Abstract: Data are write commanded from a host into a NAND flash memory. The data are saved once in a cache memory before being written into the NAND flash memory. The cache memory includes a physical segment whose size is the product of one page sector size of the NAND flash memory and the m-th power of 2 (m is 0 or a positive integer). A CPU records and manages the data writing status for each physical segment in a sector unit.

Abstract: A flash memory device includes a flash memory that stores many physical data blocks, a refresh management table that stores indications of the number of times each individual physical data block has been read, and a controller responsive to read and erase control signals from a source external to the flash memory device, and to the stored indications of the refresh management table for controlling reading, erasing and refreshing of the individual physical data blocks. In response to the number of times each individual physical data block has been read being equal to or exceeding a limit value, the controller refreshes the individual physical data block associated with the indication equaling or exceeding the limit value.

Abstract: Data are write commanded from a host into a NAND flash memory. The data are saved once in a cache memory before being written into the NAND flash memory. The cache memory includes a physical segment whose size is the product of one page sector size of the NAND flash memory and the m-th power of 2 (m is 0 or a positive integer). A CPU records and manages the data writing status for each physical segment in a sector unit.

Abstract: Card-type memories have a memory unit with an area having a minimum memory capacity and a control unit for interpreting a command issued by a host system and controlling the memory unit in accordance with the command. The memory area is formatted in accordance with the universal disk format so each sector of the area has a user data area of 2048 bytes with a logical sector length of 2048 bytes. File management is performed by a UDF file system of a host computer.

Abstract: Card-type memories have a memory unit with an area having a minimum memory capacity and a control unit for interpreting a command issued by a host system and controlling the memory unit in accordance with the command. The memory area is formatted in accordance with the universal disk format so each sector of the area has a user data area of 2048 bytes with a logical sector length of 2048 bytes. File management is performed by a UDF file system of a host computer.

Abstract: An information storage device (10) includes a cartridge (14) removably inserted into a cradle (13) that has a drive module (18) releasably coupled to an interface module (17). A drive electronics circuit (71) in the drive module is coupled to a hard disk drive mechanism (56) in the cartridge, and is coupled through a bus switch (131) and a bus (122) to a bridge circuit (111) in the interface module. An auxiliary circuit (76) in the drive module is coupled to the bus, is controlled by the bridge circuit, operates the bus switch, and handles considerations relating to removability of the cartridge. The interface module is one of several interchangable interface modules which each have a different bridge circuit to interface the bus to a respective different communication protocol.

Abstract: An information storage device (10) includes a cartridge (14) removably inserted into a cradle (13) that has a drive module (18) releasably coupled to an interface module (17). A drive electronics circuit (71) in the drive module is coupled to a hard disk drive mechanism (56) in the cartridge, and is coupled through a bus switch (131) and a bus (122) to a bridge circuit (111) in the interface module. An auxiliary circuit (76) in the drive module is coupled to the bus, is controlled by the bridge circuit, operates the bus switch, and handles considerations relating to removability of the cartridge. The interface module is one of several interchangable interface modules which each have a different bridge circuit to interface the bus to a respective different communication protocol.