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Closed case removable expansion card having interconnect and adapter circuitry for both I/O and removable memory
| Details |
Inventors: Mills, Kevin J.; Gifford, Micheal L.;
Assignee: Socket Communications Inc. (Newark, CA)
Primary Examiner: Lefkowitz; Sumati
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Smith; Bennett
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 slot and an internal connector for accepting a MultiMediaCard as the private removable memory. In addition, the application specific card will generally have some manner of I/O to required external devices, such as scanning devices, sensors, or transducers. Otherwise, all functionality for the application specific function is self-contained within the application specific card. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION Components of the Expansion Card FIG.
9 is an abstract drawing representing a closed-case removable expansion card 100, i.
e.
, an expansion card that may be inserted into and removed out of a closed-case computer host.
The card is especially suitable for use in a portable host, such as a PDA.
In accordance with the present invention, the expansion card of FIG.
9 includes a connector 141 for I/O interconnect and a slot 121 for a removable memory.
FIG.
9 shows the I/O interconnect 140 and removable memory 120 disengaged from the removable expansion card.
FIG.
10 is an abstract drawing representing the construction detail of the upper 105 and lower 110 frame members of the removable expansion card 100 of FIG.
9.
An opening 111 is provided in the lower frame 110 for receiving the connector 141 for I/O interconnect.
FIG.
11 is an abstract drawing representing an exploded view of the removable expansion card 100 of FIG.
9, including the outer frame, inner PCB 115, and connectors.
Visible for the first time in the view of FIG.
11, a second opening 113 is provided in the lower frame 110 for receiving the connector 150 for host interconnect.
Additionally, a slot 112 is provided on both sides of the opening 111 to aid in the alignment and retention of the connector 141, and a slot 114 is provided on both sides of opening 113 to aid in the alignment and retention of the connector 150.
An opening 116 is provided in the PCB for receiving the connector 141.
FIG.
12A is an abstract drawing representing a view of the removable expansion card 100 of FIG.
9, with the outer frame members removed, and a removable memory 120 roughly aligned with the contact fingers 180 to which it mates within the removable expansion card.
Circuitry 160 is provided, including I/O adapter circuitry, removable memory adapter circuitry, and application-specific circuitry.
A support shelf 170 supports, aligns, separates, and isolates the underside of the contact fingers 180 from the circuitry 160.
FIG.
12B is an abstract drawing representing a cut away side view of the removable expansion card 100 of FIG
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I/O Systems 
