WO1998021639A1

WO1998021639A1 - Interchangeable transportable data carrier unit for computers

Info

Publication number: WO1998021639A1
Application number: PCT/EP1996/004908
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reinhold Wein
Original assignee: Reinhold Wein
Priority date: 1996-11-09
Filing date: 1996-11-09
Publication date: 1998-05-22
Also published as: EP0882257A1; AU7568796A

Abstract

The invention concerns a data carrier unit (D) for co-operating with a computer. The data carrier unit (D) uses the existing hardware of, for example, a diskette drive, for writing and reading purposes, in that its housing (1) resembles that of the standard storage medium (diskette), and disposed at the location where the read/write head of the drive moves is an electromagnetic switching matrix for relaying the data streams to a suitable electronic control system (4) which writes these data into semiconductor memories (31 to 3n) of the data carrier unit (D) or, conversely, reads them therefrom and emits them via the switching matrix.

Description

Exchangeable, portable data carrier unit for computers

The invention relates to an exchangeable, portable data carrier unit for computers, which is provided for data exchange with a computer.

An exchangeable semiconductor memory unit is known which is designed as a plug-in card (slot card) and is inserted into a free slot (slot) of the computer (see Elektor, No. 287, November 1994, pages 14 to 18). It is, apart from special cases, practically impossible to use such a semiconductor memory unit, which can act as a physical drive and is therefore referred to as a "silicon disc", in the sense that data such. B. data is written into the semiconductor memory unit by means of a computer and the semiconductor memory unit is then used in another computer which reads the stored data. It would be necessary to open the computer and intervene in the hardware of the semiconductor memory unit each time.

The 3.5-inch floppy disk is probably the most widespread removable disk unit used in personal computers. Its high level of acceptance among computer users is due to the cost-effectiveness of this storage medium, the high level of data security and ease of use. However, the 3.5-inch diskette also has serious disadvantages, such as a limited storage capacity of currently 1.44 MB and the relative size high access time in the millisecond range. This has meant that extensive software packages are no longer on such disks, but e.g. B. are delivered on CD-ROMs, that have multiple storage capacity. A disadvantage of these conventional CD-ROMs is that they can only be read, but cannot be written to any number of times.

Based on the problems described in the prior art, the object of the invention is to create an exchangeable, transportable data carrier unit with increased storage capacity, shortened access time and practically unlimited writeability and readability, which is used for data exchange with a computer instead of an exchangeable standard. dard storage medium can be inserted into a commercially available computer drive.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an exchangeable, transportable data carrier unit with the following features:

a housing that is modeled on that of the standard storage medium,

a read / write semiconductor memory unit in the housing,

- A control unit in the housing for controlling the data exchange between the data carrier unit and the computer, - A device for simulating the presence of the standard storage medium in the drive of the computer, which simulation device can be accessed by a read / write device of the drive during operation of the data carrier unit, whereby the control unit ~ writes data supplied by the drive to the read / write semiconductor memory unit via the simulation device, and ~ In the case of read access, data to be read out of the read / write semiconductor memory unit are made available on the simulation device for readout by the computer drive.

If the data carrier unit according to the invention is therefore inserted into the drive instead of a normal storage medium, data written into its semiconductor memory can thus be read out of the semiconductor memory unit, since the simulation device makes the drive believe, so to speak, that a storage medium is inserted into the drive which stores the data stored in the semiconductor memory Contains data. The data carrier unit according to the invention can thus function as a data carrier between computers, such as a CD-ROM or a write-protected floppy disk, which have a corresponding drive. The operation of the drive with a storage medium provided for this purpose is still possible as soon as the data carrier unit is removed from the drive. Even if the disk device is in the drive, it functions as a physical drive.

Since write / read semiconductor memories are provided as the actual storage medium according to the invention, a high storage capacity can be achieved with a simultaneously fast access time and practically any number of read / write cycles.

According to a variant of the invention, the simulation device contains a read / write head, the control unit controlling the read / write head in the event of read access to the drive in such a way that it changes the data to be exchanged by means of the Reading device of the drive generates a detectable electromagnetic field.

How the electromagnetic field is to be formed depends on the type of drive with which the semiconductor memory unit is to interact. In magnetic recording methods, the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves is of the order of magnitude customary for these recording methods. The simulation device can then be a coil, preferably constructed similarly to a magnetic head, or a coupling capacitor. In optical recording methods, the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves is in the range of light of the appropriate wavelength. The simulation device can then be a light-emitting diode (LED), preferably a laser diode.

If the data carrier unit is intended to cooperate with a drive having not only a reading but also a writing device, in particular a writing / reading device, the read / write head detects the electromagnetic field emitted by the read / write device of the drive and the corresponding data is written into the read / write semiconductor memory unit.

The detection of the electromagnetic field also depends on the type of drive with which the semiconductor memory unit is to interact. In the case of magnetic recording methods, the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves is of the order of magnitude customary for these recording methods. The means for detecting an electromagnetic The magnetic field can then be a Hall sensor, a coil, which is preferably constructed similarly to a magnetic head, a coupling capacitor, etc. In optical recording methods, the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves is in the range of light of the appropriate wavelength. The means for detecting an electromagnetic field can then be a photodiode, a phototransistor, etc.

According to a variant of the invention for transmitting data, an interface is provided, because of the higher data transmission speed, preferably a parallel interface, via which data can be written into the semiconductor memory unit and / or data can be read from the semiconductor memory unit. In this case, data can also be read from the semiconductor memory unit and / or data can be written into the semiconductor memory unit via the interface if the data carrier unit is in a corresponding communication device that can be made available as a separate peripheral device.

According to further preferred embodiments of the invention, a voltage supply for the read / write semiconductor memory unit and / or the control unit is provided in the housing of the data carrier device. This is particularly important in connection with the storage types explained in more detail later, as are used as semiconductor memories in the data carrier unit according to the invention.

It is advantageous here to install a buffer accumulator in the data carrier unit, which uses various measures to supply electrical energy is supplying. A microgenerator that can be coupled to the drive of the computer can be integrated into the housing of the data carrier unit and converts the drive rotation into voltage. A voltage supply via a solar cell unit integrated in the housing of the data carrier unit is also advantageous. The current then serves to charge the buffer accumulator. It goes without saying that the semiconductor storage unit must then be stored when not in use in such a way that adequate exposure of the solar cell unit is ensured.

Finally, the voltage supply, in particular of the buffer accumulator, can also be carried out by connecting the data carrier unit to an external charging device via connections provided on the housing. Such a charging device can, for example, be integrated in the external peripheral device already mentioned above.

If, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data carrier device is intended to cooperate with a CD-ROM drive, the means for simulation can be formed by a liquid crystal display element (LCD) which is controlled by the control unit in such a way that its reflection behavior simulates the reflection behavior of the surface of a CD-ROM containing the data stored in the semiconductor memories of the semiconductor memory unit.

In addition to interacting with a conventional CD-ROM drive, the data carrier device can also be used to interact with a CD-ROM write drive, that is to say a drive for writing to blank CD-ROMs (and for reading CD-ROMs). be provided. In addition, the data carrier unit can be used to interact with a Removable disk drive or be designed to interact with a magneto-optical disc drive.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the data carrier unit is designed to interact with a floppy disk drive, for which purpose the housing is designed in the form of a floppy disk. It is particularly advantageous if it is a 3.5 inch floppy disk drive, since the corresponding floppy disks have a relatively large thickness compared to 5.25 inch floppy disks.

Particularly short access times result when the read / write device of the drive is held at the position during the interaction with the semiconductor memory unit that the read / write device reads or writes the table of contents of the storage medium - in the case of a diskette the table of contents takes care of the file allocation table (FAT) of the diskette by the control unit simulating a table of contents, according to which all data can be written to the same place as the table of contents or read at the same place as the table of contents. The read / write device then does not need to be moved or not significantly.

Although the semiconductor memory unit also contains non-volatile semiconductor memories, e.g. B. Flash EEPROMs (quickly electrically erasable programmable read-only memories), is provided according to a variant of the invention that the semiconductor memory unit contains volatile semiconductor memories, in particular dynamic read / write memories (DRAM), since such semiconductor memories have a high Storage density and short access have times. The need to refresh the memory content of dynamic read / write memory (refresh) does not pose a problem. The circuitry required to do this is small because appropriate integrated circuits are available. It is particularly advantageous to use self-refreshing dynamic read / write memories (DRAM with soap refresh), since then no circuitry measures are necessary to ensure the refreshing of the semiconductor memories. It goes without saying that, if volatile memories, in particular dynamic read / write memories, are used, the data carrier unit must contain a buffer voltage source for the semiconductor memory, in particular the mentioned buffer accumulator, if the possibility is to exist, the subject of the invention as a data carrier for data exchange to use between computers. Within the scope of the invention it is also possible to mix the semiconductor memory devices with volatile and non-volatile semiconductor memories.

Such a mixed configuration is of particular interest when the volatile read / write semiconductor memories of the data carrier unit are designed as most good RAM memory chips, the defective addresses of which can be detected by the control unit and stored in a non-volatile read / write semiconductor memory of the data carrier unit are. Such memory chips with defective addresses are available inexpensively, so that the data carrier unit according to the invention can be produced more economically. Since the control unit carries out a memory test and stores the unusable addresses in a non-volatile memory of the data carrier unit, a high level of data security and storage capacity is nevertheless guaranteed. According to a further preferred embodiment of the data carrier unit according to the invention, the control unit is assigned a data compression / decompression device. With their help, the physical storage capacity of the semiconductor memories integrated in the data carrier unit can be used more efficiently. For this purpose, on-line compression can take place by means of an upstream multi-chip module between the connection of the data carrier unit to the drive and the actual memory components.

With the above measures, access times of less than 50 microseconds and data transfer rates of up to 1 Mbyte per second can be achieved with a conventional floppy disk drive. If the data exchange takes place via a parallel interface, the access time is less than 10 microseconds and the data rate reaches up to 32 Mbytes per second.

With these boundary conditions, storage capacities, as limited by the physical memories, up to 2 Gbytes and more can be realized on the basis of 256 Mbit chips. The maximum memory size depends on the data structure and the compression factor. Since online compression algorithms are variably programmable, selection can be made according to different criteria, such as maximum compression with slow access on the one hand, or shortest access time with minimal data compression on the other, and the data carrier unit can be designed accordingly. Another preferred feature of the data carrier unit according to the invention is the possibility of providing memory areas in the read / write semiconductor memory for the entry of codes. The code entry can be used, for example, to integrate a hardware program key function on a software basis into the data carrier unit. Such hardware program keys are known as so-called "dongles", which are coded adapter plugs which are addressed by the PC between the printer cable and printer socket and when a commercial program is running, and are checked for presence. In this respect, a program run is therefore can only be carried out together with the "dongle", which prevents unlicensed multiple use of the program.

Such a “dongle” can be replaced by the data carrier unit according to the invention if a program software is stored on the data carrier unit, the use of which requires the data carrier unit with the corresponding previously stored code to be constantly inserted in the computer drive. The program run is therefore directly to the person carrying the program software Tied up with the "dongle" when a program is to be used legally on different computers at different times.

A password function can also be given to the data carrier according to the invention by the addressed memory areas for the entry of codes.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention can be found in the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the object of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a data carrier unit according to the invention,

2 likewise in a schematic representation a storage device for a data carrier unit according to the invention,

3 in the form of a block diagram a data carrier unit according to FIG. 1, which interacts with the storage device,

4 shows a schematic illustration of the power supply devices of the data storage unit, and

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a data carrier unit coupled to a computer according to the invention for explaining the on-line data compression.

Fig. 1 shows a data carrier unit D according to the invention, which has a housing 1 which resembles a 3.5-inch diskette in its outer shape.

In the area provided for attaching the diskette label, a read / write semiconductor memory unit (3) with a number of memory modules 3 _t to 3 is located inside the housing 1 on a printed circuit board 2, for example a printed circuit _n , which are, for example, dynamic read / write memories (DRAM) with soap refresh, e.g. B. of the type μPD42S17400LG3-160 (NEC®).

A control unit 4, for example a microcontroller of the 80C51 type, is likewise arranged on the circuit board 2, specifically in the region which is located in FIG. 1 to the right of the head window lock 5 of the housing 1. The microcontroller of the type mentioned contains an internal program memory in the form of a non-volatile semiconductor memory which contains the software (program) required to operate the data carrier unit. If a microcontrol type that does not contain an internal program memory is used, an external program memory, e.g. B. in the form of an EPROM.

Furthermore, a buffer accumulator 6 is provided on the circuit board 2 in the area which is located in FIG. 1 to the left of the head window closure 5 of the housing 1.

A read / write head 7, which is constructed similarly to the read / write head of a floppy disk drive, is located below the head window shutter 5 at that location within the head window (not shown in FIG. 1) which corresponds to the position of track 0 in the case of a diskette is.

The write protection slide 8 fulfills its normal function, i.e. Depending on its position, the data carrier is write-protected or writable.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment described, a switch 9 mounted on the circuit board 2 is also made by means of the write protection slide 8 actuated, which causes an additional Scl friction protection, since the switch 9 according to FIG. 3 is connected in a line which connects the control unit 4 to those connections of the semiconductor memory 3 which, depending on the logic level applied to them, write data into which enable or read data from the semiconductor memory 3. When the slide protection is activated, the switch separates this line from the control unit 4 and sets this line to such a potential that write accesses to the semiconductor memories 3 cannot take place. Only when the position of the write protection slide 8 enables the semiconductor memory unit 3 to be written, that is to say the switch 9 is closed, is the line connected to the control input 4, so that write access is possible.

On that end of the housing 1 that is inserted into the floppy disk drive of the respective computer, a two-pole contact field J1 is provided, which is connected in a manner not shown via conductor tracks of the circuit board 2 to the two poles of the buffer accumulator 6. If the semiconductor memory device is inserted in the manner shown in FIG. 2 into one of the receiving shafts 12 1 to 12 1, formed by two opposite parallel grooves 10 j to 10 _n and 11 ₁ to 1 l _n , of a rack-like storage device 13, the contacts of the contact field come - The Jl engages with the contacts of a corresponding contact field Jl ^* 1 to Jl'n, which are connected to a charger 14, which is preferably integrated into the storage device 13, as indicated in FIG. 2.

In addition, the contact field J2 belonging to a parallel interface is provided on the aforementioned end face of the housing 1. The contacts of the contact field J2 come into the storage device 13. led data carrier unit with the contacts of a corresponding contact field J2'i to J2 ' _n in engagement. The contact fields J2'ι to J2 ' _n are connected to an interface circuit 15 and can via a suitable plug connection, for example a Sub-D socket 16 of a Sub-D plug connection, and a suitable cable with an interface, for. B. the parallel interface of a computer. It is then possible to use the computer to write data into the semiconductor memory unit of the data carrier or to read data therefrom. In order to make this also possible when there are several data carrier units in the storage device 13, the interface circuit 15 contains an address decoding 17, which makes it possible to specifically access the data carrier device located in a specific recording shaft 12 1 to 12 _{n of} the storage device 13. The address coding 17 can, as shown in FIG. 2, be part of the storage device 13; but it can also be part of each individual data carrier unit.

Each receiving slot 12ι to 12 "is a light emitting diode (LED) 18t to 18" as a charge control display and another LED 19 _! to 19 _n as an indication of a possible write and read move iffe to the data storage unit located in the half storage unit in the respective recording shaft 12] to 12 ".

In order to hold a data carrier unit inserted into one of the receiving shafts 12ι to 12 "so that the contact fields J 1 and J2 are in safe electrical contact with the corresponding contact fields of the storage device 13, on the one hand the contacts of the contact fields Jl 'i to Jl '"and J2'ι to J2' _n springy. On the other hand, the respective data carrier unit is formed by leaf springs 20j to 20 "and 21ι to 21 "pressed down in such a way that on the end face of the housing 1 facing away from the contact fields J1 and J2, with the data carrier unit correctly inserted into the respective receiving shaft 12ι to 12", two each at the ends of the grooves 10] to 10 "and 11 ₁ to ll _n provided projections 22 _! to 22 _n and 23 _! up to 23 _n , which hold the data carrier unit in place.

The position of the slide protection slide 8 is not scanned by the detection seal 13, since the position of the write protection slide 8 is monitored in the manner already described using the switch 9 within the data carrier unit.

As shown in FIG. 3, the semiconductor memory unit 3 shown as a block labeled DRAM is connected to the control unit 4 via a data and address bus 24. The control unit 4 is also connected to the contact field J2 via a line bus 25. The control unit 4 and the DRAM semiconductor memory unit 3 are coupled with their supply voltage connections to the buffer accumulator 6 connected to the contact field J1.

In addition to the data and address bus 24, which optionally also includes the lines connecting the control line 4 with the connections CA and RS for the selection of the column and row addresses of the DRAM semiconductor memory 3, the DRAM semiconductor memory unit 3 is connected via a further line 26 connected to the control unit 4. The line 26 is used to make the semiconductor memory unit 3 accessible at all for addressing processes and write and read accesses. This line is connected to the "Write Enable" connection WE of the semiconductor Memory unit 3 connected and, depending on whether it is at the logic level low (no) or high (yes), write or read access to the semiconductor memory (3ι to 3 _n ). If the write protection slide 8 assumes its position preventing write access, the line is at ground, that is to say logically high.

The read / write head 7 is also connected to an analog og input / output I / O of the control unit 4. If the data carrier unit is located in a floppy disk drive and there is read access, the control unit 4 simulates for the floppy disk drive - whose read / write head 7 is, so to speak, on the assumption that there is an ordinary floppy disk in the floppy disk drive - on track 0 a file allocation table, according to which all files are on the same track as the file allocation table, so that the read / write head of the disk drive can subsequently remain stationary on track 0. The control unit 4 reads the data corresponding to the file to be read from the DRAM semiconductor memory unit 3 and controls the read / write head 7 of the data carrier unit in such a way that it generates an electromagnetic field which, apart from the fact that the data stream is significantly faster than in a conventional third , 5-inch floppy disk corresponds to the electromagnetic field that the read / write head of the floppy disk drive would detect when reading an identical file from an ordinary floppy disk.

If there is a write access, the read / write head 7 of the data carrier unit detects the electromagnetic field generated by the read / write head of the floppy disk drive. The control unit 4 converts the corresponding electrical current into corresponding binary data and writes it into the semiconductor memory unit 3. Where the file is located writes the control unit 4 in an internal table of contents. The control unit 4 uses this to access the corresponding semiconductor memories 3 1 to 3 _n during write and read accesses. In addition, the control unit 4 uses the internal table of contents to simulate the file allocation table located on the apparent track 0.

When a read or write access takes place, the control unit 4 recognizes by continuously monitoring the analog input / output I / O to which the read / write head 7 of the data carrier input is connected, and possibly via the write / Read head 7 received serial data stream analyzed. In order to enable the interaction of the data carrier unit according to the invention with the respective computer or its floppy disk drive, a suitable driver software is loaded into the computer. This driver software causes the floppy disk drive to send a bit sequence via the read / write head of the floppy disk drive each time the data carrier is accessed, which allows the control unit 4 for the semiconductor memory unit 3 to recognize whether the respective access is concerned is a write or read access. If the control unit 4 has recognized what type of access it is, it reacts in the manner described above, depending on whether it is a write or a read access.

3 shows, using the example of a data carrier unit D ₃ inserted into the receiving shaft 12 _{3 of} a storage device, such as this and the storage device 13 via the contact fields J1 and J2 of the data carrier unit on the one hand and the contact fields J1 ' ₃ and J2' _{3 of} the storage device 13 on the other hand work together. In Fig. 3 it is illustrated by the power cord 27 that the storage device 13 is dependent on a power connection.

The LED 19 ₃ provided for displaying write and read accesses is connected to the address decoding 17 in the manner indicated in FIG. 3.

In addition, a personal computer 28 is shown in FIG. 3, the parallel interface of which is connected in a manner not shown in more detail via an interface cable 29 to the sub-D socket 16 and thus to the interface circuit 15 of the storage device 13. It is thus possible, with the aid of a corresponding program, to use the personal computer 28 to take the individual receiving shafts 12 _! to 12 "of the storage device 13 to address. In any case, data can be read from a data carrier unit located in the respective receiving shaft 12] to 12 ,, either to display this data on the monitor of the personal computer 28 or to copy it. For this purpose, the personal computer 28 can use the internal table of contents or the file allocation table of the respective semiconductor storage unit to display a table of contents (directoiy) of the data carrier unit, on the basis of which it is then possible to select the file (s) to be read.

If the write protection slide 8 of the data storage unit D located in the respective recording shaft 12 [to 12 ,, is set so that writing to the respective semiconductor storage unit 3 is possible, data can also be written into and / or into the semiconductor storage unit 3 from the personal computer 28 the data in the semiconductor memory 3 are overwritten or deleted. The necessary in these cases The control unit 4 takes over or revises the internal table of contents of the semiconductor memory unit.

The data carrier unit recognizes write or read accesses via the parallel interface or the interface circuit 15 by the fact that the control unit 4 of the semiconductor memory unit 3 periodically polls the logic levels that are present at its inputs connected to the lines leading to the contact field J2.

From the above explanations it is clear that it is in the data carrier according to the invention is a storage medium which, for. B. uses the floppy disk drive of a computer to write and read the data. The operation of the floppy disk drive with normal floppy disks is still possible.

The shape of the new storage medium looks like that of a normal floppy disk.

After a floppy disk is inserted, the read / write head of the floppy disk drive moves to a specific position (track) on which the information is stored, which files are stored and where they are physically (sectors tracks). If data is written or read, the read / write head must move to the respective track and wait until the drive has turned the magnetic disk so far that the correct sector has been reached. The time required for this is called the access time. In the case of the data carrier unit according to the invention, the magnetic disk contained in a diskette is, so to speak, replaced by a semiconductor memory to which the data transfer of the read / write head is coupled by suitable means. The result is a storage medium that has a significantly higher storage capacity and a much shorter access time than a conventional floppy disk.

This is further shortened by pre-simulating the control of the floppy disk drive so that all information is on the track on which the file allocation table is located in the case of a normal floppy disk. The read / write head is always in the same position. However, it would also be conceivable to reprogram the disk drive for the purpose of choosing a different position.

The access time to the data carrier unit according to the invention is therefore many times shorter than with a magnetic memory, for. B. a floppy disk drive. In addition, due to the finer memory structures of semiconductor memories, the semiconductor memory device according to the invention has a significantly higher storage capacity than a conventional floppy disk.

The storage density achievable with a data carrier unit according to the invention can advantageously be increased even further by on-line compression or decompression taking place during the data exchange between the semiconductor memory device, the data medium device and the computer. As can be seen in FIG. 5, there is a multi-chip module with a controller and memory management between the read / write head 7 of the data carrier unit D and the semiconductor memory unit 3 switched as a control unit 4, to which a non-volatile program memory 30 is assigned. The data carrier unit D inserted in the 3.5 inch floppy disk drive 31 now makes the data available in decompressed form when reading data from the semiconductor memory unit 3, which is realized on-line, ie in real time, by the multi-chip module 4 . Conversely, when data is written to the semiconductor memory unit 3, data is compressed. This enables storage capacities of up to 2 Gbytes and more to be implemented with 256 Mbit chips as semiconductor memories 3 ". The access times are in the range of less than 50 microseconds with a data transfer type of up to 1 Mbyte per second.

The data to be handled in connection with the data carrier unit D are processed by the personal computer 28 via its CPU 32 with the aid of the working memory 33 and a hard disk drive 34.

In the non-volatile program memory 30 of the data carrier unit D, on the one hand, a password can be stored, on the other hand, by checking the authorized use, e.g. For example, a program stored on the data carrier device D or the authorized access to data stored there can be secured. In this respect, the so-called “dongle” function can also be assigned to the data carrier unit D, in that a program stored on the data carrier unit D only runs when the data carrier unit D is inserted as such into the drive 31 of the personal computer 28 periodically an appropriately coded address in the program memory is checked during program execution, in the absence of feedback - for example when the program is operated with a pirated copy the program diskette - there would be no feedback and the program run would be interrupted.

If volatile semiconductor memories are used for the semiconductor memory input of the data carrier, the data stored therein must be buffered by means of a voltage source. Since the energy content of the buffer voltage source is limited in time, a suitable storage device can be provided for one or more semiconductor memory units, via which the energy required for buffering the data is supplied. If an accumulator is provided as the buffer voltage source, the accumulator can be charged by means of the storage device described.

4 schematically shows further types for a voltage supply of the buffer accumulator 6 of the data carrier unit D. Thus, the buffer accumulator 6 can be charged via a voltage regulator module 35 through a solar cell film glued onto the outside of the housing 1. While the solar cell film 35 naturally supplies energy when the data carrier unit D is removed from the drive 31, a microgenerator 37 can be used for the voltage supply when the state is inserted into the drive 31. The rotating rotor (not shown) can be mounted in a central rotatable coupling part which is modeled on the usual hub part of the magnetic disk of a 3.5-inch diskette. The rotary drive of the drive is practically tapped via this coupling part and a voltage is generated by the rotation of the rotor in a stator integrated into the housing 1, which voltage is in turn used to charge the buffer battery 6 via the voltage regulator module 36. In summary, the data carrier unit according to the invention thus uses the existing hardware of a floppy disk drive for writing and reading out, by setting up an electromagnetic coupling field at the point where the read / write head of the drive is moving, in order to pass on the data streams to a suitable electronic control, which these Write data in semiconductor memories that are either non-volatile or buffered with voltage sources, or read them in reverse ways and output them via the switching matrix.

Incidentally, it can be provided, as explained, that the control unit 4 compresses the data to be written into the data carrier unit or the semiconductor memory contained therein beforehand. Such data compression, which can be carried out according to algorithms known per se, results in an increased storage capacity of the semiconductor memory unit or of the semiconductor memories contained therein. It is understood that when reading data compressed in this way, decompression must take place. Both the compression and the decompression take place online in the interest of a high writing or reading speed.

In the case of the embodiment described, the semiconductor memory device as a semiconductor memory ^DRAM's, so-volatile semiconductor memory device includes. Instead, SCRAM's or non-volatile semiconductor memories, e.g. B. Flash EEPROM's can be used. It is understood that in the case of using non-volatile semiconductor memories, the semiconductor memory unit does not contain a buffer voltage source and a possible recording device does not contain a charger for the buffer voltage sources. However, then for the voltage and power supply Control unit appropriate measures are taken.

Claims

claims

1. Exchangeable, portable data carrier unit for computers, which can be inserted into a commercially available drive (31) of the computer (28) instead of an exchangeable standard storage medium for data exchange with a computer (28), with the following features:

a housing (1) which is modeled on that of the standard storage medium,

- a read / write semiconductor memory unit (3ι to 3 ") in the housing (1), - a control unit (4) in the housing (1) for controlling the data exchange between the data carrier unit (D) and the computer (28),

- A device (7) for simulating the presence of the standard storage medium in the drive (31) of the computer (28), on a soft simulation device (7) during operation of the data carrier unit (D) from a read / write device of the drive ( is accessible 31), wherein the control unit (4) ~ tionseimichtung for write access from the drive (31) data supplied via the simulation (7) in the read / write semiconductor memory unit (3j enrolls _n) to 3, and ~ for read access from the Read / write semiconductor memory unit (3 [to

3 _n ) data to be read out on the simulation device (7) for reading out by the computer drive (31).

2. Data carrier unit according to claim 1, whose simulation device contains a read / write head (7) and wherein the control unit (4) in the event of read access to the data carrier unit (D) controls the SchreuV / read head (7) such that this one to be replaced Data in the read / write semiconductor memory unit (3 _! To 3 ") corresponding, by means of Write / read device of the drive (31) generates a detectable electromagnetic field.

3. Data carrier unit according to claim 2, whose read / write head (7) in the case of write access to the data carrier unit (D) detects the electromagnetic field emitted by the write / read device (31) and this corresponding data in the read / write - Inscribes the semiconductor memory unit (3 _! To 3 ").

4. Data carrier unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a data interface, preferably a parallel interface (15) is additionally provided for transmitting data between the read / write semiconductor memory unit (3ι to 3 _n ) and the computer (28).

5. Datentiägereinlieit according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the housing (1) a voltage supply (6) for the read / write semiconductor memory unit (3ι to 3 ") and / or the control unit (4) is accommodated.

6. Data carrier unit according to claim 5, wherein a buffer accumulator (G) is provided for the voltage supply.

7. A data carrier unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein for the voltage supply, in particular of the buffer accumulator (G), a microgenerator (37) which can be coupled to the drive (31) of the computer (28) is integrated in the housing (1) of the data carrier insert (D).

8. Data carrier unit according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a solar cell unit (35) is integrated into the housing (1) for the voltage supply, in particular of the buffer accumulator (15).

9. Data carrier unit according to one of claims 5 to 8, connections (J1) being provided on the housing (1), via which the voltage supply, in particular of the buffer accumulator (15), can be connected to an external charging device (14).

10. data carrier unit according to claim 1, which is designed to cooperate with a CD-ROM drive, in particular a CD-ROM write drive.

11. Data carrier unit according to claim 1, which is designed to interact with a magneto-optical disk drive.

12. Data carrier unit according to claim 1, which is designed to interact with a removable disk drive.

13. A data carrier unit according to claim 1, which is designed to interact with a floppy disk drive (31).

14. Datentiägereinlieit according to claim 13, the housing (1) is designed in Disketten- foπn.

15. Data carrier unit according to one of claims 1 to 14, which contains non-volatile read / write semiconductor memory.

16. Data carrier unit according to one of claims 1 to 14, which contains volatile read / write semiconductor memories (3ι to 3 ").

17. Data carrier unit according to claim 15 and 16, wherein the volatile read / write semiconductor memory (3j to 3 ") are designed as most good RAM memory chips, the defective addresses of the control unit (4) detectable and in a non-volatile write - / Read semiconductor memory of the data carrier unit (D) can be stored.

18. data carrier unit according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the Steuereinlieit (4) is associated with a data compression / decompression device.

19. Data carrier unit according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein in the read / write semiconductor memory unit (3 _! To 3 ") memory areas are provided for the entry of codes.