초록 ▼

A modular disk memory apparatus provides a modularly expandable, multi-gigabyte auxiliary memory for a computer or other host electronic device, and includes multiple, parallel serial data channels to maximize bidirectional data transfer rates between the apparatus and the host device. Maximization

A modular disk memory apparatus provides a modularly expandable, multi-gigabyte auxiliary memory for a computer or other host electronic device, and includes multiple, parallel serial data channels to maximize bidirectional data transfer rates between the apparatus and the host device. Maximization of READ/WRITE data transfer rates within the apparatus is achieved by utilizing a large number of small hard disk drives, typically eight 2.5-inch drives on each of a plurality of Disk Storage Modules, each including a plug-in printed circuit board capable of holding two 5-1/4 inch drives, thereby increasing the maximum data transfer rate per unit volume of the modules by a factor of two. Maximization of bidirectional data transfer rates between the apparatus and host device over that attainable using a single serial data channel such as a coaxial, quadaxial or fiber optic cable, is achieved by parsing or demultiplexing data to be transmitted from a single parallel channel onto p paralleled cables, thereby increasing the maximum transmittal rate by p. Data received over the parallel data channels is multiplexed or concatenated to comprise a data stream on a single parallel channel. Reconstruction data is embedded in data contained in the p parallel data channels specifying the number q of channels employed, where 1.ltoreq.q.ltoreq.p thereby configuring the demultiplexer to concatenate that number of data channels onto a single parallel data bus.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electronic memory apparatus adapted to provide digital data storage for a host device such as a computer, said apparatus providing high data transfer rates per unit volume of said apparatus and comprising;a. at least one Data Storage Module (DSM) having mounted thereon

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electronic memory apparatus adapted to provide digital data storage for a host device such as a computer, said apparatus providing high data transfer rates per unit volume of said apparatus and comprising;a. at least one Data Storage Module (DSM) having mounted thereon a plurality of miniature disk drive memory units and associated electronic components and control circuitry,b. data communication means for conveying signals between said DSM and said host device, andc. a Disk Controller Module (DCM) for controlling bidirectional data flow between said DSM(s), and said host device, whereby data from said host device may be written into and read from said DSM's, said data communication means comprising in combination:i. a Fibre Channel Interface Board (FCIB) adapted to be installed in said host device and providing a signal interface therewith,ii. a System Interface Module (SIM) providing a signal interface with said DSM(s), andiii. a data communication conduit adapted to convey bidirectional signals between said FCIB and said SIM, said data communication conduit comprising a plurality of p parallel serial data channels where p is an integer having a value greater then one.