Patent ID: 6112276
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
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.