Interface Converter for SD and Memory Stick Pro Address Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable electronic devices with either Secure Digital (SD) or Memory Stick Pro (MS Pro) interfaces are limited to using expensive MS Pro memory modules due to the lack of compatibility between these standards, resulting in higher costs and reduced choices for memory card selection.
Innovation Solution
An interface converting apparatus comprising a MS Pro interface, a SD card interface, an address decoder, and a micro-controller that converts memory addresses between the two standards, allowing a SD card to be used in devices with an MS Pro interface, and vice versa, using additional components like program ROM, program RAM, data RAM, and a buffer for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users use MS Pro memory modules in electronic devices with MS Pro interface, then compatibility is ensured, but cost increases and selection choices are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interface converting apparatus as an intermediary device that bridges the MS Pro interface and SD card interface. This converter includes address translation circuits and control logic that translate between the two different interface standards, allowing SD cards to be used in devices designed for MS Pro cards, thus resolving the compatibility issue without forcing users to purchase expensive MS Pro cards
Solution Approach 2:
The converting apparatus enables a single SD card to function in multiple types of electronic devices by providing universal compatibility. The device can interface with both MS Pro interfaces and SD card interfaces, making the SD card universally usable across different device platforms rather than being limited to specific device types
2Reliability
If users purchase separate memory cards for different devices, then interface compatibility is maintained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface converting apparatus enables one SD card to serve multiple devices with different interfaces. By incorporating address translation and protocol conversion capabilities, the system allows a single memory card to be universally used across MS Pro and SD card interfaces, eliminating the need to purchase separate memory cards for different devices
Solution Approach 2:
The converter acts as an intermediary that translates between different interface standards. The address decoder and control circuits in the converter enable communication between the SD card and MS Pro interface devices, allowing users to use a single SD card in multiple devices without purchasing additional memory cards
3Adaptability or versatility
If interface converting apparatus is introduced, then memory card compatibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converting apparatus is designed as a standalone intermediary device that can be inserted into the device's memory card slot. This modular approach encapsulates the complexity of address translation and protocol conversion within the converter itself, keeping the main device simple while providing interface compatibility through the added converter component
Data Source
AI summary
An interface converting apparatus that converts signals between a Secure Digital (SD) card and a Memory Stick Pro (MS Pro). The apparatus comprises a SD memory card interface, a MS Pro memory card interface, an address decoder and a micro controller. The micro controller is able to convert a memory address from the MS Pro memory card interface into a memory address needed by the SD memory card interface and vice versa, and the address decoder can then be used to access the data via the SD memory card interface or the MS Pro memory card interface.