CA1212767A - Reprogrammable cartridge memory and method - Google Patents
Reprogrammable cartridge memory and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA1212767A CA1212767A CA000449848A CA449848A CA1212767A CA 1212767 A CA1212767 A CA 1212767A CA 000449848 A CA000449848 A CA 000449848A CA 449848 A CA449848 A CA 449848A CA 1212767 A CA1212767 A CA 1212767A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- memory
- programmable
- semiconductor memory
- circuitry
- cartridge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11C—STATIC STORES
- G11C16/00—Erasable programmable read-only memories
- G11C16/02—Erasable programmable read-only memories electrically programmable
- G11C16/06—Auxiliary circuits, e.g. for writing into memory
- G11C16/10—Programming or data input circuits
- G11C16/102—External programming circuits, e.g. EPROM programmers; In-circuit programming or reprogramming; EPROM emulators
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F8/00—Arrangements for software engineering
- G06F8/60—Software deployment
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Software Systems (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Storage Device Security (AREA)
- Read Only Memory (AREA)
- Stored Programmes (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Disclosed is a reprogrammable memory cartridge for use in a computer system. the memory can be reprogrammed without the necessity of removing the memory from the cartridge. A retailer can maintain a master program library and a limited number of blank memory cartridges rather than maintaining a large inventory of programmed cartridges as required heretofore.
Disclosed is a reprogrammable memory cartridge for use in a computer system. the memory can be reprogrammed without the necessity of removing the memory from the cartridge. A retailer can maintain a master program library and a limited number of blank memory cartridges rather than maintaining a large inventory of programmed cartridges as required heretofore.
Description
~2~ 71~7 REPROGRAM~BLE CARTRIDGE MEMORY AND METHOD
This inventicn relates generally ~o computer memory devices, and more particularly the invention relates to a proqrammable cartridge memory and method of programming same.
The personal computer employs programs which are typically embodied in plug-in cartridges. A library of programs can be readily run in the computer by merely inserting a selected program cartridge into a receptacle in a computer console. For example, the Atari video cartridge system (VCS) will run a multitude of video game programs which are available in cartridge form from several suppliers.
Conventionally, programs are permanently imbedded in semiconductor chips in the cartridgeO Accordingly, a user must maintain a number of cartridges equal to the programs in his library. Further, the computer cartridge memory retailer must maintain a sizeable inventory of programmed cartridges to satisry the growing needs of personal computer users.
The presen~ invention is directed to a programmable or reprogrammable cartridge memory which can accommodate any one of a number of programs as may be desired by the computer user. Thus, rather than maintaining a physically large collection of cartridges, a user can have a limited number of cartridges which can be reprogrammed as desired.
S Importantly, the retailer can dispense with maintaining a large inventory of programmed cartridgesO The retailer need only maintain a master copy of each available program and an inventory of blank programmable cartridge memories. Consequently, a computer user can have a desired program loaded into one of the blank cartridges, or alternatlvely the user can provide his own reprogrammable cartridge memory for loading of the desired program.
Accordingly, an object of the invention is a computer cartridge memory which can be reprogrammed.
Another object of the invention is a method of maintaining a program library without requiring a large inventory of memory cartridges.
A further object of the invention is a system for 20 programming a cartridge memory without removing the semiconductor memory chip from the cartridge.
Yet another object of the invention is a memory cartridge and programming system having a keying-lock/address for limiting access to the 25 programming system.
In accordance with one feature of the invention, a computer cartridge memory is provided with connector pins normally used in addressing and reading stored program data and instructions and also pins which 30 accommodate the reprogramming of the cartridge ~2~Z767 memory. Thus, the semiconductor memory within the cartridge can be programmed without physically removing the semiconductor memory from the cartridge.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the cartridge memory and programming system cooperatively define a code which enables the programrning of the memory, thereby pro-viding a security lock against unauthorized access to the program library.
Thus, in accordance with one broad aspect of the invention there is provided, for use in a computer system using plug-in cartridge memory for program storage, a programmable memory comprising:
a cartridge housing, programmable semiconductor memory circuitry supported within said housing, and connector means for interconnecting said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry in said computer system, said conductor means including an address bus terminal means for addressing said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, operation rnode terminal means for applying read and write mode signals to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, and program voltage terminal means for applying a programming voltage to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry in a write mode.
~;~1276 ~' - 3a -In accordance with another broad aspect of the invention there is provided, in a computer system using plug-in cartridge memory for program store and having a computer console~ a first connector receptacle, and a plug-in cartridge mating with said first connector receptacle, a method of providing one of a plurality of programs for use in said computer system comprising the steps of:
providing a master program library including a plurality of programs, providing a programmable cartridge memory having a connector for reeeption by said first eonneetor receptacle, providing a second receptacle means for interconnecting said programmable cartridge means with said master program library, and loading said one of said plurality of programs in said programmable eartridge memory.
In accordance with another broad aspect of the invention there is provided a system for loading a program into a memory for use in a computer system comprising:
a programmable memory including a cartridge housing, programmable semieonduetor memory eireuitry supported witnin said housing, and eonnector means for intereonneeting said programmable semieonduetor memory eireuitry in said eomputer system, said eonduetor means ineluding an address bus terminal means for addressing said programmable semieonductor memory eireuitry, 67' - 3b -operation mode terminal means for applying read and write mode signals to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, and program voltage terminal means for applying a programming voltage to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry in a wri-te mode, a library of programs, and means for loading a program from said library of programs into said programmable semiconductor memory circui-try, said means for loading including connector means for receiving said connector means of said programmable memory.
The invention and objects and features thereof will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims when taken with the drawing, in which:
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a personal computer system.
Figure 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the reprogramming of cartridge memories in accordance with the invention.
Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a cartridge memory in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is an electrical schematic of one embodiment of a reprogrammable cartridge memory in accordance with the invention.
Figure 5 is an electrical schematic of another embodiment of a reprogrammable cartridge memory in accordance with the invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a computer memory cartridge in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Referrins now to the drawing, Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a personal computer or an electronic video game computer system. Basically, the system comprises a microprocessing unit (MPU) 10, a display 12, a memory 14 for data and programs, and an input/output (I/O) port 16. Typically, the MPU 10 comprises a console which has a receptacle for receiving and interconnecting with the data/program cartridge memory 14. The MPU 10 is connected with and controls a cathode ray tube or video display 12.
In a video game system the I/O port 16 is connected to external manual controls such as a joy stick.
As noted above, both the electronic video game systems and the personal computer systems will run an ever increasing library of programs or video games.
Heretofore, the computer system user has required a 20 separate cartridge memory for each program in his library. Moreover, the computer system retailer has been required to maintain a large inventory of programmed cartridges of the various programs in order to satisfy the needs of the growing number of 25 computer users.
In accordance with the present invention a programmable or reprogrammable cartridge memory is provided whereby the computer system retailer need only maintain a master program library and a limited 30 number of blank cartridge memories. As illustrated in Figure 2, the retailer can connect a cartridge memory 20 with the master program library 22 for ~:LZ'~6 ,~
loading a desired program into a cartridge memory.
Alternatively, a computer user having a xeprogram~able cartridge memory can have the retailer load a desired program into the reprogrammable cartridge memory provided by the user. Importantly, the semiconductor memory need not be removed from the cartridge. Moreover, the savin~s in cost and space requirements to both the user and the retailer is significant with such a system.
Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a cartridge memory in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. A keying lock/address circuitry 24 interfaces with the progra~ning system and program library to limit access to the stored program library. The lock can comprise a tuned circuit which is identified by the progra~ning apparatus or the lock can comprise a selected combination of address codes to which the memory responds. Once the programming system is enabled, the system enables the 20 programming capability of the cartridge memory through the progra~ning steering circuitry 26. The programmable memory components 28 are then programmed or reprogrammed.
Figure 4 is an electrical schematic of one embodiment 25 of a reprogrammable cartridge memory in accordance with the present invention which is designed for use in th~ Atari VCS. In this embodiment the memory comprises a first memory bank 30 and a second memory bank 32~ Each memory bank comprises a reprogrammable 30 semiconductor memory such as the 2764 erasable programmable read only memory (Eprom) semiconductor chip having 8K bytes (3 bits per byte) of storage capacity. The two memories are interconnected with a 7~,~
printed circuit board edge connector shown generally at 34 through an address bus :36 and a data output bus 38. The R bit data bus 38 is interconnected with terminals 40 of the connector 34, and the 13 address bits A0-A12 are connected through the address bus with ~he ~erminals 42 of connector 34. The connector 34 also includes an operation mode terminal (R/~) which is connected to a program (PGM) terminal of each of the memories 30 and 32. Each memory also has a terminal for receiving the program voltage (VPP) which is connected to the terminal VPP of the connector 34. The connector 34 mates with a connector in the receptacle of the computer console or a system connector for the loading of a program in the cartridge memory.
In this embodiment during normal operation the operating voltage VCC is applied to the program terminal VPP of the memories through a transistor switch comprising transistors 44 and 46. During 20 normal operation the NPN transistor 44 is rendered conductive thereby applying the voltage VCC through diode 48 to the VPP terminals of the memories 30, 32.
During the programming mode, NPN transistor 44 is rendered non-conductive and PNP transistor 46 becomes 25 conductive thereby connecting the terminals VPP
through resistor 50 to ground~ Thus, during the programming mode the voltage VPP is applied to the VPP terminals of the memory 30, 32 and is connected through the resistor 50 to ground.
30 Figure 5 is an alternative embodiment of a reprogrammable memory in accordance with the invention in which four banks of memory 60, 61, 62, ~Z127~7 and 63 are provided. Again, each memory comprises a programmable semiconductor chip such as the 8K byte 2764 Eprom chip. The memories 60-63 are again interconnected wi-th an edge connector shown generally at 66. The data output lines are interconnected through the data bus 68 with terminals 70 of connector 66, and the address lines of the memory 60-63 are interconnected through an address bus 72 with the -terminals 74 of the connector 66. The blocks of memory are selected by means of terminals 78 which are interconnected -to the chip enable, of the memory banks 60-63. In this embodiment the programming voltage VPP is connected directly to the VPP -terminals of the memory 60-63, and the mode control terminal 80 is connec-ted to the PGM terminal of each of the memory banks 60-63.
In this embodiment a capacitor 82 is connected across the +5 volts terminal and the ground terminal. Capacitor 82 and the memory comprise an RC circuit having a time constant which is identified by the programming system before enabling the programming of the memory. Accordingly, an unauthorized cartridge memory can be prevented from accessing the program library.
The reprogrammable memories in aecordance with the present invention can be embodied in a conventional cartridge housing.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of one such cartridge. The cartridge shown generally at 100 includes a housing portion 102 and a cover 104 which mates therewith. Mounted within the housing ~Z~2767 - B -102 is a printed circuit board 106 in which the electronic circuitry including memory 108 is mounted.
The memory 108 and circuitry ls interconnected with a computer console through connectors on an edge 110 of S the printed circuit board which extends into an opening at the front of the housing 102.
A reprogrammable cartridge in accordance with the invention enables flexibility and economy in use both by the retailer and the computer system user. While the cartridge has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications and applications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
This inventicn relates generally ~o computer memory devices, and more particularly the invention relates to a proqrammable cartridge memory and method of programming same.
The personal computer employs programs which are typically embodied in plug-in cartridges. A library of programs can be readily run in the computer by merely inserting a selected program cartridge into a receptacle in a computer console. For example, the Atari video cartridge system (VCS) will run a multitude of video game programs which are available in cartridge form from several suppliers.
Conventionally, programs are permanently imbedded in semiconductor chips in the cartridgeO Accordingly, a user must maintain a number of cartridges equal to the programs in his library. Further, the computer cartridge memory retailer must maintain a sizeable inventory of programmed cartridges to satisry the growing needs of personal computer users.
The presen~ invention is directed to a programmable or reprogrammable cartridge memory which can accommodate any one of a number of programs as may be desired by the computer user. Thus, rather than maintaining a physically large collection of cartridges, a user can have a limited number of cartridges which can be reprogrammed as desired.
S Importantly, the retailer can dispense with maintaining a large inventory of programmed cartridgesO The retailer need only maintain a master copy of each available program and an inventory of blank programmable cartridge memories. Consequently, a computer user can have a desired program loaded into one of the blank cartridges, or alternatlvely the user can provide his own reprogrammable cartridge memory for loading of the desired program.
Accordingly, an object of the invention is a computer cartridge memory which can be reprogrammed.
Another object of the invention is a method of maintaining a program library without requiring a large inventory of memory cartridges.
A further object of the invention is a system for 20 programming a cartridge memory without removing the semiconductor memory chip from the cartridge.
Yet another object of the invention is a memory cartridge and programming system having a keying-lock/address for limiting access to the 25 programming system.
In accordance with one feature of the invention, a computer cartridge memory is provided with connector pins normally used in addressing and reading stored program data and instructions and also pins which 30 accommodate the reprogramming of the cartridge ~2~Z767 memory. Thus, the semiconductor memory within the cartridge can be programmed without physically removing the semiconductor memory from the cartridge.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the cartridge memory and programming system cooperatively define a code which enables the programrning of the memory, thereby pro-viding a security lock against unauthorized access to the program library.
Thus, in accordance with one broad aspect of the invention there is provided, for use in a computer system using plug-in cartridge memory for program storage, a programmable memory comprising:
a cartridge housing, programmable semiconductor memory circuitry supported within said housing, and connector means for interconnecting said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry in said computer system, said conductor means including an address bus terminal means for addressing said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, operation rnode terminal means for applying read and write mode signals to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, and program voltage terminal means for applying a programming voltage to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry in a write mode.
~;~1276 ~' - 3a -In accordance with another broad aspect of the invention there is provided, in a computer system using plug-in cartridge memory for program store and having a computer console~ a first connector receptacle, and a plug-in cartridge mating with said first connector receptacle, a method of providing one of a plurality of programs for use in said computer system comprising the steps of:
providing a master program library including a plurality of programs, providing a programmable cartridge memory having a connector for reeeption by said first eonneetor receptacle, providing a second receptacle means for interconnecting said programmable cartridge means with said master program library, and loading said one of said plurality of programs in said programmable eartridge memory.
In accordance with another broad aspect of the invention there is provided a system for loading a program into a memory for use in a computer system comprising:
a programmable memory including a cartridge housing, programmable semieonduetor memory eireuitry supported witnin said housing, and eonnector means for intereonneeting said programmable semieonduetor memory eireuitry in said eomputer system, said eonduetor means ineluding an address bus terminal means for addressing said programmable semieonductor memory eireuitry, 67' - 3b -operation mode terminal means for applying read and write mode signals to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, and program voltage terminal means for applying a programming voltage to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry in a wri-te mode, a library of programs, and means for loading a program from said library of programs into said programmable semiconductor memory circui-try, said means for loading including connector means for receiving said connector means of said programmable memory.
The invention and objects and features thereof will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims when taken with the drawing, in which:
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a personal computer system.
Figure 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the reprogramming of cartridge memories in accordance with the invention.
Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a cartridge memory in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is an electrical schematic of one embodiment of a reprogrammable cartridge memory in accordance with the invention.
Figure 5 is an electrical schematic of another embodiment of a reprogrammable cartridge memory in accordance with the invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a computer memory cartridge in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Referrins now to the drawing, Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a personal computer or an electronic video game computer system. Basically, the system comprises a microprocessing unit (MPU) 10, a display 12, a memory 14 for data and programs, and an input/output (I/O) port 16. Typically, the MPU 10 comprises a console which has a receptacle for receiving and interconnecting with the data/program cartridge memory 14. The MPU 10 is connected with and controls a cathode ray tube or video display 12.
In a video game system the I/O port 16 is connected to external manual controls such as a joy stick.
As noted above, both the electronic video game systems and the personal computer systems will run an ever increasing library of programs or video games.
Heretofore, the computer system user has required a 20 separate cartridge memory for each program in his library. Moreover, the computer system retailer has been required to maintain a large inventory of programmed cartridges of the various programs in order to satisfy the needs of the growing number of 25 computer users.
In accordance with the present invention a programmable or reprogrammable cartridge memory is provided whereby the computer system retailer need only maintain a master program library and a limited 30 number of blank cartridge memories. As illustrated in Figure 2, the retailer can connect a cartridge memory 20 with the master program library 22 for ~:LZ'~6 ,~
loading a desired program into a cartridge memory.
Alternatively, a computer user having a xeprogram~able cartridge memory can have the retailer load a desired program into the reprogrammable cartridge memory provided by the user. Importantly, the semiconductor memory need not be removed from the cartridge. Moreover, the savin~s in cost and space requirements to both the user and the retailer is significant with such a system.
Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a cartridge memory in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. A keying lock/address circuitry 24 interfaces with the progra~ning system and program library to limit access to the stored program library. The lock can comprise a tuned circuit which is identified by the progra~ning apparatus or the lock can comprise a selected combination of address codes to which the memory responds. Once the programming system is enabled, the system enables the 20 programming capability of the cartridge memory through the progra~ning steering circuitry 26. The programmable memory components 28 are then programmed or reprogrammed.
Figure 4 is an electrical schematic of one embodiment 25 of a reprogrammable cartridge memory in accordance with the present invention which is designed for use in th~ Atari VCS. In this embodiment the memory comprises a first memory bank 30 and a second memory bank 32~ Each memory bank comprises a reprogrammable 30 semiconductor memory such as the 2764 erasable programmable read only memory (Eprom) semiconductor chip having 8K bytes (3 bits per byte) of storage capacity. The two memories are interconnected with a 7~,~
printed circuit board edge connector shown generally at 34 through an address bus :36 and a data output bus 38. The R bit data bus 38 is interconnected with terminals 40 of the connector 34, and the 13 address bits A0-A12 are connected through the address bus with ~he ~erminals 42 of connector 34. The connector 34 also includes an operation mode terminal (R/~) which is connected to a program (PGM) terminal of each of the memories 30 and 32. Each memory also has a terminal for receiving the program voltage (VPP) which is connected to the terminal VPP of the connector 34. The connector 34 mates with a connector in the receptacle of the computer console or a system connector for the loading of a program in the cartridge memory.
In this embodiment during normal operation the operating voltage VCC is applied to the program terminal VPP of the memories through a transistor switch comprising transistors 44 and 46. During 20 normal operation the NPN transistor 44 is rendered conductive thereby applying the voltage VCC through diode 48 to the VPP terminals of the memories 30, 32.
During the programming mode, NPN transistor 44 is rendered non-conductive and PNP transistor 46 becomes 25 conductive thereby connecting the terminals VPP
through resistor 50 to ground~ Thus, during the programming mode the voltage VPP is applied to the VPP terminals of the memory 30, 32 and is connected through the resistor 50 to ground.
30 Figure 5 is an alternative embodiment of a reprogrammable memory in accordance with the invention in which four banks of memory 60, 61, 62, ~Z127~7 and 63 are provided. Again, each memory comprises a programmable semiconductor chip such as the 8K byte 2764 Eprom chip. The memories 60-63 are again interconnected wi-th an edge connector shown generally at 66. The data output lines are interconnected through the data bus 68 with terminals 70 of connector 66, and the address lines of the memory 60-63 are interconnected through an address bus 72 with the -terminals 74 of the connector 66. The blocks of memory are selected by means of terminals 78 which are interconnected -to the chip enable, of the memory banks 60-63. In this embodiment the programming voltage VPP is connected directly to the VPP -terminals of the memory 60-63, and the mode control terminal 80 is connec-ted to the PGM terminal of each of the memory banks 60-63.
In this embodiment a capacitor 82 is connected across the +5 volts terminal and the ground terminal. Capacitor 82 and the memory comprise an RC circuit having a time constant which is identified by the programming system before enabling the programming of the memory. Accordingly, an unauthorized cartridge memory can be prevented from accessing the program library.
The reprogrammable memories in aecordance with the present invention can be embodied in a conventional cartridge housing.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of one such cartridge. The cartridge shown generally at 100 includes a housing portion 102 and a cover 104 which mates therewith. Mounted within the housing ~Z~2767 - B -102 is a printed circuit board 106 in which the electronic circuitry including memory 108 is mounted.
The memory 108 and circuitry ls interconnected with a computer console through connectors on an edge 110 of S the printed circuit board which extends into an opening at the front of the housing 102.
A reprogrammable cartridge in accordance with the invention enables flexibility and economy in use both by the retailer and the computer system user. While the cartridge has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications and applications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (14)
1. For use in a computer system using plug-in cartridge memory for program storage, a programmable memory comprising a cartridge housing, programmable semiconductor memory circuitry supported within said housing, and connector means for interconnecting said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry in said computer system, said conductor means including an address bus terminal means for addressing said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, operation mode terminal means for applying read and write mode signals to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, and program voltage terminal means for applying a programming voltage to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry in a write mode.
2. A programmable memory as defined by Claim 1 and further including operating voltage terminal means for applying an operating voltage to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry during an operating mode.
3. The programmable memory as defined by Claim 1 wherein said programmable semiconductor memory comprises a plurality of semiconductor chips, each of said chips having an enable terminal, and said connector means including memory select terminal means for selectively enabling one of said semicon-ductor memory chips.
4. The programmable memory as defined by Claim 1 wherein said programmable semiconductor memory is reprogrammable.
5. The programmable memory as defined by Claim 4 wherein said programmable semiconductor memory comprises an Eprom.
6. The programmable memory as defined by Claim 1 and further including keying-locking circuitry for enabling a programming system.
7. The programmable memory as defined by Claim 6 wherein said keying-locking circuitry comprises an RC
circuit.
circuit.
8. In a computer system using plug-in cartridge memory for program store and having a computer console, a first connector receptacle, and a plug-in cartridge mating with said first connector receptable, a method of providing one of a plurality of programs for use in said computer system comprising the steps of:
providing a master program library including a plurality of programs, providing a programmable cartridge memory having a connector for reception by said first connector receptacle, providing a second receptacle means for interconnecting said programmable cartridge means with said master program library, and loading said one of said plurality of programs in said programmable cartridge memory.
providing a master program library including a plurality of programs, providing a programmable cartridge memory having a connector for reception by said first connector receptacle, providing a second receptacle means for interconnecting said programmable cartridge means with said master program library, and loading said one of said plurality of programs in said programmable cartridge memory.
9. The method as defined by Claim 8 and further including the steps of providing said programmable cartridge memory with keying-locking circuitry, and enabling the loading of one of said plurality of programs upon identification of said keying-locking circuitry.
10. A system for loading a program into a memory for use in a computer system comprising a programmable memory including a cartridge housing, programmable semiconductor memory circuitry supported within said housing, and connector means for interconnecting said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry in said computer system, said conductor means including an address bus terminal means for addressing said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, operation mode terminal means for applying read and write mode signals to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, and program voltage terminal means for applying a programming voltage to said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry in a write mode, a library of programs, and means for loading a program from said library of programs into said programmable semiconductor memory circuitry, said means for loading including connector means for receiving said connector means of said programmable memory.
11. The system as defined by Claim 10 wherein said programmable semiconductor memory comprises a plurality of semiconductor chips, each of said chips having an enable terminal, and said connector means including memory select terminal means for selectively enabling one of said semiconductor memory chips.
12. The system as defined by Claim 10 wherein said programmable semiconductor memory is reprogrammable.
13. The system as defined by Claim 10 wherein said programmable memory further includes keying-locking circuitry for enabling a programming system.
14. The system as defined by Claim 13 wherein said keying- locking circuitry comprises an RC circuit.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US47638383A | 1983-03-17 | 1983-03-17 | |
| US476,383 | 1983-03-17 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1212767A true CA1212767A (en) | 1986-10-14 |
Family
ID=23891617
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000449848A Expired CA1212767A (en) | 1983-03-17 | 1984-03-16 | Reprogrammable cartridge memory and method |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS60684A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1212767A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3409776A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2138232A (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3705864A1 (en) * | 1986-02-24 | 1987-08-27 | Ricoh Kk | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARD FOR A DATA PROCESSING DEVICE |
| JPS6341906A (en) * | 1986-08-08 | 1988-02-23 | Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd | Access system for actuator |
| JPH02105394A (en) * | 1988-10-14 | 1990-04-17 | Nec Corp | Read only memory package with writing function |
| FR2639734A1 (en) * | 1988-11-30 | 1990-06-01 | Europ Rech Electr Lab | COMPUTER AND METHOD FOR STARTING A COMPUTER |
| JPH0496103A (en) * | 1990-08-08 | 1992-03-27 | Rohm Co Ltd | Electronic control wiring device |
| GB2283344A (en) * | 1993-10-26 | 1995-05-03 | Nicholas Kantaris | Erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) and like memory with built in programmer |
| JPH07302492A (en) * | 1994-05-04 | 1995-11-14 | Internatl Business Mach Corp <Ibm> | Reprogrammable pulg-in cartridge |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3971001A (en) * | 1974-06-10 | 1976-07-20 | Sperry Rand Corporation | Reprogrammable read only variable threshold transistor memory with isolated addressing buffer |
| IT1027222B (en) * | 1974-12-31 | 1978-11-20 | Marocco Giuseppe | PROCEDURE AND EQUIPMENT FOR CONSOLIDATING BLOCKS OF MARBLE AND SIMILAR NATURAL STONES |
| US3938108A (en) * | 1975-02-03 | 1976-02-10 | Intel Corporation | Erasable programmable read-only memory |
| JPS53143299A (en) * | 1977-05-19 | 1978-12-13 | Toshiba Corp | Game soft vending machine |
| DE2828855C2 (en) * | 1978-06-30 | 1982-11-18 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Non-volatile memory that can be electrically reprogrammed word by word as well as a method for deleting or writing to or in such a memory (s) |
| US4301535A (en) * | 1979-07-02 | 1981-11-17 | Mostek Corporation | Programmable read only memory integrated circuit with bit-check and deprogramming modes and methods for programming and testing said circuit |
| IT1224062B (en) * | 1979-09-28 | 1990-09-26 | Ates Componenti Elettron | PROGRAMMING METHOD FOR AN ELECTRICALLY ALTERABLE NON-VOLATILE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY |
| JPS5915211B2 (en) * | 1979-11-27 | 1984-04-07 | 富士通株式会社 | oscillation circuit |
| JPS5693363A (en) * | 1979-12-04 | 1981-07-28 | Fujitsu Ltd | Semiconductor memory |
| JPS57143798A (en) * | 1981-03-02 | 1982-09-06 | Fujitsu Ltd | Programmable element |
| US4432070A (en) * | 1981-09-30 | 1984-02-14 | Monolithic Memories, Incorporated | High speed PROM device |
-
1984
- 1984-03-16 DE DE19843409776 patent/DE3409776A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1984-03-16 CA CA000449848A patent/CA1212767A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-03-16 JP JP59050778A patent/JPS60684A/en active Pending
- 1984-03-16 GB GB08406921A patent/GB2138232A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS60684A (en) | 1985-01-05 |
| GB8406921D0 (en) | 1984-04-18 |
| GB2138232A (en) | 1984-10-17 |
| DE3409776A1 (en) | 1984-09-20 |
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