Multiple mode communication system
View Patent ↗An universal and detachable low cost data storage system adaptable to different communication protocols. Particularly, the storage system can be attached to hosts running different communication protocols such as MultiMediaCard and Serial Peripheral Interface. The storage system automatically selects the protocol in response to the host requirements such that the entire protocol selection process will be transparent to the host.
1. A memory card for use with a host device, the memory card comprising:
a memory core having a plurality of non-volatile storage elements;
a plurality of pins whereby the card can be electronically coupled with a host and through which data can be supplied to, and commands received from, the host;
an interface driver coupled to the pins;
one or more card registers; and
a controller circuit coupled to the interface driver, the registers, and the memory core, whereby the transfer of data between the memory core and the host is managed in response to host commands, and wherein the memory card is capable of communicating in a plurality of protocols, the controller circuit including logic whereby, upon connection to the host, the controller automatically, and in a manner transparent to the host, configures the memory card to communicate with the host using a first protocol from among the plurality of protocols in response to one or more signals distributed among the plurality of pins at power up.
2. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein the memory core includes a flash memory.
3. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein the memory core includes a read only memory.
4. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein the memory core includes a one time programmable memory.
5. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein the card registers include a register for card identification data.
6. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein the card registers include a register for card specific data.
7. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein the card registers include a register for storing a relative card address.
8. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein said pins include a bi-directional data pin.
9. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein said pins include a unidirectional data out pin and a unidirectional data in pin.
10. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein said pins include one or more power pins.
11. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of protocols includes a serial protocol.
12. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of protocols include a MultiMediaCard compatible protocol.
13. The memory card of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of protocols include a Serial Peripheral Interface compatible protocol.