Abstract: A flash-memory-drive card has an integrated slim Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) connector that fits into a standard USB socket. The slim USB connector has 4 metal contacts on a board that is encapsulated by upper and lower plastic cases. Components are mounted onto the board on the side opposite the metal contacts. A thinner portion of the plastic case forms a light window that allows a light-emitting diode on the board to shine through the case. The plastic cases can be bonded together ultrasonically or with adhesive or using snaps and groves. Supporting underside ribs in the lower plastic case opposite the metal contacts allow most of the card to be thinner than the spacing in the standard USB socket. Dividers between the metal contacts are formed between openings in the upper case. The dividers help to fill gaps between the slim USB connector and the standard USB socket.

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 single 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.