Patent ID: 6085285
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A data storage system comprising:a first data storage device for storing data, said first data storage device having a set of device characteristics;a second data storage device for storing data, said second data storage device having a set of device characteristics different from said set of device characteristics pertaining to said first data storage device;a storage controller for initiating and directing a transfer of said data to and from said first and said second data storage devices; anda data link for transmitting said data, said data link coupled between said storage controller and said first and said second data storage devices, said data link including data bit slots, a parity bit slot, and communication signal slots,wherein said storage controller transmits data to and receives data from said first data storage device using said data bit slots to transfer a first data byte, said parity bit slot to transfer a parity bit associated with said first data byte, and one of said communication signal slots to transfer a data clocking signal, andwherein said storage controller further transmits data to and receives data from said second data storage device using said data bit slots to transfer a second data byte, and said parity bit slot to transfer a data strobe signal.