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PM24555 PCMCIA flash memory - how interfaced?

I have a quantity of these and would like to be able to use them.

What I know is this:

It is PCMCIA It is probably 20MB, linear flash It was made by Intel at one time (but doesn't feature on their website) It was also made by Smart Modular Technologies (but likewise) and they may still be supplying it

I cannot find even a data sheet on it anywhere.

However, it is used in a number of products currently on the market.

Presumably this won't appear as a block storage device in a normal PC, but should appear (as linear memory) within the address space somewhere?

As regards writing it, it could be done internally, or the PC would need to run the usual flash writing code (applying a certain # of pulses to each location, etc).

Any suggestions on how to use this item would be much appreciated.

Peter.

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Reply to
Peter
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Plug it into a linux box. What does card services report on insertion. It may simply present a 'true ide' interface.

Reply to
Ian Stirling

How would one proceed to make a byte for byte copy of one of these flash cartridges, for example?

They are marketed as Linear Flash e.g.

formatting link

********* Linear Flash PC Cards support true random access so reads literally happen in a flash. Not only can these cards access stored data rapidly; they can also execute programs directly from the card. This opens the doors for vertical applications. Non volatile Linear Flash cards are used in a variety of applications, including networking and telecom equipment, industrial controls and instrumentation. Random access, ruggedness and reliability are the basic qualities required of Linear Flash cards. Adding convenient size and low power consumption makes a sure winner. Linear Flash cards from SMART Modular Technologies are fully PC Card (Type I) compatible and operate faster than hard disks, but are removable like floppy disks. Since there are no moving parts, Linear Flash cards operate reliably in conditions that can be normally hostile to data. These cards use solid state components that can be used day-in-day-out because they are far more reliable than the moveable parts of hard drives. **********

What does the above description indicate?

I did plug it into a Windows 2000 laptop and Windows did not find anything.

Reply to
Peter

I would put it in my laptop, and follow the instructions given in the PCMCIA-HOWTO for linux, which gives details of how to do that.

I have absolutely no clue how you'd approach it under windows.

Reply to
Ian Stirling

Yes, it should have IDE mode, but you have to plug it in the IDE cable. The PCMCIA card interface does not enable IDE.

You have to plug in the middle 50 pins (out of 66) in an IDE-CF converter. Of course, you have to remove the adapter bracket to do so.

See:

formatting link
for the IDE-CF converter.

Reply to
linnix

It can.

IIRC. IDE mode is an option for PCMCIA cards. It can either be pin-strapped to select it, or it can be selected through the PCMCIA interface. Once IDE mode is selected, it's not a PCMCIA device any more, until reset.

Not all PCMCIA memory cards present an IDE interface.

Reply to
Ian Stirling

IDE devices specify the ports and registers as well, which are probably routed to the IDE cable, not to the PCMCIA device.

Reply to
linnix

Nope. Once it's switched to IDE mode, it's electrically an IDE device. (until reset), and is accessed as an IDE device. No seperate cable.

Reply to
Ian Stirling

OK, first disable your IDE devices in your bios, so both signal drivers wouldn't be fighting with each other. Second, rewrite your bios to switch PCMCIA to IDE mode before initializating IDE. In case you can't rewrite your bios, then rewrite your operating system to switch the PCMCIA device before probing IDE. Most OS probe IDE very early and PCMCIA very late. In case you can't rewrite your OS, just get the IDE cable adapter.

Reply to
linnix

Google 'point enabler'. It appears as a seperate device in IO space, like a second IDE controller. I have several laptops that will boot from PCMCIA devices.

Reply to
Ian Stirling

Its a Linear Flash card, this wont appear as an ATA device at all, rather a block of memory. Often used to upgrade firmware in devices such as routers.

Philip

Reply to
Electric dabbler

I know. I was just commenting on the other posters comment that it's not 'real' IDE over PCMCIA slots, for hard drives et al (for devices that support IDE)

Reply to
Ian Stirling

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