Apparatus for electronic data storage

Abstract

An apparatus for electronic data storage is disclosed. The apparatus includes any number of discrete data storage devices mounted on a card which readily can be inserted into and removed from an associated piece of electronic equipment, such as a computer. One or more controllers mounted on the card or remotely control the transfer of data to and from each discrete data storage device. Multiple cards containing one or more discrete data storage devices can be arrayed for use in connection with any number of associated electronic apparatus.

1 . An electronic data storage apparatus for use in connection with an electronic data processing device, comprising: 
 a substrate;    at least one electronic data storage device;    said at least one electronic data storage device mounted on said substrate;    electrical circuitry operably associated with said substrate and said at least one electronic data storage device; and    means for electrically connecting said electrical circuitry with said data processing device.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said substrate comprises a printed circuit card.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said at least one electronic data storage device comprises a hard disk drive.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said at least one electronic data storage device comprises a flash memory device.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said means for electrically connecting said electrical circuitry with said data processing device comprises a multi-pin electrical connector.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a controller for controlling transfer of data to and from said at least one electronic data storage device.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said controller further controls transfer of data to and from said data processing device.  
     
     
         8 . An electronic data storage apparatus for use in connection with an electronic data processing device, comprising: 
 a plurality of substrates, wherein each of said substrates is configured for selective installation in said electronic data processing device;    at least one electronic data storage devices mounted on each of said substrates;    electrical circuitry operably associated with each of said substrates and said at least one electronic data storage device; and    a controller for controlling the transfer of data to and from said at least one electronic data storage devices mounted on each of said substrates;    said controller further controlling the transfer of data to and from said data processing device.    
     
     
         9 . An electronic data processing apparatus comprising: 
 at least one processing unit;    at least data storage apparatus comprising at least one data storage device;    at least one controller for controlling the transfer of data to and from said at least one data storage device and for controlling the transfer of data to and from said at least one processing unit; and    a switch for directing data from at least one of said processors to at least one of said data storage devices and for directing data from at least one of said data storage devices to at least one of said processors.