INNOVENTIONS' DiskConnector -
COMPUTER DATA INTERFACE TECHNOLOGY

Executive Summary

INNOVENTIONS Inc. patented a unique, general-purpose Computer Data Interface technology in 1992. The DiskConnector data interface connects external applications to Personal Computers using a device shaped like a standard 3.5" floppy diskette (or other removable storage devices). The connecting device has magnetic read/write heads which, when inserted in the PC diskette drive, are placed in close proximity to the drive's own magnetic read/write head. This allows the external application to communicate data to and from the PC in the same fashion that a PC would store or read data from a floppy diskette!

Features & Benefits

• Works with virtually every computer
• Low cost, matured technology
• Easy to use, even childproof
• Superb Electrostatic and Noise immunity
• High speed sustained transfer rate

Discussion

Very large installed base of potential users

Since the DiskConnector data interface can fit in any standard floppy diskette drive without modification to the drive, this interface offers an immediate connection to virtually any PC in the world (as most desktop and laptop PCs are equipped with a 3.5" floppy diskette drive). A software driver installed in the PC is all that is required for the PC to communicate with DiskConnector as if it was a regular magnetic medium.

Low cost, matured technology

Based on a matured magnetic interface, Mixed-Signal ASIC, and surface-mount technologies, the DiskConnector data interface can be manufactured at a low cost in large volumes. The INNOVENTIONS patent covers two types of implementations:

In its minimal implementation, the insertable portion of the DiskConnector data interface contains only the magnetic coupling head and some minimal electronic circuitry required to amplify and to reshape the read and write signals. The thin cable from the case connects to the external application where the read/write data is processed by microprocessor circuitry. If the external application is to provide the power, the cable may contain only 4 wires, including Ground, Power, Data-out, and Data-in. The power line can be eliminated if a battery is used in the insertable unit.

In its more complex implementation, the microprocessor and the firmware to convert the magnetic read/write streams into the application's desired format reside inside the insertable portion of the DiskConnector. The cable to the external application may be a minimal one (for serial transfer) or multi-wire for a more elaborated parallel transfer.

While the first implementation can be manufactured at a lower cost, especially since the external application may already have an embedded microprocessor that can be "shared" to process the data, the second implementation may be suitable for a higher transfer rate and for more choices of external protocols. With today's low-cost supply of complex ASIC devices, the price difference between the two implementations is now much reduced, and an optimized solution can be found to fulfill the specific requirements of the interfaced application.

Easy to use, even childproof

Floppy drives are designed to handle a large number of insertion/removal cycles and they are easily accessible from the front of the computer. And of course, there is no need to turn the computer off while connecting or disconnecting the DiskConnector! This exceptional ease of use allows even a young child to be trusted to insert and remove the diskette shaped connector into the floppy drive without parental supervision. Other competing interface technologies like the Serial/Parallel Interface or USB require delicate cable connections that may not be suitable for children or for many non-technically oriented adults. Also, a Serial/Parallel Interface is typically difficult to access at the back of the PC and does not allow a live insertion. While USB is explicitly designed for a live connection, only a small percentage of the existing computer installations are equipped with a USB port (many of which are still placed at the back of the computer!).

The ease of connection makes the DiskConnector the favorable solution for external applications that require frequent connection and removal from the PC.

Superb Electrostatic and Noise immunity

The magnetic interface provides safety and complete protection for the PC against ES and other electrical noise that may be generated from the external application. Other competing interface technologies all include hard-wired connections, which cannot provide a similar protection.

High speed sustained transfer rate

When implemented in a 3.5" diskette form, the DiskConnector data interface provides a maximum sustained transfer rate compatible with the standard diskette-recording rate of 250-500Kbits/Second. This data should be adequate for most interface applications. This transfer rate compares well with the Parallel Printer Interface and is significantly faster than the standard Serial Interface. While it is significantly lower than the12Mbits/Second transfer rate of the USB port, one must take into account that a USB is typically designed for the concurrent use of a multitude (almost a mini network) of devices. The ease of insertion and removal of the DiskConnector eliminates the need to connect multiple devices concurrently to the PC.

Potential embodiment of the DiskConnector data interface in the form of a removable Hard Disk (e.g. a ZIP disk from IOMEGA¹ ) can surpass USB with a sustained transfer rate of 4-20Mbits/Second. Similarly, implementation with the new SuperDisk (Laser Servo LS-120) technology can also achieve a sustained transfer rate of 4Mbits/Second.