Hard Disk Drive Cache Memory and Playback Device
A NOR emulating device using a controller and NAND memories can be used in a computer system in placed of the main memory or in place of the BIOS NOR memory. Thus, the emulating device can function as a bootable memory. In addition, the device can act as a cache to the hard disk drive. Further, with the addition of an MP3 player controller into the device, the device can function as a stand alone audio playback device, even while the PC is turned off or is in a hibernating mode. Finally with the MP3 player controller, the device can access additional audio data stored on the hard drive, again with the PC in an off mode or a hibernating mode. Finally, the device can function to operate the disk drive, even while the PC is off or is in a hibernating mode, and control USB ports attached thereto.
1 - 24 . (canceled)
25 . A computer comprising:
a main processor;
a main memory connected to said main processor;
a bridge circuit connected to said main processor;
a first plurality of buses connected to said bridge circuit;
a controller circuit having a first plurality of ports for connecting to said first plurality of buses for receiving and providing signals to the bridge circuit; and a second plurality of ports for connecting to a second plurality of buses for receiving and providing signals to a second plurality of peripheral devices; and
said controller circuit operable in one of two modes: wherein a first mode, said controller circuit functions as a pass through device to provide signals transparently to and from the bridge circuit to the peripherals devices; and wherein in a second mode, said controller circuit functions to connect the signals from one peripheral to another peripheral without the signals being supplied to the bridge circuit.
26 . The computer of claim 25 , wherein said controller circuit further comprising:
an integrated circuit die, having a NOR memory embedded therein for containing a program code to boot said controller circuit.
27 . The computer of claim 25 , wherein said controller circuit further comprising:
a third port for connecting to a NAND memory.
28 . The computer of claim 25 wherein said controller circuit further comprising:
a fourth port for connecting to a volatile memory.
29 . The computer of claim 25 wherein said first mode said main processor is active or on, and wherein said second mode said processor is inactive or off.
30 - 32 . (canceled)