	US 7,603,499 B2
	Method for using a memory device with a built-in memory array and a connector for a removable memory device
Kevin P. Kealy, Scotland (United Kingdom); and Maria A. Sabatini, Scotland (United Kingdom)
Assigned to SanDisk Corporation, Milpitas, Calif. (US)
Filed on Mar. 30, 2007, as Appl. No. 11/731,523.
Prior Publication US 2008/0244113 A1, Oct. 02, 2008
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G06F 13/10 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 710—74 [710/14; 710/38]

17 Claims

1. A method for using a memory device with a built-in memory array and a connector for a removable memory device, the method comprising:

determining whether a removable memory device connected to a first connector of a memory device comprises a memory controller, wherein the memory device comprises a second connector configured to connect to a host device and also comprises a built-in memory array;

if it is determined that the removable memory device does not comprise a memory controller, using circuitry in the memory device to control read/write operations to a memory array in the removable memory device; and

if it is determined that the removable memory device does comprise a memory controller, using the memory controller to control read/write operations to the memory array in the removable memory device;

wherein when the removable memory device does not comprise a memory controller, the memory device functions as a hybrid memory device to transfer data between the built-in memory array in the memory device and the memory array in the removable memory device, and wherein when the removable memory device comprises a memory controller, the memory device functions as an adapter for the removable memory device with the memory device acting as a passive pass-through between the host device and the removable memory device.