Patent Abstract:
A memory card includes: a first memory chip responding to all commands input externally; and a second memory chip responding to commands, among the commands input externally, relevant to reading, programming, and erasing operations with data. Card identification information stored in the first memory chip includes capacity information corresponding to a sum of sizes of the first and second memory chips. The plurality of memory chips of the memory card are useful in designing the memory card with storage capacity in various forms.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/761,620, filed on Jun. 12, 2007, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2007-12274 filed on Feb. 6, 2007, the disclosures of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to semiconductor memories. More specifically the present disclosure relates to flash memories and a memory card system including the same. 
         [0003]    Multimedia cards (MMCs) are kinds of communication media and data storage units generally used in low-priced devices intended for normal users. MMCs are usually designed to be operable in various applications, such as smart phones, cameras, personal data assistants (PDAs), digital recorders, MP 3  players, pagers, and so forth. MMCs are nowadays regarded as being characterized by high portability and good performance with low prices. 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of a general multimedia card. 
         [0005]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the MMC  20  includes an MMC controller chip  22  and a flash memory  24 . The MMC controller chip  22  and the flash memory  24  are each constructed as independent chips. In other words, the MMC  20  is composed of two chips. The flash memory  24  is formed in a NAND type that is well known in this art. The MMC controller chip  22  functions to conduct interfacing operations between a host  10  and the flash memory  24 . 
         [0006]    As the MMC  20  is organized of two chips, the cost is increased for fabricating the MMC  20 . Further, data security would be worse due to exposure of data that is transceived between the MMC controller chip  22  and the flash memory  24 . 
         [0007]    With the object of solving those problems, a way of fabricating a one-chip MMC  40  has been recently proposed, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In the MMC  40 , an MMC controller  44  and a flash memory  46  are integrated in a single memory chip  42 . Since the one-chip MMC  40  can be structured without pads and signal lines for connecting the MMC controller  44  with the flash memory  46 , it makes the chip area smaller and can be produced at a lower cost. Moreover, without exposure of data transferred between the MMC controller  44  and the flash memory  46 , it enhances the data security. 
         [0008]    Generally, wide-scope applications and diverse users usually require MMCs that are variable in storage capacities. If a number of the flash memories  24  are provided in the MMC  20  shown in  FIG. 1  and changes made to a firmware of the MMC controller  22 , a capacity of the MMC  20  may be variable. 
         [0009]    It is not easy, however, for the MMC  40  to vary the storage capacity of the flash memory. To change a storage capacity of the flash memory, it is required to fabricate a memory chip using newly designed circuit patterns and providing plural memory chips to the MMC. In organizing an MMC with pluralities of memory chips, there needs to be considered an interface pattern between a host and the MMC. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to provide a memory card with a plurality of memory chips and a memory system including the same. 
         [0011]    An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a memory card being comprised of: a first memory chip responding to all commands input externally; and a second memory chip responding to commands, among the commands input externally, relevant to reading, programming, and erasing operations with data. Card identification information stored in a first memory chip includes capacity information corresponding to a sum of the sizes of the first and second memory chips. 
         [0012]    The second memory chip stores the same card identification information as the first memory chip. 
         [0013]    In an exemplary embodiment, the first memory chip is comprised of: a first flash memory; and a first controller operating to control the first flash memory. 
         [0014]    In an exemplary embodiment, the first flash memory is comprised of: a memory cell array; and a peripheral block configured to control reading, programming, and erasing operations of the memory cell array by the first controller. 
         [0015]    In an exemplary embodiment, the memory cell array of the first flash memory stores the card identification information. 
         [0016]    According to an exemplary embodiment, the first controller is comprised of a register for storing the card identification information read out by a peripheral block at a power-up time. 
         [0017]    In an exemplary embodiment, the first controller of the first memory chip outputs the card identification information externally of the MMC in response to a command input externally. 
         [0018]    According to an exemplary embodiment, the first controller is comprised of: a CPU; a host interface configured to communicate externally in an multimedia card interface mode under control of a CPU; a flash interface configured to control the peripheral block under control of the CPU; and a buffer RAM connected between the host interface and flash interface and configured to temporarily store transmission data. 
         [0019]    In an exemplary embodiment, the second memory chip is comprised of: a second flash memory; and a second controller operating to control the second flash memory. 
         [0020]    According to an exemplary embodiment, the second flash memory is comprised of: a memory cell array; and a peripheral block configured to control reading, programming, and erasing operations of the memory cell array by the second controller. 
         [0021]    In an exemplary embodiment, the memory cell array of the second flash memory stores the card identification information. 
         [0022]    In an exemplary embodiment, the second controller of the second memory chip is comprised of a register for storing the card identification information read out by the peripheral block at a power-up time. 
         [0023]    The second controller is comprised of: a CPU; a host interface configured to communicate externally in an multimedia card interface mode under control by the CPU; a flash interface configured to control a peripheral block under control by the CPU; and a buffer RAM connected between the host interface and a flash interface and configured to temporarily store transmission data. 
         [0024]    An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a memory system being comprised of: a host; and a multimedia card configured to communicate with the host. The multimedia card is comprised of: a first memory chip responding to all commands input from the host; and a second memory chip responding to commands, among the commands input from the host, relevant to writing and reading operations with data. Card identification information stored in the first memory chip includes capacity information corresponding to a sum of the sizes of the first and second memory chips. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary embodiment, the second memory chip stores the same card identification information as the first memory chip. 
         [0026]    Each of the first and second memory chips is comprised of: a flash memory; and a controller operating to control the flash memory. 
         [0027]    According to an exemplary embodiment, the flash memory is comprised of: a memory cell array; and a peripheral block configured to control reading, programming, and erasing operations of the memory cell array by the controller. 
         [0028]    In an exemplary embodiment, the memory cell array stores the card identification information. 
         [0029]    In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is comprised of a register for storing the card identification information read out by the peripheral block at a power-up time. 
         [0030]    According to an exemplary embodiment, the host provides the multimedia card with a command for reading the card identification information in a card identification mode, and the first memory chip of the multimedia card outputs the card identification information to the host in response to the read command provided from the host. 
         [0031]    The controller comprises a ROM storing firmware to control the flash memory. 
         [0032]    In an exemplary embodiment, the host provides the multimedia card with an address while accessing the multimedia card. The controller operates to control access to a memory cell array corresponding to the address if the address provided from the host belongs to a first address group. The controller operates to control access to a memory cell array corresponding to the address if the address provided from the host belongs to a second address group. 
         [0033]    In an exemplary embodiment, the first address group includes odd-ordered addresses and the second address group includes even-ordered addresses. 
         [0034]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also provide a method of operating a memory system having a host and a multimedia card including first and second memory chips. The method includes the steps of: connecting the multimedia card to the host; transferring card identification information to the host from the first memory chip of the multimedia card; and executing a reading, programming, or erasing operation of the first or/and second memory chips under control of the host. Card identification information stored in the first memory chip includes capacity information corresponding to a sum of the sizes of the first and second memory chips. 
         [0035]    In an exemplary embodiment, the second memory chip stores the same card identification information as the first memory chip. 
         [0036]    In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second memory chips is a flash memory chip. 
         [0037]    According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes the step of converting an address, which is provided from the host, into a first address for accessing the first memory chip if the address provided from the host belongs to a first address group. 
         [0038]    According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes the step of converting an address, which is provided from the host, into a first address for accessing the second memory chip if the address provided from the host belongs to a second address group. 
         [0039]    In an exemplary embodiment, the first address group includes odd-ordered addresses and the second address group includes even-ordered addresses. 
         [0040]    A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0041]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be understood in more detail from the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In the figures: 
           [0042]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of a general multimedia card; 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of a one-chip multimedia card; 
           [0044]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a memory system including a multimedia card in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram concretely illustrating a functional structure of a first memory chip of the system shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart showing an operation of a memory card system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing an operation of a multimedia card controller of a second memory chip in the memory card system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating a feature of designating flash memories in two memory chips by means of an address input from a host; 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating a feature of designating flash memories in two memory chips in an interleaving mode by means of an address input from a host; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram of a memory system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0051]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be constructed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the accompanying figures. 
         [0052]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a memory system including a multimedia card in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the memory system  1000  is comprised of an MMC host  100  and an MMC  200 . The MMC  200  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is designed to communicate with the MMC host  100  in an MMC interface mode. This means that the MMC  200  is used as a multimedia card. The MMC  200  includes first and second memory chips  220  and  240 . The first memory chip  220  includes an MMC controller  222  and a flash memory  224 , formed as a single chip. The second memory chip  240  also includes an MMC controller  242  and a flash memory  244 , formed as a single chip. A memory cell array (not shown) contains firmware for managing the flash memory. The structure and operation of the first memory chip  220  will be representatively described hereinafter, since there is a similarity between the first and second memory chips  220  and  240 . 
         [0054]    The MMC  200  shown in  FIG. 3  is organized including the two memory chips  220  and  240 . Those memory chips  220  and  240  store the same chip identification 
         [0055]    (ID). Capacity information provided to the MMC host  100  from the first memory chip  220  is a sum of storage capacities of the flash memories  224  and  244 . The flash memories  224  and  244  are accessed by addresses that are different from each other. The MMC host  100  accesses the MMC  200  in the same mode of making a connection with an MMC having a single flash memory that corresponds to the sum of the capacities of the flash memories  224  and  244 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a functional structure of the first memory chip  220  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the MMC controller  222  of the first memory chip  220  is comprised of a central processing unit (CPU)  311 , a ROM  312 , a host interface  313 , a buffer RAM  314 , a flash interface block  315 , and registers  316  connected to the CPU  311 . The ROM  312  stores firmware for managing the flash memory  224 . The CPU  311  operates in response to a command transferred through the host interface  313  over the system bus and manages the flash memory  224  by means of the firmware stored in the ROM  312 . The ROM  312  stores a card firmware code. 
         [0058]    The host interface  313  provides an interface operation with the host  100  of  FIG. 3 . For instance, the host interface  313  converts serial data/addresses, which are transferred from the host  100 , into parallel data/addresses. The flash interface block  315  provides an interface operation with the flash memory  224 . The flash interface block  315  is controlled by the CPU  311  and configured to generate control signals and addresses necessary for reading, programming, and erasing operations. The flash interface block  315  is designed, for example, to control timings in reading, programming, and erasing operations of the flash memory  224 . 
         [0059]    The buffer RAM  314  is used as a work RAM of the CPU  311 . The buffer RAM  314  is also used for provisionally storing data transferred between the host  100  of  FIG. 3  and the flash memory  224 . The host  100  and the MMC  200  are configured to operably communicate by way of various interface devices (not shown), such as peripheral component interconnect (PCI), universal serial bus (USB), and so on. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the flash memory  224  includes a memory cell array  330  and a peripheral block  340 . A specific field of the memory cell array  330  stores a card ID and operation parameters, for example, a flash memory size, the maximum data access time, a data transmission rate, and so on. The card ID and operation parameters stored in the specific field of the memory cell array  330  are stored into the registers  316  of the MMC controller  222  at a power-up time under control of the CPU  311 . 
         [0061]    The peripheral block  340  conducts reading, programming, and erasing operations by the MMC controller  222 . The peripheral block  340  is arranged to include row and column decoders  341  and  342 , a command decoder  343 , a control logic unit (controller logic)  344 , a page buffer circuit  345 , a column gate circuit (Y-gating)  346 , and input/output buffer and latch circuit (I/O buffer and latches)  347 . The elements of the peripheral block  340  are well known by those of ordinary skill in this art, so will not be described further. 
         [0062]    The chip ID and operation parameters stored in the registers  316  of the first memory chip  220  are identical to those stored in registers (not shown) of the second memory chip  240  of  FIG. 3 . Therefore, a card identification mode, in which at a power-up time the MMC host  100  requests the chip ID and operation parameters of the MMC  200 , can succeed by providing card identification information to the MMC host  100  from any one of the first and second memory chips  220  and  240 . In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, setting the first memory chip  220  as a primary chip, the first memory chip  220  responds to a request for card identification information by the host  100  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0063]    The host  100  outputs addresses to the MMC  200  in a packet mode with reference to an MMC protocol. The MMC  200  executes a reading, programming, or erasing operation with addresses provided from the host. 
         [0064]    A group of addresses provided from the host  100  is mapped to the flash memory  224  of the first memory chip  220 , while the other group is mapped to the flash memory  244  of the second memory chip  240 . This address mapping scheme is accomplished by MMC controllers  222  and  242 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart showing an operation of the MMC controller  222  in the first memory chip  220  of the memory card system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter will be detailed the operation of the MMC controller  222  in the first memory chip  220  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0066]    As well known, if the MMC  200  links to the host  100 , power is supplied into the MMC  200  from the host. Once power is supplied to the MMC  200 , the MMC  200  is put into a well-known card identification mode. While power is being supplied to the first memory chip  220  of the MMC  200 , the card ID and operation parameters stored in the memory cell array  330  are stored into the registers  316  under control of the CPU  311  (step  510 ). The card ID and operation parameters stored in the registers  316  are transferred to the host  100  in accordance with a known process in the card identification mode. Upon issuing a first command CMD1 520 , the ready state  530  is set and, upon issuing a second command CMD2 540 , an identification state  550  is set. Then, upon issuing a third command CMD3 560 , a decision  570  is made whether all of the card ID is in. Steps  520 ˜ 570  of  FIG. 5  are arranged to conduct the card identification mode. As the card identification mode is well known in this art, it will not be described further. 
         [0067]    If the card identification mode is terminated, the first memory chip  220  of the MMC  200  is put into a stand-by state for a data transfer mode (step  580 ). During the data transfer mode, the flash memory  224  is managed by the MMC controller  222 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing an operation of the MMC controller  242  in the second memory chip  240  of the memory card system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , if power is supplied to the MMC  200 , the second memory chip  240  of the MMC  200  is put into a card identification mode together with the first memory chip  220 . While power is being supplied to the second memory chip  240 , the card ID and operation parameters stored in the memory cell array  330  of the flash memory  244  are stored into registers  316  under control of the CPU  311  of the MMC controller  242  (step  610 ). The card ID and operation parameters about the second memory chip  240  are not transferred to the host  100 , because those are identical to the card ID and operation parameters of the first memory chip  220  that have already been transferred. 
         [0070]    If the card identification mode is terminated, the second memory chip  240  of the MMC  200  is put into a stand-by state for a data transfer mode (step  620 ). During the data transfer mode, the flash memory  244  is managed by the MMC controller  242 . 
         [0071]    The host  100  outputs addresses to the MMC  200  for reading, programming, and erasing operations. The controller  222  of the MMC  200  operates to control a reading, programming, or erasing operation correspondent to a command input from the host  100  when an address supplied from the host  100  belongs to a group of addresses for designating the flash memory  224 . The controller  242  of the MMC  200  operates to control a reading, programming, or erasing operation corresponding to a command input from the host  100  when an address supplied from the host  100  belongs to the other group of addresses for designating the flash memory  244 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating a feature of designating flash memories in two memory chips by means of an address input from a host. 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a group of addresses A 1 ˜A k  among addresses A 1 ˜A n  provided from a host  710  is used for designating a flash memory  724  of a first memory chip  720 , while the other group of address A k+1 ˜A n  among the addresses A 1 ˜A n  provided from the host  710  is used for designating a flash memory  734  of a second memory chip  730 . 
         [0074]    An MMC controller  722  of the first memory chip  720  operates to control a reading, programming, or erasing operation corresponding to a command input from the host  710  when an address supplied from the host  710  belongs to the address group of A 1 ˜A k . An MMC controller  732  of the second memory chip  730  operates to control a reading, programming, or erasing operation corresponding to a command input from the host  710  when an address supplied from the host  710  belongs to the other address group of A k+1 ˜A n . 
         [0075]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating a feature of designating flash memories in two memory chips in an interleaving mode by means of an address input from a host. 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , odd-ordered addresses A 1 , A 3 , . . . , and A n−1  among addresses A 1 ˜A n  provided from a host  810  are used for designating a flash memory  824  of a first memory chip  820 , while the even-ordered address A 2 , A 4 , . . . , and A n  among the addresses A 1 ˜A n  provided from the host  810  are used for designating a flash memory  834  of a second memory chip  830 . 
         [0077]    An MMC controller  822  of the first memory chip  820  operates to control a reading, programming, or erasing operation corresponding to a command input from the host  810  when an address supplied from the host  810  belongs to the odd-ordered addresses A 1 , A 3 , . . . , and A n−1 . An MMC controller  832  of the second memory chip  830  operates to control a reading, programming, or erasing operation corresponding to a command input from the host  810  when an address supplied from the host  810  belongs to the even-ordered addresses A 2 , A 4 ,. . . , and A n . 
         [0078]    As such, when the host  810  accesses the flash memories  824  and  834  in the interleaving mode, there may be an overlap between timings of accessing the flash memories  824  and  834  by the host  810  and, hence, this provides an improvement of a data transmission rate between the host  810  and the MMC  800 . 
         [0079]    In an exemplary embodiment, the flash memories of two memory chips may be divided into the units of a page or a block. As an example, the first memory chip is accessed if an address input from the host corresponds to an address for designating an odd-ordered page, while the second memory chip is accessed if an address input from the host corresponds to an address for designating an even-ordered page. Otherwise, the first memory chip is accessed if an address input from the host corresponds to an address for designating a group of pages in order of 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, . . . , while the second memory chip is accessed if an address input from the host corresponds to an address for designating the other group of pages in order of 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, . . . . As such, this interleaving mode wherein the host accesses the flash memories may generate an overlap between timings of accessing the flash memories by the host, so it improves data transmission rate between the host and the MMC. 
         [0080]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram of a memory system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the memory system is organized including an MMC host  910 , and MMCs  930  and  940  coupled to the host  910  through an MMC bus  920 . The MMCs  930  and  940  coupled to the MMC bus  920  store the same card ID. A primary card, among the MMCs  930  and  940 , provides the host  910  with card identification information that includes data corresponding to a sum of the .storage capacities of the MMCs  930  and  940 . Therefore, the host  910  generates signals for accessing the MMCs  930  and  940  as same as the case that the MMC bus is coupled to an MMC including a single memory corresponding to a sum of the storage capacities of the MMCs  930  and  940 . 
         [0082]    Each of the MMCs  930  and  940  includes an MMC controller (not shown) and a flash memory (not shown). The controller of the MMC  930  operates to control a reading, programming, or erasing operation corresponding to a command input from the host  910  when an address supplied from the host  910  belongs to a group of addresses. The controller of the MMC  940  operates to control a reading, programming, or erasing operation corresponding to a command input from the host  910  when an address supplied from the host  910  belongs to the other group of addresses. 
         [0083]    According to such an MMC system, it is possible to obtain, by coupling two or more MMCs to the MMC bus  920 , the same effect as the case of increasing the capacity of a single MMC. 
         [0084]    Whereas the exemplary embodiments by the present invention have been described in conjunction with an MMC, it is permissible to apply the present invention to various types of card systems connectable and communicable with a host and including a memory chip, for example, Secure Digital (SD) cards, USB memories, Compact Flash (CF) memories, and so on. 
         [0085]    According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention as described above, the memory card is able to include pluralities of memory chips. Thus, it is easy to design a capacity of the memory card in various ways. Moreover, by using the same card ID of the plural MMCs coupled to the MMC bus, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the case of increasing a capacity of a single MMC. 
         [0086]    The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other exemplary embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6