JP4064182B2 - Disk devices, electronic devices, connectors - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a disk device for writing / reading information to / from a disk as an information storage medium, an electronic device including the disk device, and a connector for connecting the disk device and the electronic device, and in particular, to reduce power consumption. The present invention relates to a suitable disk device, electronic device, and connector.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The magnetic disk device is connected to the host side according to a predetermined connection standard. For example, in a 3.5 inch magnetic disk device and a 2.5 inch magnetic disk device, a predetermined connector is used in accordance with this connection standard. In the connector, a power supply standard from the host side to the magnetic disk device side is also defined. For example, pin arrangement and supply voltage value. By the way, regarding the supply voltage value, in the 3.5-inch magnetic disk device, 12V is used for driving the motor and the like, and 5V is used for other control circuits, and in the 2.5-inch magnetic disk device, the other is used for driving the motor etc. In general, 5V is supplied to each of the control circuits.
[0003]
In the magnetic disk device, a supply voltage monitoring circuit is provided inside, and a reset is applied when the level drops below a certain level. This is to prevent abnormal operation. The voltage value to be reset is determined from the level necessary for starting the spindle motor and the level necessary for circuit operation.
[0004]
Since the 2.5-inch magnetic disk device is mainly used for notebook type (mobile type) PCs (personal computers), in order to extend the battery usage time, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of power supplied via the connector. This is an important issue. This issue is equivalent in importance, although it is qualitatively different from improvements in basic performance such as increased storage capacity and faster transfer. In mobile PCs, not only magnetic disk devices but also CPUs (central processing units) and liquid crystal displays have been promoted to reduce power consumption.
[0005]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of a conventional 2.5-inch magnetic disk device from the viewpoint of a power supply system. As shown in FIG. 7, the magnetic disk device 110 has two systems of 5V supply ports 5VM and 5VD. A voltage of 5V is supplied to the supply ports 5VM and 5VD from the host (PC main body) side via a connector conforming to the connection standard.
[0006]
The voltage supplied to 5VM is led to a motor driver (IC is integrated. IC is an integrated circuit) 111 which is a control circuit for mainly driving a spindle motor. As a result, the spindle motor obtains electric power from the voltage supplied to 5 VM. In addition to this, a regulator 117 is provided in the motor driver 111, and a voltage supplied to 5 VD is guided to the regulator 117. The voltage supplied to 5VD is also led to the motor driver 111 and the head IC 12, and serves as a power supply for those internal circuits.
[0007]
In the regulator 117, voltages of 3.3V, 1.8V, and -3V are generated. Among the generated voltages, 3.3 V is led to the read / write channel IC 13, the CPU 14, the HDC (hard disk controller) 15, and the DRAM (dynamic random access memory) 16. 1.8V is guided to the read / write channel IC 13 and the HDC 15. -3V is guided to the head IC 12. Note that a reset circuit 117a is provided in the regulator 117, and a reset signal is generated when the voltage supplied to 5VD falls below a certain level. The generated reset signal is output to a predetermined IC and puts those ICs in a reset state.
[0008]
Incidentally, 5V can be converted into the above voltage even if a converter is used instead of the voltage conversion by the regulator 117 (see, for example, JP-A-4-349267). In the regulator, power is wasted due to series resistance, but the converter is suitable for low power consumption in this respect. However, there are still losses.
[0009]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration when the 2.5-inch magnetic disk device 110 described in FIG. 7 is connected to the host 120 via the connector 130. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG.
[0010]
The internal configuration of the magnetic disk device 110 is the same as that shown in FIG. Supplementally, the HDC 15 temporarily stores and reads data with the DRAM 16. The HDC 15 operates under the control of the CPU 14 and holds a control program and information 14a related to the power source such as a voltage supplied to 5VD. The power supply unit 118 corresponds to the regulator 117 in FIG. The power supply unit 118 and the HDC 15 are connected to the host 120 side via the connector 130.
[0011]
The internal configuration of the host 120 includes a control circuit (processing unit) 21, a keyboard input unit 22, a display unit 23, an interface unit 24, a battery unit 25, a power control unit 126, and the like. The control circuit 21 performs control and information processing on each component. For this reason, the keyboard input unit 22, the display unit 23, and the interface unit 24 are organically coupled. The battery unit 25 supplies power to the magnetic disk device 110 and other internal components via the power control unit 126.
[0012]
In such a connection, the power control unit 126 operates without performing any special control with respect to the power supply to the magnetic disk device 110. When a voltage of 5 V is supplied from the host 120 side, the operation of the magnetic disk device 110 starts, and when the spindle motor reaches a steady rotation, the magnetic disk device 110 enters a ready state. A command is sent from the host 120 according to the ready state.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the magnetic disk device 110 described above, 3.3V is the maximum voltage as the main circuit system. On the other hand, the power is supplied at 5 V, and power loss occurs when the magnetic disk device 110 is stepped down. Therefore, in this sense, it is effective to reduce the power consumption by performing power supply from the host 120 side at 5 V used by a motor or the like and 3.3 V other than that. However, the connection standard (ATA standard) stipulates that two 2.5 V voltages should be supplied to the 2.5-inch magnetic disk device, and this point must be taken into consideration.
[0014]
The host side normally outputs 5V of 2 systems. Corresponding to this, the magnetic disk apparatus normally inputs two systems of 5V. Now, if the host side is changed to the 5V, 3.3V output format (2 voltage output format), and the magnetic disk device side is also changed to the 5V, 3.3V (2 voltage input format) input format accordingly. Then, these changed ones are connected in an appropriate manner, and low power consumption can be achieved.
[0015]
However, if the host side is normal and the magnetic disk device side is a two-voltage input format, it cannot be used because it is incompatible, and the host side is a two-voltage output format, and the magnetic disk device side is not compatible even if it is normal. As a comparative consideration, it is important to guarantee the operation including the magnetic disk device in any case when the host is in the conventional format (normal output format). In this sense, the new magnetic disk drive is designed to be compatible with the normal two-system 5V output format and also with the 5V, 3.3V two-voltage output format. The right choice. In this way, the new magnetic disk device further becomes versatile with guaranteed backward compatibility.
[0016]
Therefore, since the new host is in a 5V, 3.3V, two-voltage output format, the conventional dual-system 5V input format magnetic disk device cannot be used. However, low power consumption can be achieved by connecting a new magnetic disk device. However, moreover, if an old two-system 5V input type magnetic disk device is connected to a new host, there is no guarantee that the two systems of 5V are electrically separated on the magnetic disk device side. There is a danger that 5V and 3.3V are short-circuited. Such a short circuit must be avoided.
[0017]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances. A disk device for writing / reading information to / from a disk as an information storage medium, an electronic device including the disk device, and a connection between the disk device and the electronic device. An object of the present invention is to provide a disk device, an electronic device, and a connector that can achieve low power consumption without inconvenience.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a disk device according to the present invention is a connector compatible with a connection standard for setting a reserve connector pin, and includes a first power input connector pin, a second power input connector pin, In the connection standard, the connector having a portion without a pin-like protrusion provided at a position in the connector where the reserve connector pin is to be disposed, and the second power input connector pin are electrically connected. And a power supply voltage conversion circuit capable of converting a power supply voltage input to the second power supply input connector pin.
[0019]
That is, in this disk device, the voltage of the second power supply is 5 V or 3.3 V, for example, by the function of the power supply voltage conversion circuit capable of converting the power supply voltage input to the second power input connector pin. Good. When it is supplied at 3.3 V, no power loss occurs due to voltage reduction.
[0020]
In addition, the presence of a pin-free projection provided at a position in the connector where the reserve connector pin is to be placed does not hinder the connection to the old host, and further hinders the connection to the new host. Does not occur. In the new host, it is possible to physically change the position of the connector facing the portion without the pin-like protrusion so that the pin cannot be inserted. This prevents the old disk device from being erroneously connected to the new host. Therefore, the power consumption of the disk device can be reduced without inconvenience.
[0021]
The disk device is not limited to a magnetic disk device, and includes, for example, an optical disk device that writes / reads information to / from a disk as an information storage medium. The same applies to the following.
[0022]
An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a disk device and an electronic device to which the disk device is connected via a connector compatible with a connection standard for setting a reserve connector pin. A convex connector having a power input connector pin, a second power input connector pin, a portion without a pin-like protrusion provided at a position where the reserve connector pin is to be arranged in the connection standard, A power supply voltage conversion circuit that is electrically connected to the second power supply input connector pin and is capable of converting a power supply voltage input to the second power supply input connector pin. The device is a concave connector that fits into the convex connector of the disk device, and is located at a portion facing the portion without the pin-like protrusion of the convex connector. The concave connector without a plug insertion portion, and a power control unit for supplying a power supply voltage to the first and second power input connector pins of the convex connector via the concave connector. Features.
[0023]
This electronic apparatus is configured by connecting the above disk device to an electronic device (for example, a PC main body as a host). The convex connector of the disk device and the concave connector of the electronic device are connected to each other. Also in this case, the old disk device is not erroneously connected to the electronic device, and therefore, low power consumption can be achieved without inconvenience. The electronic device includes a PC as a system including a disk device.
[0024]
The connector according to the present invention is a connector compatible with a connection standard for setting a reserve connector pin, and includes a first power input connector pin, a second power input connector pin, and the reserve connector according to the connection standard. And a portion having no pin-like protrusion provided at a position in the connector where the pin is to be disposed. This is the convex connector described above.
[0025]
The connector according to the present invention is a connector that is substantially compatible with the connection standard for setting the reserve connector pin and is not completely compatible, and includes a first power output connector pin insertion portion and a second power output. A connector pin insertion portion, and a portion that does not have a pin insertion portion provided at a position in the connector in which the reserve connector pin is to be inserted in the connection standard. This is the concave connector described above.
[0026]
The connector according to the present invention is a convex connector compatible with a connection standard for setting a reserve connector pin. The first power input connector pin, the second power input connector pin, and the connection standard The convex connector having a portion without a pin-like protrusion provided at a position where the reserve connector pin is to be disposed, and the concave connector that is substantially compatible with the connection standard for setting the reserve connector pin and is not completely compatible A first power output connector pin insertion part into which the first power connector pin can be inserted, and a second power output connector pin into which the second power input connector pin can be inserted. And a portion having no pin insertion portion provided at a position where the reserve connector pin is to be inserted in the connection standard Characterized by comprising the said concave side connector having. This is the above-described convex connector and concave connector.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As an embodiment of the present invention, the connection standard is the ATA standard, and the part having no pin-like protrusion is a part where the 44th pin is to be arranged in the ATA standard.
[0028]
As an embodiment, the connection standard is an ATA standard, and the part having no pin insertion portion is a part at a position where a 44th pin is to be inserted in the ATA standard.
[0029]
Based on the above, embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of a 2.5-inch magnetic disk apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention from the viewpoint of a power supply system.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic disk device 10 has two supply ports for power supply voltages (5V, 3.3V), and these supply ports have connectors compatible with connection standards (described later). 5V and 3.3V voltages are supplied from the host (PC main body) side via. As for the voltage supply of 3.3V, other voltage may be used as long as it is 3.3V or more. For example, 5V can be supplied. In the following, for distinction, the voltage supplied to “5V” in FIG. 1 is referred to as a first voltage, and the voltage supplied to “3.3V” is referred to as a second voltage.
[0031]
The first voltage is led mainly to a motor driver (IC) 11 which is a control circuit for driving the spindle motor. As a result, the spindle motor obtains electric power from the first voltage. In addition to this, a voltage conversion circuit is provided in the motor driver 11 to generate −3 V for the head IC 12. The first voltage is also led to the motor driver 11 and the head IC 12 under the names of 5VD and 5VA, respectively, and serves as a power source for those internal circuits.
[0032]
In the power conversion LSI 17, a voltage of 3.3V and 1.8V is generated by connecting and inputting the second voltage. This voltage generation is performed regardless of the value of the second voltage when the second voltage is the predetermined voltage. Of the generated voltage, 3.3 V is led to the read / write channel IC 13, the CPU 14, the HDC 15, and the DRAM 16. 1.8V is guided to the read / write channel IC 13 and the HDC 15.
[0033]
As described above, the power conversion LSI 17 is preferably supplied with 3.3 V, but a voltage higher than this, for example, 5 V may be supplied. In the latter case, the connection with the old host is compatible (downward compatible). When 3.3V is supplied, the power loss caused by step-down is greatly reduced. Therefore, low power consumption is achieved. Reference numeral 18 denotes a range that is distinguished from other parts as a power supply unit.
[0034]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration when the 2.5-inch magnetic disk device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention described in FIG. 1 is connected to the host 20 via the connector 30. In FIG. 2, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in FIG.
[0035]
The internal configuration of the magnetic disk device 10 is the same as that shown in FIG. Supplementally, the HDC 15 temporarily stores and reads data with the DRAM 16. The HDC 15 operates under the control of the CPU 14, and holds a control program and information 14a relating to a power source such as a voltage supplied to the magnetic disk device. The power supply unit 18 and the HDC 15 are connected to the host 20 side via the connector 30.
[0036]
As an internal configuration of the host 20, there are a control circuit (processing unit) 21, a keyboard input unit 22, a display unit 23, an interface unit 24, a battery unit 25, a power control unit 26, and the like. The control circuit 21 performs control and information processing on each component. For this reason, the keyboard input unit 22, the display unit 23, and the interface unit 24 are organically coupled.
[0037]
The battery unit 25 supplies power to the magnetic disk device 10 and other internal components via the power control unit 26. Here, the power control unit 26 is a control unit that can generate at least the first voltage and the second voltage using the battery unit 25 as a power source. The generated first voltage and second voltage are supplied to the magnetic disk device 10 via the connector 30.
[0038]
The power control unit 26 may be operated so as to perform power saving control for power supply to the magnetic disk device 10. For example, the supply voltage of 5 V or 3.3 V is switched between active and inactive according to the operation status of the magnetic disk device 10.
[0039]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a signal arrangement of the connector 30 for realizing the connection shown in FIG. As will be described below, this signal arrangement is compatible (downward compatible) with the ATA standard normally used in 2.5-inch magnetic disk devices.
[0040]
That is, pin numbers 1 to 43 in FIG. 3 follow the ATA standard almost as it is. The pin number 42 is 5V mainly for rotationally driving the motor. As for pin number 41, 3.3V or 5V may be used, and backward compatibility is ensured. Pin numbers 42 and 41 are pins (first power input connector pin and second power input connector pin) for supplying the two power supply voltages described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The pin number 44 is reserved in the ATA standard, but is used as non-connection (NC) here.
[0041]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific mode of the connector 30 described above, and is a perspective view showing a convex connector 30a provided on the magnetic disk device 10 side of the connector 30. FIG. 4A is an overall view seen from the side where the pins are provided, and FIG. 4B is a partially enlarged view of the side opposite to the side where the pins are provided. As shown in FIG. 4, this connector 30a is basically configured with pins arranged in two rows so that it can be inserted into and removed from a concave connector (FIG. 5 to be described later). Use the correct pin number.)
[0042]
In FIG. 4, there is no pin at the position of pin number 20. Corresponding to this, by not providing a pin insertion opening at the corresponding position of the concave connector, it is possible to prevent connector insertion (erroneous insertion) upside down. This is prevention of erroneous insertion following the ATA standard.
[0043]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, no pin is provided even at the position of the pin number 44 (a portion having no pin-like protrusion). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4B, the terminals themselves may be deleted for the terminals for connecting the convex connector 30a to the substrate by, for example, solder reflow. (Of course, this terminal itself does not have to be deleted.)
[0044]
The magnetic disk device having such a convex connector 30a maintains the possibility of connection to an old host. In this sense, backward compatibility is achieved.
[0045]
5 is a perspective view showing a concave connector 30b corresponding to the convex connector 30a shown in FIG. 4, and corresponds to the connector 30 shown in FIG. (The main pin number is attached near the pin insertion part.)
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, no pin insertion opening is provided in a portion corresponding to the pin number 44. With respect to the concave connector 30b having such a structure, the convex connector 30a shown in FIG. 4 can be inserted as a whole without any trouble. Therefore, as already described, low power consumption can be realized.
[0047]
However, if an attempt is made to insert a pin having a pin 44 as a convex connector (that is, an old one) into the concave connector 30b, the pin 44 cannot be connected due to an obstacle. Providing the concave connector 30b on the side of the host 20 is a kind of display that may be a two-voltage output format, and two voltages (5V, 3.. 3V) is prevented from being short-circuited on the magnetic disk device side. Therefore, it is possible to avoid inconvenience in connection as the host 20 corresponding to low power consumption.
[0048]
In addition, in order not to provide the pin insertion port at the portion corresponding to the pin number 44, in addition to changing the molding shape of the connector 30b, the old one may be modified to close the pin insertion port. Good.
[0049]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing one usage mode of the magnetic disk device 10 on the host 20. As shown in the figure, the magnetic disk device 10 can be used by being inserted into the slot port 20 a of the host 20. In such an embodiment, the magnetic disk device 10 can be easily replaced. As already described, the magnetic disk device 10 can also be used by being incorporated in an old host by the convex connector 30a that is ensured for backward compatibility.
[0050]
In the above description, the magnetic disk device is taken as an example, and the ATA standard is taken as the connection standard. However, according to the present invention, as is apparent from the configuration requirements, the same mode can be applied to other disk devices. Can be taken.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the voltage of the second power supply is, for example, as a result of the function of the power supply voltage conversion circuit capable of converting the power supply voltage input to the second power input connector pin. It may be 5V or 3.3V. In addition, the presence of a pin-free projection provided at a position in the connector where the reserve connector pin is to be placed does not hinder the connection to the old host, and further hinders the connection to the new host. Does not occur. In the new host, it is possible to physically change the position of the connector facing the portion without the pin-like protrusion so that the pin cannot be inserted. This prevents the old disk device from being erroneously connected to the new host. Therefore, the power consumption of the disk device can be reduced without inconvenience.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a 2.5-inch magnetic disk device according to an embodiment of the present invention from the viewpoint of a power supply system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration when the 2.5-inch magnetic disk device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention described in FIG. 1 is connected to a host 20 via a connector 30;
3 is a diagram showing a signal arrangement of a connector 30 that realizes the connection shown in FIG. 2;
4 is a diagram showing a specific mode of the connector 30 in FIG. 2, and is a perspective view showing a convex connector 30a provided on the magnetic disk device 10 side of the connector 30. FIG.
5 is a perspective view showing a concave connector 30b corresponding to the convex connector 30a shown in FIG. 4. FIG.
6 is a perspective view showing one usage mode of the magnetic disk device 10 on the host 20 shown in FIG. 2; FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a conventional 2.5-inch magnetic disk device from the viewpoint of a power supply system.
8 is a block diagram showing a configuration when the 2.5-inch magnetic disk device 110 described in FIG. 7 is connected to a host 120 via a connector 130. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Magnetic disk apparatus 11 ... Motor driver IC 12 ... Head IC 13 ... Read / write channel IC 14 ... CPU 14a ... Program and power supply information 15 ... HDC 16 ... DRAM 17 ... Power supply conversion LSI 18 ... Power supply part 20 ... Host (electronic device) 20a ... Slot port 21 ... Control circuit (processing unit) 22 ... Keyboard unit 23 ... Display unit 24 ... Interface unit 25 ... Battery unit 26 ... Power control unit 30 ... Connector 30a ... Convex connector 30b ... Concave connector

Claims (10)

A connector compatible with a connection standard for setting a reserve connector pin, wherein the first power input connector pin, the second power input connector pin, and the reserve connector pin in the connector where the reserve connector pin should be arranged in the connection standard The connector having a portion without a pin-like protrusion provided at the position;
A power supply voltage conversion circuit provided to be electrically connected to the second power supply input connector pin and capable of converting a power supply voltage input to the second power supply input connector pin; A disk device characterized by the above. 2. The disk apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection standard is an ATA standard, and the part having no pin-like protrusion is a part where a 44th pin is to be arranged in the ATA standard. A disk device, and an electronic device to which the disk device is connected via a connector compatible with a connection standard for setting a reserve connector pin,
The disk device is
A convex connector having a first power input connector pin, a second power input connector pin, and a portion without a pin-like protrusion provided at a position where the reserve connector pin is to be arranged in the connection standard;
A power supply voltage conversion circuit that is electrically connected to the second power supply input connector pin and is capable of converting a power supply voltage input to the second power supply input connector pin;
The electronic device is
A concave connector that fits into the convex connector of the disk device, the concave connector not having a pin insertion portion at a portion facing the portion without the pin-like protrusion of the convex connector;
An electronic apparatus comprising: a power supply control unit configured to supply a power supply voltage to the first and second power supply input connector pins of the convex connector via the concave connector. 4. The connection standard according to claim 3, wherein the connection standard is an ATA standard, and the part having no pin-like projection of the convex connector is a part where a 44th pin is to be arranged in the ATA standard. Electronic equipment. It is a connector compatible with the connection standard for setting the reserve connector pin,
A first power input connector pin;
A second power input connector pin;
In the connection standard, the connector includes a portion having no pin-like protrusion provided at a position in the connector where the reserve connector pin is to be disposed. 6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the connection standard is an ATA standard, and the part having no pin-like protrusion is a part where a 44th pin is to be arranged in the ATA standard. It is a connector that is almost compatible with the connection standard that sets the reserve connector pin and is not completely compatible.
A first power output connector pin insertion portion;
A second power output connector pin insertion portion;
A connector comprising: a portion having no pin insertion portion provided at a position in the connector into which the reserve connector pin is to be inserted according to the connection standard. 8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the connection standard is an ATA standard, and the part having no pin insertion portion is a part at a position where a 44th pin is to be inserted in the ATA standard. A convex connector compatible with a connection standard for setting a reserve connector pin, the first power input connector pin, the second power input connector pin, and the position where the reserve connector pin should be arranged in the connection standard The convex connector having a portion having no pin-like protrusions provided on, and
A concave connector that is substantially compatible with the connection standard for setting the reserve connector pin and is not completely compatible, and a first power output connector pin insertion portion into which the first power connector pin can be inserted; The second power output connector pin insertion portion into which the second power input connector pin can be inserted, and the connection standard does not have a pin insertion portion provided at a position where the reserve connector pin is to be inserted. And a concave connector having a portion. The connection standard is the ATA standard, and the part without the pin-shaped protrusion of the convex connector is a part where the 44th pin should be arranged in the ATA standard, and the pin insertion portion of the concave connector 10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the part not having a pin is a part where a 44th pin is to be inserted in the ATA standard.

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