Abstract:
Methods and systems for working around the timeout limitations of physical interface standards for detachable modules. By use of dummy data blocks to keep the bus active, the bus timeout requirements (in either direction) can be spoofed, to thereby permit more complex processing operations to be performed, which otherwise might not fit reliably within the timeout period. This permits a memory system to execute applications or process data for a time period that may exceed the bus timeout of a particular specification. A controller in the memory system deasserts the ready signal and holds the bus connecting the computer system in a “busy” state until the memory system is about to timeout. During a write operation, the controller receives dummy data blocks from the computer system before the write bus timeout period expires, causing the bus timeout period to be reset. During a read operation, the controller sends dummy data blocks to the computer system before the read bus timeout period expires, causing the bus timeout period to be reset.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present application relates to interfaces to portable electronic modules, and more particularly to architectures which add functionality into a rigidly predefined interface. 
         [0002]    Detachable memory modules have become extremely important since the 1990s, and have taken over many of the robust portability niches which were previously satisfied by removable disks or by special backup media. Such modules typically include a block of memory (typically flash), plus a controller which operates I/O and control functions. As these memory modules have become more popular, their capacities have of course increased, and cost per bit has decreased. However, development has also led in at least two other important directions: First, an interface to such modules has also been designed into many portable electronics systems other than computers as such. (Examples of such systems include cameras and videorecorders, cell phones, personal digital assistant devices (PDAs), music and video players, and hybrids of these.) Second, higher level functionality has been designed into some memory modules, to provide functions (e.g. related to data security and protection) which go beyond simple read and write. 
         [0003]    Several physical layer protocols have been used for such modules, including MMC, SD (and variations and descendents thereof), CF, Memory Stick, and USB among others. Many such protocols are designed for very robust operation, since detachable modules may be inserted or removed unpredictably. One of the features which assures robust operation is rigorous timeout rules. For example, the SD card physical layer specification explicitly requires that the read timeout for a standard capacity SD card must be no longer than 100 ms, and the write timeout no longer than 250 ms. (These requirements help to assure that the system does not “hang” or get stuck while a card access is in progress.) If the host does not get any response with the given timeout it is supposed to assume that the card is not going to respond and try to recover (e.g. reset the card, power cycle, reject, etc.). (See SD Specifications Part 1, Physical Layer Simplified Specification Version 2.00, at sections 4.6. 4.6.1, and 4.6.2. This entire document is hereby incorporated by reference.) 
         [0004]    However, the timeout rules, which have helped to assure robust operation, can themselves cause difficulties as more functionality is designed into the module. Specifically, the read and write timeout requirements mean that a complicated data processing operation, such as a security validation, may not complete before a desired read or write operation times out. 
         [0005]    The maximum timeout values are not necessarily easy to change. For example, the interface protocol rules may have been hard-wired into an FPGA or ASIC on the host side. This is a problem for introduction of advanced modules, since constraints hard-wired into legacy hardware cannot be avoided. 
         [0006]    When a bus timeout occurs, the host initiates either a power cycle, a recovery process, a write abort or a power shutdown, which results in the operation in the card being aborted. However, problems arise when legitimate read/write operations timeout. This can occur when the card is performing operations that take more time to complete than the timeout period allows. Thus, existing portions of the given architecture prevent forward migration to more complex operations. 
         [0007]    A particular area of pressure on removable memory development is in digital content protection. Extensive efforts have been devoted to allowing convenient sale, transport and use of copyrighted content, without allowing the copyrighted material to be freely distributed by users. One milestone in this direction was the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI), which was launched by an industry forum of over 180 companies and organizations representing information technology, consumer electronics, security technology, content owners, and Internet service providers involved in protecting the security of digital music. Another milestone was UDAC-MB—Universal Distribution with Access Control—Media Base is protection technology that delivers content to a Content Protection Secure MultiMediaCard, or other media, providing a convenient and legal way for users to create, replay and exchange copies of the content. This technology is based on a method for independent delivery of a license key and encrypted content. UDAC-MB was generally followed by the Keitaide-Music (KdM) standard. 
         [0008]    Another important step in content is the TrustedFlash™ architecture, which was announced in 2005 by SanDisk Corporation. TrustedFlash allows consumers to buy premium music, movies and games on flash memory cards for use interchangeably in mobile phones, laptop computers, PDAs and other portable devices. Music producers and movie studios will be able to release premium content on TrustedFlash products because it provides the superior security and digital rights management solutions that are required by these providers. Consumers will be able to download premium content from online digital music services through their mobile phone or PC. 
         [0009]    In the TrustedFlash technology, the card itself acts as the manager of digital rights, thus giving consumers the freedom to transfer the card—and its content—to other supported devices without compromising its content protection system. TrustedFlash cards also function as regular cards in non-secure host devices. 
         [0010]    TrustedFlash cards are highly secure, thanks to an on-board processor, a high-performance cryptographic engine and tamper-resistant technology that are designed to provide much higher level security than has previously existed on memory cards and on most consumer electronics devices, Cards built on the TrustedFlash platform will provide full digital rights management capabilities, supporting industry security standards such as both symmetric and asymmetric algorithms. 
         [0011]    TrustedFlash is also expected to extend to mobile commerce applications and secure online financial transactions, such as credit card payments, mass-transit access and one-time password authentication. 
         [0012]    Architectures for content protection will tend to require cryptographic algorithms, for content validation and for node validation, and/or restrictions on file access (e.g. for private key files), and/or file management overhead procedures which keep track of when a file has been “checked out” to a portable medium. All of this adds to processing overhead. In such systems, this means that data exchange with a portable data module becomes much more complicated than simple read or write operations. 
         [0013]    To implement advanced content-protection features, the data module should be able to hold and maintain a sophisticated high-integrity database. In such a database architecture, full integrity-checking may be necessary with EVERY access. Since cryptographic computations are typically needed for the integrity checks, the overhead to operate such a database can be severe. Thus a read or write to such an advanced memory module is only superficially simple, and substantial computing may have to be completed, on the card side of the interface, for each such access. This added overhead can cause problems with the fixed timeouts. 
         [0014]    Much more information on content protection and mobile data interfacing can be found on the following websites, all of which (in their versions as of the filing date of the present application) are hereby incorporated by reference: http://www.keitaide-music.org/; http://www.mmca.org/technology/; http://www.sdcard.org/; http://sdmi.org/. 
         [0015]    Additional information on security applications can be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/557,028 filed on Nov. 6, 2006, and in other materials cited therein, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
       Portable Module Interface with Timeout Prevention by Dummy Blocks 
       [0016]    The present application discloses new approaches to complying with bus timeout requirements while adding higher level functionality, such as security functions, onto data transfer operations. This is accomplished, e.g., by including dummy operations in read and/or write operations, so that the bus timeouts do not interfere with numeric processing required for more complex functions. When the host launches a secure operation related to card interface, it can also program a number of dummy operations which is sufficient to avoid timeouts. 
         [0017]    The disclosed innovations, in various embodiments, provide one or more of at least the following advantages:
       Excess timeouts are avoided.   More complex functions can be added into existing interfaces.   When interface software is updated, new dummy-block-series parameters can be updated too, so that excess timeouts are avoided.   The fixed maximum timeout value is worked around, since a procedure which needs more time can simply program a number of dummy blocks to be pushed over the interface.   Improved security functions can be added into portable module interface definitions.   Portable modules containing advanced secure database functions can be accessed by legacy equipment.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The disclosed inventions will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show important sample embodiments of the invention and which are incorporated in the specification hereof by reference, wherein: 
           [0025]      FIGS. 1(   a ) and  1 ( b ) are block diagrams of sample computer system and memory system embodiments; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a general flowchart illustrating a write operation, in accordance with a sample embodiment; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a general flowchart illustrating a read operation in accordance with a sample embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to presently preferred embodiments (by way of example, and not of limitation). 
         [0029]    In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a system and method is described that enables a memory system (e.g. memory card) to exceed its write or read bus timeout specification. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1(   a ) is a diagram of a hardware and operating environment in conjunction with which embodiments of the invention may be practiced. This environment includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a computer system  10 , including a processor  15 , a memory  25 , and a bus  30  that operatively couples various system components including memory  25  to processor  15 . There may be only one or there may be more than one processor  15 . The computer system  10  may be a conventional computer, a distributed computer, or any other type of computer; the invention is not so limited. 
         [0031]    The bus  30  is connected to interface  90 , which may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Interface  90  includes a direct memory access (DMA) controller that transfers data and commands between memory  25  and I/O devices, such as memory system  100 , shown in  FIG. 1(   b ). The memory  25  includes read only memory (ROM)  40  having a basic input/output system (BIOS)  50  and random access memory (RAM)  45 . RAM  45  may contain at various times operating system  70 , application programs  75 , program data  85  and program modules  80  including drivers which are discussed in more detail below. 
         [0032]    Memory systems  100  as described above may be functionally represented as in  FIG. 1(   b ). A non-volatile memory system  100  typically includes a flash memory array  140  and a controller  105 . Memory cell array  140  may be flash, or may be some other type of non-volatile memory. User data is transferred between controller  105  and memory cell array  140 . 
         [0033]    Controller  105 , depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention, includes e.g. the following: a processor  110 , a timer  115 , a read only memory (ROM)  135 , and a random access memory (RAM)  120 . Although timer  115  is indicated as a hardware block in  FIG. 1(   b ), it can also be implemented in code stored within controller  105  or implemented as a combination of hardware and code. RAM  120  can store the firmware and software accessed by processor  110  to control the operation of memory system  100 . 
         [0034]    Controller  105  also includes a flash interface  125 , which includes a direct memory access (DMA) engine, and host interface  130 , which also includes a direct memory access (DMA) engine. The responsibilities of flash interface  125  and host interface  130  include managing and controlling communications and transfers between controller  105  and memory cell array(s)  140  and between controller  105  and computer system  10 , respectively. 
         [0035]    Specifically, the DMA engine in flash interface  125  is configured to manage and control the transfer of data to and from the RAM  120  and to or from memory cell array  140 . The DMA engine in host interface  130  is configured to manage and control the transfer of data to or from the computer system  10  and to or from RAM  120 . Controller  105  is configured so that operations within memory system  100  occur asynchronously with the operations on its bus. In one embodiment of the present invention, the DMA engine in host interface  130  is configured to control the bus, for example, by asserting or deasserting a status signal, such as a ready signal. When memory system  100  is ready to be accessed, the ready signal is asserted. Conversely, when memory system  100  is busy processing a command or performing operations, the ready signal is deasserted. Computer system  10  and memory system  100  embody the principles of the invention. In accordance with the principles of the invention, memory system  100  can perform, for example, read and write operations that can exceed the bus timeout period of its particular specification or protocol. In this embodiment of the present invention, memory system  100  is based on the SD Card specification. Thus, computer system  10  and memory system  100  are both configured to conform to the SD Card specification and are both aware of the bus timeout periods. However, it should be realized that other specifications, such as those associated with Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), CompactFlash (CF), MultiMediaCard (MMC) and Secure Digital (SD) card can be implemented in accordance with the invention. 
         [0036]    Generally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in order to allow a memory system to execute applications or process data for a time period that may exceed the bus timeout of a particular specification, the controller in the memory system deasserts the ready signal and holds the bus to the computer system in a “busy” state until the memory system is about to timeout. During a write operation, the controller receives dummy data blocks from the computer system before the write bus timeout period expires, causing the bus timeout period to be reset. During a read operation, the controller sends dummy data blocks to the computer system before the read bus timeout period expires, causing the bus timeout period to be reset. 
         [0037]    As mentioned above, computer system  10  includes application programs  75  stored in memory  45 . In this example, at least one application program from application programs  75  is a security application that supports a security application stored in RAM  120  of memory system  100 . 
         [0038]    Further, program modules  80  includes drivers (or hardwired logic) that are configured to detect the presence of card services, interface to the card file system (e.g., flash file system), handle calls made to memory services, and monitor bus timeout periods. The drivers (or logic) provide the interface between application programs  75  and memory system  100 . Although the method required to access memory system  100  varies depending on the type of memory system (i.e., memory technology) implemented in the memory system, in this particular example, the memory system implements the flash specification. The drivers (or logic) are configured to provide commands to memory system  100 , send and receive data to and from memory system  100 , and manage bus timeout periods (e.g. write/read) at the physical protocol level. One function of the drivers (or logic) is to monitor the ready signal from memory system  100  and to identify when a particular operation or command has exceeded the bus timeout period. As mentioned above, the ready signal indicates that memory system  100  is ready for the next transaction. If deasserted, the ready signal indicates that the memory system  35  is busy performing a command or an operation and is not ready for the next transaction. 
         [0039]    As discussed above, the real problem in system inflexibility occurs when these functions are not entrusted to drivers, but reside at least partly in hardware. (Drivers can be updated, but hardware is not so easy to change.) Various manufacturers have used FPGA or ASIC implementations of SD card or other interface rules, and the legacy equipment which carries these hardware implementations is inflexible. 
         [0040]    In the prior art systems, if the application or operation being executed in the memory system is a long process, for example a process that exceeds the write or read bus timeout period specification, the memory system will encounter a bus timeout. Depending on the type of drivers, this typically results in the drivers initiating a reset signal, power cycle, or other recovery process of memory system. In either case, once the drivers recognize a bus timeout, the computer system treats the memory system as no longer functioning properly and the application or operation executing in the memory system is aborted. 
         [0041]    Generally, a typical write operation involves a computer sending a write command to a memory and then waiting for an indication from the memory that it is ready to receive the data. The ready indication can be for example, a signal, status, or any other protocol mechanism. Once the memory is ready, it sends an indication to the computer, and in response the computer sends a series of data blocks to the memory. Because the memory is ready, it can receive at least one data block and can trigger, issue, and drive a busy signal between data blocks. The computer monitors the signals from the memory and when the memory is ready, the computer sends data blocks to the memory. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  is a general flowchart illustrating a write operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the write operation is executed in the context of a security application stored in computer system  10  and a security application stored in memory system  100 . The disclosed use of dummy blocks is suited for preventing bus timeouts for applications that are time consuming. This concept can be helpful for any type application which may need more processing time than the memory system bus timeout specification allows. As mentioned above, the invention is not limited to the type of application executed in memory system  35  and could also apply to file deletion or data compression within the memory system, for example. 
         [0043]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 , in this embodiment of the present invention, at block  205 , the application (e.g., security process) in computer system  10  sends a query command to memory system  100 . Specifically, the application instructs processor  15  to query memory system  100  for the number of dummy data blocks that the application in computer system  10  should send to memory system  100  to avoid a write bus timeout. 
         [0044]    Dummy data blocks are regular data blocks having a sector and block size that depend on the particular specification of memory system  100 . Depending on how the dummy data blocks are defined, the data in the dummy data blocks can be irrelevant and thus, can include anything. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the data in the dummy data blocks is irrelevant. The dummy data blocks can also include identifiers, such as signatures or patterns, in order to distinguish a dummy data block from a valid data block. 
         [0045]    Executing instructions stored in RAM  120 , controller  105  determines the number of dummy data blocks that the application in computer system  10  should send to memory system  100  in order to prevent a write bus timeout (block  210 ). Knowing the maximum time needed for the application in memory system  100  to execute and the write bus timeout period specification, controller  105  determines the number of dummy data blocks that the application in computer system  10  has to send to avoid a write bus timeout. In this embodiment of the present invention, controller  105  determines the number of dummy data blocks by dividing the write bus timeout period associated with the memory system specification into the maximum time needed for the application to execute in the memory system. 
         [0046]    For example, if the application (e.g. security process) in memory system  35  takes 10 seconds to complete, controller  105  determines the number of dummy data blocks that it will need to receive in order to allow the application to execute without memory system  100  exceeding the write bus timeout period. If the memory system  100  is a SD Card, then by definition the write bus timeout is 250 ms. Knowing this, controller  105  determines that memory system  100  requires four dummy data blocks to hold the bus busy for one second. Given that the application in memory system  100  will take 10 seconds to complete, memory system  100  will have to receive a total of forty dummy data blocks, one dummy data block every 250 ms, to avoid a write bus timeout. It should be noted that identical calculations are made for a read operation, only the read timeout period will likely differ from the write timeout period. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , knowing the number of dummy data blocks, at block  215 , controller  105  sends the number of dummy data blocks to the application in computer system  10 . In accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, these communications are initiated at the application level. By communicating at the application level, the drivers can remain off-the-shelf and unchanged. 
         [0048]    The application in computer system  10  reads the query results and initiates a dummy write command with the appropriate number of dummy data blocks. The application in computer system  10  sends the dummy write command and the dummy data blocks to memory system  100 . At block  220 , memory system  100  receives the dummy data block, and the dummy write command directs controller  105  to go into a dummy write state during processing. In this state, controller  105  ignores the dummy data blocks that it receives from the application in computer system  10 . As mentioned above, the dummy data blocks are monitored by the drivers in computer system  10  and appear to the drivers as being no different from valid data blocks, thus keeping the drivers from initiating a bus timeout. Subsequently, the dummy write command is received by memory system  100 . In response, controller  105 , via host interface  130 , deasserts the ready signal (i.e., sets the bus to busy) and executes the application in memory system  100 . 
         [0049]    At block  225 , controller  105  monitors the time period associated with the execution of the application. For example, when the dummy write command is received, controller  105  invokes timer  115  so that it can monitor the bus timeout period for the write operation. In this particular example, memory system  100  is based on the SD specification, so the write bus timeout period is 250 ms. At block  230 , before the write bus timeout period is exceeded, timer  115  causes a timeout expiration interrupt which interrupts processor  110  and causes the host interface  130  to assert the ready signal. Recognizing the ready signal, the drivers in computer system  10  initiate the transfer of the next dummy data block to memory system  100 , thus preventing a write bus timeout. At block  235 , memory system  100  receives and ignores the dummy data block. 
         [0050]    As mentioned above, the drivers are unaware of the difference between the dummy data blocks and the valid data blocks. The drivers monitor the transfer of the dummy data block and recognize that a transfer occurred within the write bus timeout period and do not initiate a write bus timeout. This allows the application in memory system  100  to continue to execute without a bus timeout interruption. On a new dummy data block arrival, a new dummy data block interrupt invokes timer  115  and interrupts processor  105  before the write bus timeout period expires. Subsequently, controller  105  executes the application without memory system  100  being reset or sent into a recovery process. 
         [0051]    The timeout expiration interrupt and the new dummy data block arrival interrupt are invoked in parallel to processor  110  executing the application in memory system  100 . The two interrupts continue in a cycle while the application is executed. Once memory system  100  completes its internal process, the remaining dummy data blocks sent by computer system  10  are collected by the memory system  100  with no delay between dummy data blocks. The delay time between two dummy data blocks can be parameter controlled and can vary among applications and memory system specification. 
         [0052]    Generally, a typical read operation involves a computer system sending a read command to a memory system and then waiting for an indication from the memory system that it is ready to send the data. As mentioned above, the ready indication can be for example, a signal, status, or any other protocol mechanism. Once the memory system is ready, it sends a series of data blocks to the computer system. Because the memory system is ready, it can send at least one data block and can trigger, issue, and drive a busy signal between data blocks. 
         [0053]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a read operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the read operation is executed in the context of a security application stored in memory system  100  and a security application stored in computer system  10 . As in the write example, the invention is suited for preventing bus timeouts for applications that are time consuming. Thus, any type of application in memory system  10  that may need more processing time than the memory system specification allows for during a read operation, is applicable. As mentioned above, the invention is not limited to the type of application executed in memory system  100  and could also apply to file deletion or data compression within the memory system, for example. 
         [0054]    In this embodiment of the present invention, at block  305 , controller  105 , executing instructions stored in RAM  120 , determines the number of dummy data blocks that system memory  35  should send to computer system  10  to prevent a read bus timeout. Knowing the maximum time needed for the application in memory system  100  to execute and the read bus timeout period specification, controller  105  determines the number of dummy data blocks that the application should send to avoid a read bus timeout. In this embodiment of the present invention, controller  105  determines the number of dummy data blocks by dividing the read bus timeout period associated with the memory system specification into the maximum time needed for the application to execute in the memory system. 
         [0055]    For example, if the application (e.g., security process) in memory system  100  takes 10 seconds to complete, controller  105  determines the number of dummy data blocks that it will need to send to the application in computer system  10  to prevent a read bus timeout. If memory system  100  is a SD Card, then by definition the read bus timeout is 100 ms. Knowing this, controller  105  determines that memory system  100  requires ten dummy data blocks to hold the bus busy for one second. Given that the application in memory system  100  will take 10 seconds to complete, memory system  100  will have to send a total of 100 dummy data blocks, one dummy data block every 100 ms, to avoid a read bus timeout. 
         [0056]    As in the write example, the number of dummy data blocks represents the quantity of dummy data blocks needed for the drivers in computer system  10  to monitor in order to prevent the drivers from initiating a read bus timeout, during the execution of the application in memory system  100 . 
         [0057]    Knowing the number of dummy data blocks, at block  310 , the application (e.g., security process) in memory system  100  sends a query command to computer system  10 . Specifically, the application in memory system  100  instructs controller  105  to send a query command to computer system  10 . The query command reports to computer system  10  the number of dummy data blocks to expect from memory system  100  to avoid a read bus timeout during the execution of the read command. As mentioned above, these communications are initiated at the application level, thus allowing for the drivers to remain off-the-shelf and unchanged. 
         [0058]    The application in computer system  10  reads the query results from memory system  100  and initiates a dummy read command. The application in computer system  10  sends the dummy read command to system memory  100 . At block  315 , memory system  100  receives the dummy read command and directs controller  105  to go into a dummy read state during processing. In this state, controller  105  sends the dummy data blocks to computer system  10  before the expiration of the read bus timeout period. As mentioned above, these dummy data blocks are monitored by the drivers in computer system  10  and appear to the drivers as being no different from valid data blocks. When the dummy read command is received by system memory  100 , controller  105  deasserts the ready signal (i.e., sets the bus to busy). 
         [0059]    At block  320 , controller  105  monitors the time period associated with the execution of the application. For example, when the dummy read command is received, controller  105  invokes timer  115  so that it can monitor the bus timeout period for the read operation in memory system  100 . In this particular example, memory system  100  is based on the SD specification, so the read bus timeout period is 100 ms. At block  325 , before the read bus timeout period is exceeded, timer  115  causes a timeout expiration interrupt which interrupts processor  110  and causes host interface  130  to assert the ready signal. 
         [0060]    Subsequently, at block  330 , controller  105  sends a dummy data block with a signature to the application in computer system  10 . The signature allows for the application in computer system  10  to distinguish the dummy data blocks from the valid data blocks. Recognizing the signature, the application in the computer system  10  can ignore the dummy data blocks. 
         [0061]    The drivers in computer system  10  monitor the transfer of the dummy data block and recognize that a transfer occurred within the read bus timeout period and, thus, do not initiate a read bus timeout. As mentioned above, the drivers are unaware of the difference between the dummy data blocks and the valid dummy blocks. The application in computer system  10  receives the dummy data block, recognizes the signature associated with the dummy data block, and ignores the dummy data block. 
         [0062]    Upon sending a new dummy data block, a new data block sent interrupt invokes timer  115  that interrupt processor  110  before the read bus timeout period expires, allowing for controller  105  to execute the application without memory system  100  being reset or sent into a recovery process. 
         [0063]    The timeout expiration interrupt and the new dummy data block sent interrupt are invoked in parallel to processor  105  executing the application in memory system  100 . The two interrupts continue in a cycle while the application is executed. The delay time between two dummy data blocks can be parameter controlled and can vary among applications and memory system architectures. 
         [0064]    According to various disclosed embodiments, there is provided: A method for interfacing between a host system and a detachable electronic module containing secure-access memory, comprising the actions of: a) when a commanded write requires secure storage operations in the detachable module, performing a series of dummy writes, which is long enough to allow the detachable module to complete the secure storage operations without bus timeout; and b) when a commanded read requires cryptographic operations in order for the desired data to be assembled, then performing dummy read cycles to avoid timeout; whereby complex procedures can be overlaid onto a legacy bus architecture. 
         [0065]    According to various disclosed embodiments, there is provided: A method for interfacing between a host system and a data module, comprising the actions of: a) when a commanded write cycle requires a complex computation for completion, then writing dummy blocks with time delays therebetween to avoid timeout, until said complex computation is finished; and b) when a commanded read cycle requires a complex computation for completion, then performing dummy reads with time delays therebetween to avoid timeout, until said complex computation is finished. 
         [0066]    According to various disclosed embodiments, there is provided: A method for interfacing between a system and a detachable electronic module containing memory, comprising the actions of: a) when a complex processing operation is required during a write cycle, writing dummy blocks to avoid timeout; and b) when a complex processing operation is required during a read cycle, performing dummy reads to avoid timeout; whereby complex procedures can be overlaid onto a legacy bus architecture. 
         [0067]    According to various disclosed embodiments, there is provided: A method for avoiding bus timeouts between a computer system and a memory system, the method comprising: determining a number of dummy data blocks needed for an application in the memory system to execute without a write bus timeout period occurring; making the number of dummy data blocks known to the computer system; receiving a dummy write command from the computer system initiating a state where the memory system ignores the dummy data blocks; indicating to the computer system that the memory system is busy; executing the application in the memory system; monitoring a time period associated with the executing of the application in the memory system; indicating that the memory system is ready before the time period exceeds the write bus timeout period; and receiving a dummy data block from the computer system. 
         [0068]    According to various disclosed embodiments, there is provided: A method for interfacing to a host system, implemented in a detachable electronic module containing secure-access memory, comprising the action of: when a commanded read requires cryptographic operations in order for the desired data to be assembled, then performing dummy read cycles to avoid timeout, until valid data is assembled and read out; whereby complex procedures can be overlaid onto a legacy bus architecture. 
         [0069]    According to various disclosed embodiments, there is provided: A method for interfacing to a secure data module, comprising the action of: when a commanded write cycle requires a complex computation for completion, then writing dummy blocks with time delays therebetween to avoid timeout, until said complex computation is finished; and discarding said dummy blocks, at least by the time said computation has finished and the commanded write cycle has been completed. 
         [0070]    According to various disclosed embodiments, there is provided: A method for avoiding bus timeouts between a computer system and a memory system, the method comprising: determining a number of dummy data blocks needed for an application in the memory system to execute without a read bus timeout period occurring; making the number of dummy data blocks known to the computer system; indicating to the computer system that the memory system is busy; executing the application in the memory system; monitoring a time period associated with the executing of the application in the memory system; indicating that the memory system is ready before the time period exceeds the read bus timeout period; and sending a dummy data block and an identifier to the computer system. 
         [0071]    According to various disclosed embodiments, there is provided: A system for avoiding bus timeouts between a computer system and a memory system, the memory system comprising: a memory cell array; and a controller connected to the memory cell array, the controller configured to perform: determining a number of dummy data blocks needed for an application in the controller to execute without a write bus timeout period occurring; making the number of dummy data blocks known to the computer system; receiving a dummy write command from the computer system initiating a state where the controller ignores the dummy data blocks; indicating to the computer system that the memory system is busy; executing the application in the controller; monitoring a time period associated with the executing of the application in the controller; indicating that the memory system is ready before the time period exceeds the write bus timeout period; and receiving a dummy data block from the computer system. 
         [0072]    According to various disclosed embodiments, there is provided: A system for avoiding bus timeouts between a computer system and a memory system, the memory system comprising: a memory cell array; and a controller connected to the memory cell array, the controller configured to perform: determining a number of dummy data blocks needed for an application in the controller to execute without a read bus timeout period occurring; making the number of dummy data blocks known to the computer system; indicating to the computer system that the memory system is busy; executing the application in the controller; monitoring a time period associated with the executing of the application in the controller; indicating that the memory system is ready before the time period exceeds the read bus timeout period; and sending a dummy data block and an identifier to the computer system. 
       Modifications and Variations 
       [0073]    As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the innovative concepts described in the present application can be modified and varied over a tremendous range of applications, and accordingly the scope of patented subject matter is not limited by any of the specific exemplary teachings given. It is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. 
         [0074]    The foregoing embodiments merely illustrate a few sample implementations of the innovative principles. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous other arrangements, which embody the principles of the invention and are, thus, within its sprit and scope. 
         [0075]    For example, based on the disclosure, it is apparent that the principles of the invention can readily accommodate the several existing standards or specifications for such removable cards that are being used for flash memory with an internal controller. One such standard, the PC Card Standard, provides specifications for three types of PC Cards. The PC Card Standard is a product of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). The CompactFlash card (CF card) is functionally compatible with the PC Card but is much smaller. An even smaller non-volatile memory card is the MultiMediaCard (MMC). A modified version of the MMC card having about the same size is the later Secure Digital (SD) card. Standards or specifications exist for these and other electronic cards that are suitable for use as memory cards. Some of these standards are available to any member of the public, and others to members of associations formed to utilize the cards. 
         [0076]    Flash EEPROM systems are being applied to a number of applications, particularly when packaged in an enclosed card that is removably connected with a computer system or host system. Current commercial memory card formats include that of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), CompactFlash (CF), MultiMediaCard (MMC) and Secure Digital (SD). One supplier of these cards is SanDisk Corporation, assignee of this application. Computer system or host systems with which such cards are used include personal computers, notebook computers, hand held computing devices, cameras, audio reproducing devices, and the like. Flash EEPROM systems are also utilized as bulk mass storage embedded in host systems. 
         [0077]    The memory system shown in  FIG. 1(   b ) can be embedded as part of a computer system or packaged into a card, such as a card following one of the card standards previously mentioned. In the case of a card, the bus terminates in external terminals on the card for mating with a complementary socket within computer system or a host system. Although use of one controller chip and multiple memory chips is typical, the trend is, of course, to use fewer separate chips for such a system by combining their circuits. 
         [0078]    In another example, computer system  10  may be a personal computer, digital camera, personal digital assistant, cellular telephone, digital audio player or other electronic system having a need for such a non-volatile memory system. Memory system  100  may be embedded within computer system  10 , and thus made part of the computer system, or in the form of a card that is electrically and mechanically removably connected with the computer system. 
         [0079]    Further, the system is disclosed in a form in which various functions are performed by discrete functional blocks. However, any one or more of these functions could equally be embodied in an arrangement in which the functions of any one or more of those blocks are realized by one or more appropriately programmed processing devices running software programs stored in various mediums or having functions programmed in firmware. 
         [0080]    In other possible implementations of the invention, the bus to which a memory module connects can be, for example, an SPI bus, a 1-bit or 4-bit SD card bus, an MMC bus, or other bus. Similarly, the module which is interfacing to the host does not have to be SD, but can be in CF or a wide variety of other formats. 
         [0081]    Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. 
         [0082]    None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: THE SCOPE OF PATENTED SUBJECT MATTER IS DEFINED ONLY BY THE ALLOWED CLAIMS. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC section 112 unless the exact words “means for” are followed by a participle. 
         [0083]    The claims as filed are intended to be as comprehensive as possible, and NO subject matter is intentionally relinquished, dedicated, or abandoned.