Patent ID: 6845420

Claim:
An interface circuitry for connecting a data storage device to a computer, said interface circuitry comprising: a parallel data line for transferring parallel data between the data storage device and the computer; a multi-mode, parallel/serial data line for selectively transferring parallel or serial data between the data storage device and the computer; a switching circuit, connected to said parallel/serial data line, having first and second selectable modes of operation, said switching circuit being connectable to the computer; and a data transfer mode selection circuit connected to said switching circuit, said mode selection circuit for sending a parallel mode selection signal to said switching circuit for placing said switching circuit in said first mode of operation, wherein parallel data is transferable between the storage device and the computer over both the parallel data line and the parallel/serial data line, said mode selection circuit for sending a serial mode selection signal to said switching circuit for placing said switching circuit in said second mode of operation, wherein serial data is transferable between the storage device and the computer over said parallel serial data line, and wherein the interface circuitry is connected to a docking station.