Closed case removable expansion card having interconnect and adapter circuitry for both I/O and removable memory
US6353870B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K5/0282
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for closed-case removable expansion cards having a removable memory enhance the utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs. In both a first and second embodiments the closed-case removable expansion cards preferably use a Type II CompactFlash form factor. In the first embodiment the removable memory is in combination with an external-I/O connector or attached external-I/O device, providing both I/O and memory functions in a single closed-case removable expansion card. This increases the expansion functional density for portable computer hosts, such as PDAs. That is, it increases the amount of functionality that can be accommodated within a given volume allocation for expansion devices. In the second embodiment the removable memory is a private memory for application specific circuitry within the closed-case-removable expansion card. This enhances the utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs, as universal chassises for application specific uses. The standard CompactFlash physical and electrical interface couples the application specific card to the host, which provides user interface functions for the application. The cards include a top located s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.