Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash-memory cards, with or without a PC
US7412552B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K5/0282
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A flash-memory-card reader reads and writes multiple types of flash-memory cards, including CompactFlash, and the smaller SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick. A converter chip converts the different card signals for transfer to a host personal computer (PC). Serial-to-parallel data conversion is performed for the smaller card formats with serial data interfaces, but not for CompactFlash with a parallel-data interface. A signal slot has a 50-pin connector for CompactFlash cards or passive adapters. The passive adapters have the CompactFlash form factor and a smaller connector fitting smaller flash cards. Passive adapters have no components but simply wire the smaller connector to the CompactFlash connector. A pin mapping allows card-type detection by sensing the LSB address pins of the CompactFlash interface. A larger CompactFlash reader has multiple slots for each card type. The reader is connected to the PC by a cable, or located within the PC chassis in a drive bay. A stand-alone reader copies images from the flash-memory card to a removable disk media. Pressing a button initiates image transfer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.