Abstract: A device, a method and a system for portable data storage and transfer through a simplified device interface. The operations of the device are restricted, in order to increase the ease of use of the device, and in order to provide certain core functions. These core functions include reading data, writing data and exchanging data with a similar device and/or with an external computer. The device features a minimal set of hardware components for accomplishing these functions, such as a data processor of some type, a memory storage medium or media, and a data exchange mechanism, which may optionally be an infrared port for example.

Abstract: A counting device includes a set of memory cells, which are configured to store respective bits of a count code. A controller is coupled to the memory cells so as to increment, in response to occurrences of a count input, the count code in the set of the memory cells from an initial value up to a preset bound in each of a plurality of successive iterations, and to shift the bits of the count code that are respectively stored in the memory cells in each of the iterations relative to a preceding iteration.

Abstract: A method for managing a memory device, a memory device so managed and a system that includes such a memory device. A value of a longevity parameter of the device is monitored after a data operation on the device in which the monitoring is performed by the device. A grade of the device is derived from the value. Preferred longevity parameters include a ratio of successfully-processed data to unsuccessfully-processed data and a deviation in a power consumption of the device. The grade serves as a forecast of a life expectancy of the memory. Preferred grades include: a comparison grade, a maximum grade, and an average grade.

Abstract: A method for storing data includes designating, in a memory array including cells configured for writing a first number of bits per cell, a group of the cells to which input data are to be written at a second number of bits per cell, smaller than the first number. Dummy data that are independent of the input data are stored in a first set of one or more bits of the cells in the group. The input data are written to a second set of at least one other bit of the cells in the group.

Abstract: A method of storing and reading data, using a memory that includes a plurality of cells (e.g. flash cells), such that data are stored in the cells by setting respective values of a physical parameter of the cells (e.g. threshold voltage) to be indicative of the data, and such that data are read from the cells by measuring those values. One of the cells and its neighbors are read. The data stored in the cell are estimated, based on the measurements and on respective extents to which the neighbors disturb the reading. Preferably, the method also includes determining those respective extents to which the neighbors disturb the reading, for example based on the measurements themselves.

Abstract: An integrated circuit has a plurality of bonding pads, at least one of which is adapted to be directly electrically connected to a bonding pad of another integrated circuit rather than to an external pin of a package that houses a semiconductor die on which the integrated circuit is fabricated. The integrated circuit is designed and offered for sale. Preferred scenarios include offering the integrated circuit for sale even before receiving an order for the semiconductor die or alternatively, only in response to receiving a first such order. Preferably the die is offered for sale as a standard item. The dies are either fabricated on demand or kept in inventory.

Abstract: Methods of managing memory devices, and devices so managed. A value of a parameter, that is used to program one or more memory cells, is adapted to a monitored condition of the cell(s). Either the number of bits per cell is held fixed or the monitored condition is an intrinsic condition of the cell(s). The initial value of the parameter is optimized for those specific cells, relative to a pre-selected criterion, by programming the cell(s) in accordance with candidate values of the parameter.

Abstract: Information stored as physical states of cells of a memory is read by setting each of one or more references to a respective member of a first set of values and reading the physical states of the cells according to the first set. Then, at least some of the references are set to respective members of a second set of values, and the physical states of the cells are read according to the second set. At least one member of the second set is different from any member of the first set, so that the two readings together read the physical states of the cells with higher resolution than the first reading alone.

Abstract: A peripheral communicates with a host according to a protocol such as USB. In case a user of the host is restricted by an operating system of the host from sending certain information to the peripheral, a pattern of protocol commands that includes one or more read commands is defined that sends the information despite the restriction. Preferably, all the protocol commands of the pattern are read commands.

Abstract: To store N bits of M?2 logical pages, the bits are interleaved and the interleaved bits are programmed to ?N/M? memory cells, M bits per cell. Preferably, the interleaving puts the same number of bits from each logical page into each bit-page of the ?N/M? cells. When the bits are read from the cells, the bits are de-interleaved. The interleaving may be deterministic or random, and may be effected by software or by dedicated hardware.

Abstract: A method for operating a host device includes inserting a plug-in adapter, having a subscriber identity module (SIM) component disposed thereon, into a host receptacle of the host device. A memory card is inserted into a memory receptacle on the plug-in adapter. After inserting the plug-in adapter and the memory card, communications are conveyed between the host device and the SIM component via the adapter and the memory card.

Abstract: A plug-in adapter includes a first contact for connection to a host device, at least two second contacts for connection to a memory card, and a third contact for connection to a subscriber identity module (SIM) component. Circuitry in the adapter connects at least one of the second contacts to the third contact and connects at least another of the second contacts to the first contact so as to create a communication path between the host device and the SIM component via the memory card.

Abstract: An improved smart card is provided, which is adapted for easy extraction from a smart card socket, or example, in a mobile telephone. Facilitating the easy extraction is a structural deviation in the plane of at least one of the sides of the smart card to enable an increase of an external force on the smart card to thereby cause the extraction of the smart card from a socket. The structural deviation may be a change in the thickness of the smart card or a roughened surface in the smart card's enclosure. The smart card may be a SIM card. Also provided is a method of extracting a smart card from a socket, which method may include the steps of engaging a structural deviation in the plane of at least one side of the smart card's enclosure and applying a force to the engaged structural deviation.

Abstract: A method of testing a SIP that has a CPU, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. First, the CPU is used to test the memories. Then the CPU is tested separately. Preferably, the programs for testing the memories are pre-stored in and loaded from the nonvolatile memory into the volatile memory and are executed by the CPU in the volatile memory. Preferably, the test results are stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: Cells of a flash memory are read by determining respective adaptive reference voltages for the cells and comparing the cells' threshold voltages to their respective reference voltages. The adaptive reference voltages are determined either from analog measurements of the threshold voltages of the cells' neighbors or from preliminary estimates of the cells' threshold voltages based on comparisons of the cells' threshold voltages with integral or fractional reference voltages common to all the cells. Cells of a flash memory also are read by comparing the cells' threshold voltages to integral reference voltages, comparing the threshold voltages of cells that share a common bit pattern to a fractional reference voltage, and adjusting the reference voltages in accordance with the comparisons.

Abstract: A storage device and method for flexibly configuring a flash memory controller. The device includes a flash memory array containing a plurality of memory cells, wherein at least two configuration bits are programmed to the plurality of memory cells. A controller having at least one configuration pin is further provided for controlling the flash memory array by selecting one interface channel for connection to an external host, according to the values of the configuration bits and/or the voltage level(s) on the configuration pin(s). A “flag” corresponding to each of the interface channels is further provided, thus defining which of said interface channels is operable.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for packaging multiple articles of manufacture for display at a point of sale. The packaging allows the articles of manufacture to be grasped and felt by a consumer prior to purchase, while reducing the chance of unintended or illegal removal of the articles of manufacture from the packaging. The packaging also allows the articles of manufacture to be connected to a host device and tested prior to purchase without damaging the packaging. The articles of manufacture can be made of multiple components which can be attached to the packaging during the assembly of the components.

Abstract: A computing system including: a host system; at least one device, mechanically connected to the host system, each device having an active state and an inactive state, wherein each device is conductively disconnected from the host system when the inactive state is enabled; and a mechanism for the host system to switch each device between the active state and the inactive state Preferably, at least one device is connected to the host system via a connector. Preferably, the device is hard-wired to the host system. Preferably, some wires of at least one device are isolated from the host system via a mechanical contactor. Preferably, some wires of at least one device are isolated from the host system via an optical isolator. Preferably, the system further includes: a switching battery; and a mechanism for charging the battery when at least one device is disconnected from the host system.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) die includes two bonding pads, that share a common logical function, such as signal input or signal output, separated by the width of the die, and preferably on opposite sides of the die. System-in-package devices are produced by steps including directly electrically connecting one or the other bonding pad to bonding pads of other, functionally different IC dies, with the bonding pads of the other IC dies, to which are connected bonding pads of common logical function of the IC dies of the present invention, being functionally identical but geometrically different. Multchip package devices are produced by stacking the IC dies of the present invention with other IC dies and directly electrically connecting one or the other bonding pad to different bonding pads of the other IC dies.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for protecting a peripheral device in a computing system from electrical surge currents, the method including the steps of: providing a controller operationally connected to a host system; and reversibly conductively connecting, via the controller, wires of the device to the host system. Preferably, the device is connected to the host system via a connector. Preferably, the device is hard-wired to the host system. Preferably, at least some wires of the device are isolated from the host system via a mechanical contactor. Preferably, at least some wires of the device are isolated from the host system via an optical isolator. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: charging a switching battery when the device is disconnected from the host system. Most preferably, the method further includes the step of: powering the device using the battery when the device is connected to the host system.