Memory card using nand flash memory and its operating method

Abstract

A memory card is connected to a host using a NAND flash memory interface mode. In addition, the memory card further includes the NAND flash memory as well as a controller. The NAND flash memory uses an interface mode different from that supported by the host. The controller converts the interface mode of the host to the interface mode of the NAND flash memory. Thus a memory card can be made compatible with a host using another interface mode.

1 . A memory card connected to a host using a first interface mode, the memory card comprising:
 a first-type NAND flash memory;   a second-type NAND flash memory using a second interface mode different from the first interface mode; and   a controller to convert the first interface mode to the second interface mode.   
   
   
       2 . The memory card of  claim 1 , wherein a block size of the first-type NAND flash memory is 128 KB. 
   
   
       3 . The memory card of  claim 2 , wherein the first-type NAND flash memory inputs or outputs data by a Byte unit. 
   
   
       4 . The memory card of  claim 1 , wherein a block size of the second-type NAND flash memory is 128 KB. 
   
   
       5 . The memory card of  claim 4 , wherein the second-type NAND flash memory inputs or outputs data by a Byte unit. 
   
   
       6 . The memory card of  claim 1 , wherein a block size of the first-type NAND flash memory is 16 KB. 
   
   
       7 . The memory card of  claim 6 , wherein the first-type NAND flash memory inputs or outputs data by a Byte unit. 
   
   
       8 . The memory card of  claim 1 , wherein a block size of the second-type NAND flash memory is 16 KB. 
   
   
       9 . The memory card of  claim 8 , wherein the second-type NAND flash memory inputs or outputs data by a Byte unit. 
   
   
       10 . The memory card of  claim 1 , wherein the controller receives an address and a command from the host, converts the address and the command to be used in the second-type NAND flash memory and provides the converted address and the converted command to the second-type NAND flash memory. 
   
   
       11 . The memory card of  claim 10 , wherein the controller transfers data from the host to the second-type NAND flash memory or from the second-type NAND flash memory to the host. 
   
   
       12 . The memory card of  claim 1 , wherein the memory card is an extreme digital picture card (xD card). 
   
   
       13 . The memory card of  claim 1 , wherein a size of the memory card is (20×25×1.7) mm. 
   
   
       14 . A memory card connected to a host using a first interface mode, the memory card comprising:
 a NAND flash memory using a second interface mode; and   a controller to convert the first interface mode to the second interface mode, wherein the controller includes
 a first buffer to receive a host command and an address from the host, 
 a command converting circuit to receive a command from the first buffer and convert the command to be used in the NAND flash memory, 
 an address converting circuit to receive the address from the first buffer and convert the address to be used in the NAND flash memory, and 
 a second buffer to transfer the converted command and converted address to the NAND flash memory. 
   
   
   
       15 . The memory card of  claim 14 , wherein the controller further includes a buffer memory to store data. 
   
   
       16 . The memory card of  claim 14 , wherein the memory card is an extreme digital picture card (xD card). 
   
   
       17 . A method of operating a memory card including a NAND flash memory card being connected to a host using a first interface mode, and using a second interface mode, the method comprising the steps of:
 receiving a command and an address from the host;   converting the command and address to the second interface mode; and   providing the converted command and converted address to the NAND flash memory.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the memory card is an extreme digital picture card (xD card).