CAP2 for stabilizing a source voltage transmitted through the USB power supply pin 38 are connected between the USB power supply pin 38 and the connection ground pins 33 and 36.
  • The connector 300 can further include a regulator 340 for controlling a source voltage level applied through the USB power supply pin 38, between the USB power supply pin 38 and the USB interface 310.
  • The regulator 340 changes a source voltage of 5V into a voltage of 3V. The regulator 340 can be located in the connector 300 or the first controller module 120 of the memory card 100 of FIG. 1.
  • Generally, to operate a USB driver at full speed, a pull-up resistor of about 3.3 KΩ should be connected to a bus to which data is applied. Also, if a device including a pull-up resistor is connected to a USB host (not shown), the USB host recognizes that a USB client is connected. In some embodiments according to the invention, the pull-up resistor is not located in the connector 300, but is connected to a pad of a data input buffer (not shown) in the first controller module 120 of the memory card 100 of FIG. 1 so as to prevent an error from being generated when the connector 300 is connected to the USB host without the memory card 100 of FIG. 1.
  • As such, the connector 300 of FIG. 3 includes the clock oscillation circuit 320, the first and second resistors R1 and R2, etc., which.,have not been installed in the memory card due to a thickness limitation in thickness of the memory card (so that, for example, the memory card can be form-factor compliant). The connector connects a memory card (not shown) with a USB host (not shown).
  • Referring to FIG. 4, the connection system according to some embodiments of the invention includes a memory card 100 and a connector 300. The memory card 100 includes a plurality of connection pins and a separate USB power pin for communication with a USB host 420. The connector 300 communicates with the memory card 100 using a USB power supply pin and a plurality of supply connection pins, and communicates with the USB host 420 using a USB interface.
  • The memory card 100 includes a controller 110. The control 110 includes a first controller module (not shown) for controlling communication with the USB host 420 and a second controller module (not shown) for controlling communication with a host 410 other than the USB host 420. The first controller module operates in response to a source voltage applied through a USB power pin. The second controller module operates in response to a source voltage applied through a source voltage pin among a plurality of connection pins. The connector 300 includes a clock oscillation circuit (not shown) for applying a clock signal to the memory card 100 and an impedance matching unit (not shown) for matching impedance of data and inversed data applied from the USB host 420.
  • The memory card 100 further includes a separate USB power pin and receives a source voltage transferred from the USB host 420 via the connector 300 through the USB power pin. The USB power pin is added at a location {circle around (1)} or {circle around (2)} of the memory card 100. If the memory card 100 is a high speed MMC, the USB power pin is added at a location {circle around (3)}.
  • If the memory card 100 is connected to the USB host 420 through the connector 300, the first controller module 120 in the memory card 100 operates. If the memory card 100 is connected to the MMC host 410, the second controller module 130 in the memory card 100 operates.
  • The construction and operation of the memory card 100 and connector 300 have been described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, and therefore, the detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
  • As described above, a memory card, a connector, and a connection system for connecting the memory card with the USB host, according to the invention, can increase expandability and efficiency of the memory card by allowing communication between the memory card and the USB host.
  • While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (13)

1. A memory card comprising:
a controller which controls communication with external hosts through connection pins, wherein the controller comprises first and second controller modules that are configured to be powered by respective separate source voltages applied thereto at different times.
2. A memory card according to claim 1 wherein the memory card further comprises:
a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital (SD) form-factor compliant memory card connector interface including a plurality of first contacts configured to interface to an MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card via the first controller module; and
a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector interface including a plurality of second contacts coupled to the plurality of first contacts and configured to interface to a USB compliant host device via the second controller module.
3. A memory card according to claim 1 wherein the second controller module consumes substantially no current while a source voltage is applied to the first controller module.
4. A memory card according to claim 1 wherein the first and second controller modules use the same recognition protocol.
5. A memory card according to claim 1 wherein the memory card comprises a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital (SD) form-factor compliant memory card.
6. A memory card, comprising:
a first controller module; and
a second controller module,
wherein the first controller module consumes substantially no current while the second controller module operates.
7. A memory card according to claim 6 wherein the second controller module consumes substantially no current while the first controller module operates.
8. A memory card according to claim 6 wherein the first and second controller modules are divided by individually applying a source voltage.
9. A memory card according to claim 8 wherein the first and second controller modules are not separated by a recognition protocol.
10. A memory card according to claim 6 wherein the memory card comprises a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital (SD) form-factor compliant memory card.
11. A method of operating a Multi-Media Card (MMC)/Secure Digital (SD) form-factor compliant memory card, the method comprising:
applying a first source voltage to a first controller module, in the MMC/SD form-factor compliant memory card, responsive to a command to operate the first controller module; and
blocking a second source voltage to a second controller module, responsive to the command to operate the first controller module.
12. A method according to claim 11 further comprising:
applying the second source voltage to the second controller module, responsive to the command to operate the second controller module; and
blocking the first source voltage to the first controller module, responsive to the command to operate the second controller module.
13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the first controller module consume substantially no current when the first source voltage is blocked and the second controller module consumes substantially no current when the second source voltage is blocked.
US11/650,667 2003-07-23 2007-01-08 Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same Abandoned US20070108300A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/650,667 US20070108300A1 (en) 2003-07-23 2007-01-08 Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2003-0050500 2003-07-23
KR10-2003-0050500A KR100505697B1 (en) 2003-07-23 2003-07-23 Memory card, connector for Universal Serial Bus and Universal Serial Bus connection system
US10/895,666 US7287703B2 (en) 2003-07-23 2004-07-21 Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same
US11/650,667 US20070108300A1 (en) 2003-07-23 2007-01-08 Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/895,666 Continuation US7287703B2 (en) 2003-07-23 2004-07-21 Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070108300A1 true US20070108300A1 (en) 2007-05-17

Family

ID=34074934

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/895,666 Expired - Fee Related US7287703B2 (en) 2003-07-23 2004-07-21 Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same
US11/650,667 Abandoned US20070108300A1 (en) 2003-07-23 2007-01-08 Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/895,666 Expired - Fee Related US7287703B2 (en) 2003-07-23 2004-07-21 Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (2) US7287703B2 (en)
JP (1) JP2005044366A (en)
KR (1) KR100505697B1 (en)
TW (1) TWI249137B (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070061501A1 (en) * 2005-08-29 2007-03-15 M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. Device and method for configuring a flash memory controller
US20130054866A1 (en) * 2011-08-30 2013-02-28 Renesas Electronics Corporation Usb hub and control method of usb hub

Families Citing this family (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100505697B1 (en) * 2003-07-23 2005-08-02 삼성전자주식회사 Memory card, connector for Universal Serial Bus and Universal Serial Bus connection system
US20050041473A1 (en) * 2003-08-06 2005-02-24 Phison Electronics Corp. Non-volatile memory storage integrated circuit
JP2006139556A (en) * 2004-11-12 2006-06-01 Toshiba Corp Memory card and card controller for same
KR100707308B1 (en) 2005-06-13 2007-04-12 삼성전자주식회사 Flash memory device having an MC interface and a memory system including the same
US7792859B2 (en) * 2005-10-12 2010-09-07 Hb Media, Llc Media/data card
US20070083559A1 (en) * 2005-10-12 2007-04-12 Harris Brock M Media/data card
TW200729210A (en) * 2006-01-27 2007-08-01 Instant Technology Co Ltd Memory card compatible to USB storage disk and the implementation method thereof
TW200734901A (en) * 2006-03-06 2007-09-16 Benq Corp Image-signal adapter which receives electric power from a computer
EP1833006B1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2014-01-08 LG Electronics Inc. Method and apparatus for protocol selection on ICC
EP1887494A1 (en) * 2006-07-31 2008-02-13 Axalto SA Electronic device with several short-circuitable interfaces
US20080070698A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2008-03-20 Sung Park Electronic game tracking
CN101192274A (en) * 2006-11-24 2008-06-04 北京握奇数据系统有限公司 Card with interface contact and its manufacture method
US20080235514A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Erf Wireless, Inc. Safeguarding router configuration data
KR100882207B1 (en) * 2007-04-04 2009-02-06 삼성전자주식회사 Memory device including a connector to interface other memory devices with the host independently
JP2008257506A (en) * 2007-04-05 2008-10-23 Renesas Technology Corp Semiconductor device
US8327051B2 (en) * 2007-11-20 2012-12-04 Sandisk Technologies Inc. Portable handheld memory card and methods for use therewith
JP5117317B2 (en) * 2008-08-06 2013-01-16 セイコープレシジョン株式会社 Time recorder
US7802044B2 (en) * 2008-12-24 2010-09-21 Mediatek Inc. Pin sharing device and method thereof for a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter module and a universal serial bus module
JP2011048756A (en) * 2009-08-28 2011-03-10 Toshiba Corp Memory module
US8270840B2 (en) 2010-04-06 2012-09-18 Via Technologies, Inc. Backward compatible optical USB device
US8234416B2 (en) * 2010-04-06 2012-07-31 Via Technologies, Inc. Apparatus interoperable with backward compatible optical USB device
KR101822977B1 (en) * 2010-12-21 2018-01-29 삼성전자주식회사 Multi-interface memory card and operation method thereof
JP5792526B2 (en) * 2011-06-27 2015-10-14 株式会社メガチップス Memory system and information protection method
CN102890553A (en) * 2011-07-19 2013-01-23 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Memory and memory power supply system with same
FR2980875B1 (en) * 2011-10-03 2014-06-20 Oberthur Technologies MICROCIRCUIT DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH CONTACT RANGES AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A DEVICE
US9159374B2 (en) * 2011-11-02 2015-10-13 Novachips Canada Inc. Flash memory module and memory subsystem
CN102521186B (en) * 2011-11-22 2015-01-14 飞天诚信科技股份有限公司 USB (Universal Serial Bus) key and method for communicating with terminal thereof
EP2663164B1 (en) * 2012-05-10 2019-02-13 LG Innotek Co., Ltd. Communication module and lighting apparatus having the same
CN104459386B (en) * 2014-11-24 2017-11-03 东莞理工学院 A kind of USB data line tester
JP6915093B2 (en) * 2017-06-05 2021-08-04 キオクシア株式会社 Memory card, host device, memory card connector and memory card adapter

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040033727A1 (en) * 2002-08-16 2004-02-19 Chi-Lei Kao Plug used for connection with a USB receptacle
US20040044819A1 (en) * 2002-09-03 2004-03-04 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. USB system having card-type USB interface connector
US20040087213A1 (en) * 2002-08-16 2004-05-06 Chi-Lei Kao Plug used for connection with a usb receptacle
US20040182938A1 (en) * 2003-03-21 2004-09-23 Carry Computer Eng. Co., Ltd. Universal micro memory card

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6148354A (en) * 1999-04-05 2000-11-14 M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. Architecture for a universal serial bus-based PC flash disk
KR100402196B1 (en) * 1999-11-25 2003-10-22 리-호 야오 Memory card with dual interfaces and the transferring module thereof
KR100391489B1 (en) * 2000-04-12 2003-07-12 리-호 야오 Multi-interface memory card and adapter module for the same
JP4650651B2 (en) * 2000-08-31 2011-03-16 ソニー株式会社 Information processing apparatus and method, memory card, and program storage medium
KR20020037779A (en) * 2000-11-15 2002-05-23 최천우 Usb-port operating type ic-card system
JP2003067320A (en) * 2001-08-15 2003-03-07 Carry Computer Engineering Co Ltd Double-interface storage communication network card with communication agreement device
TWI286763B (en) * 2002-04-19 2007-09-11 Carry Computer Eng Co Ltd Dual-interface SD flash memory card
KR100505697B1 (en) * 2003-07-23 2005-08-02 삼성전자주식회사 Memory card, connector for Universal Serial Bus and Universal Serial Bus connection system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040033727A1 (en) * 2002-08-16 2004-02-19 Chi-Lei Kao Plug used for connection with a USB receptacle
US20040087213A1 (en) * 2002-08-16 2004-05-06 Chi-Lei Kao Plug used for connection with a usb receptacle
US20040044819A1 (en) * 2002-09-03 2004-03-04 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. USB system having card-type USB interface connector
US20040182938A1 (en) * 2003-03-21 2004-09-23 Carry Computer Eng. Co., Ltd. Universal micro memory card

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070061501A1 (en) * 2005-08-29 2007-03-15 M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. Device and method for configuring a flash memory controller
US7464193B2 (en) * 2005-08-29 2008-12-09 Sandisk Il Ltd. Device and method for configuring a flash memory controller
US20130054866A1 (en) * 2011-08-30 2013-02-28 Renesas Electronics Corporation Usb hub and control method of usb hub
US9342131B2 (en) * 2011-08-30 2016-05-17 Renesas Electronics Corporation USB hub and control method of USB hub

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2005044366A (en) 2005-02-17
KR100505697B1 (en) 2005-08-02
TWI249137B (en) 2006-02-11
US20050021895A1 (en) 2005-01-27
TW200511139A (en) 2005-03-16
US7287703B2 (en) 2007-10-30
KR20050011407A (en) 2005-01-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7287703B2 (en) Removable memory cards including USB and other controllers, connectors, and methods of operating same
US7237049B2 (en) Multimedia/secure digital cards and adapters for interfacing using voltage levels to determine host types and methods of operating
US7809866B2 (en) Double interface SD flash memory card
US7975122B2 (en) Memory hub with integrated non-volatile memory
US20060047982A1 (en) Mult-interface auto-switch circuit and memory device with dual interface auto-switch circuit
US7467249B2 (en) Efficient connection between modules of removable electronic circuit cards
US7519756B2 (en) Method and apparatus for controlling connections of PC cards and a passive-card-adapting card used for connecting one of the PC cards to the apparatus
EP2037372B1 (en) Receptacles for removable electrical interface devices
US20060161716A1 (en) Adapter for connecting a portable memory unit to a host, and a memory device having the adapter
US20050182858A1 (en) Portable memory device with multiple I/O interfaces
EP2040174B1 (en) Card-type peripheral device
US20070083689A1 (en) USB system having card-type USB interface connector
US10095614B2 (en) Memory controller and accessing system utilizing the same
US6067593A (en) Universal memory bus and card
US7219846B2 (en) Circuit module and memory card kit compliant with various access protocols
JPWO2018186456A1 (en) Host device and removable system
US7600060B2 (en) Memory system and method for setting data transmission speed between host and memory card
US20070067539A1 (en) Enhanced CCID circuits and systems utilizing USB and PCI functions
KR100882207B1 (en) Memory device including a connector to interface other memory devices with the host independently

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

点击 这是indexloc提供的php浏览器服务,不要输入任何密码和下载