USB Host Controller for Direct Memory Card Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory devices that implement multiple protocols for communication between removable memory cards and external hosts, such as USB or IEEE 1394 interfaces, increase complexity and cost due to the need for protocol translations, consuming additional processing resources and physical space.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating USB or IEEE 1394 connectors directly into memory cards, allowing communication with external hosts without protocol translation by using a controller with a USB host interface, enabling direct data access via standard USB interconnection equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocols are implemented for communication between removable memory cards and external hosts, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoidprotocol translation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory card is equipped with a USB connector that enables it to communicate directly with USB hosts using the universal USB protocol. This allows the memory card to function across multiple device types (cameras, phones, PCs, printers) without requiring the host device to implement multiple protocol translation layers, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocols are implemented for communication between removable memory cards and external hosts, then communication compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By incorporating a USB connector directly into the memory card, the invention leverages the universally adopted USB standard that is already present in nearly all host devices. This eliminates the need to manufacture and integrate multiple protocol translation components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while achieving broad communication compatibility across different device types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If protocol translation is implemented in the device, then communication between external hosts and removable memory cards is enabled, but processing resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidprocessing resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The USB communication capability is extracted and built directly into the memory card itself, rather than being implemented as a translation function within the host device. This shifts the communication intelligence to the memory card, eliminating the need for protocol translation processing in the host device and thereby reducing processing resource consumption and energy usage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8359418B2Host device with USB interface

Publication Date: 2013.01.22 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

An apparatus includes a first Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector and a card holder associated with the first USB connector. A controller including a USB host interface is coupled to the first USB connector. A housing enclosing the controller and at least partially enclosing the card holder has an opening that is dimensioned to enable insertion of a memory card into the card holder. The first USB connector is configured to connect to a second USB connector of the memory card when the memory card is inserted into the card holder.