Circuit boards, connectors, cases, circuit board assemblies, case assemblies, devices and methods of manufacturing the same

Abstract

Example embodiments are directed to circuit boards, connectors, cases, circuit board assemblies, case assemblies, devices and methods of manufacturing the same, which are common to at least two different form factors. In an example embodiment, the SSD includes a circuit board that is smaller than a case, and the circuit board is secured to the bottom surface of the case by the securing element. The securing element is spaced apart from edges of the case to allow using a circuit board that is smaller than the case.

Claims

1. A solid state drive (SSD) comprising: a case including a bottom surface having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge, the second edge of the bottom surface of the case being located opposite to the first edge of the bottom surface of the case; a plurality of circuit board connection terminals along the first edge of the case; at least one securing element disposed on the bottom surface of the case of the SSD; a circuit board secured to the bottom surface of the case by the at least one securing element, the circuit board including a first surface having a first edge; a plurality of connector connection terminals disposed along the first edge of the first surface of the circuit board, the first edge of the first surface of the circuit board being disposed closer to the first edge of the bottom surface of the case than to the second edge of the bottom surface of the case; a first flash memory package disposed on the first surface of the circuit board, and having a width and a length that is equal to or greater than the width, the length being substantially perpendicular to the width, each of the length and the width being measured on a top surface of the first flash memory package, the top surface of the first flash memory package being substantially parallel with the first surface of the circuit board; and a memory controller package disposed on the first surface of the circuit board, wherein a first distance is greater than the width of the first flash memory package, the first distance being a shortest distance between the circuit board and the second edge of the bottom surface of the case, the plurality of connector connection terminals are connected to the plurality of circuit board connection terminals at the first surface of the circuit board via a conductor, the at least one securing element is substantially spaced apart from each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge of the bottom surface of the case, the at least one securing element includes structures that form a frame for engaging at least two sides of the circuit board to receive the circuit board by non-sliding motion into the case, and the circuit board is secured to the bottom surface of the case.

2. The SSD of claim 1, further comprising: a DRAM package disposed on the first surface of the circuit board.

3. The SSD of claim 1, wherein a second distance is greater than the width of the first flash memory package, the second distance being a shortest distance between the circuit board and the third edge of the bottom surface of the case.

4. The SSD of claim 3, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

5. The SSD of claim 1, further comprising a second flash memory package disposed on a second surface of the circuit board.

6. The SSD of claim 1, wherein the circuit board is spaced apart from the second, third and fourth edges of the bottom surface of the case.

7. The SSD of claim 1, wherein an area of the bottom surface of the case is at least one and a half times greater than an area of the first surface of the circuit board.

8. The SSD of claim 1, wherein the case has a size for the first form factor, and the circuit board has a size for the second form factor that is different from the first form factor.

9. The SSD of claim 1, wherein the SSD includes only one circuit board.

10. The SSD of claim 1, wherein the at least one securing element includes one or more guide rails.

11. The SSD of claim 1, wherein the at least one securing element includes at least one rail structure contacting three (3) side surfaces of the circuit board.

12. The SSD of claim 1, wherein the at least one securing element extends between the first and second edges of the case.

13. The SSD of claim 1, wherein the at least one securing element extends substantially parallel to the third and fourth edges of the case.

14. The SSD of claim 1, wherein the at least two sides of the circuit board that are engaged by the frame of the at least one securing element are at least two outmost straight sides of the circuit board, and the frame formed by the at least one securing element is a contiguous structure that engages the at least two sides of the circuit board.

15. A solid state drive (SSD) comprising: a case including a bottom surface having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge, the second edge of the bottom surface of the case being located opposite to the first edge of the bottom surface of the case; a plurality of circuit board connection terminals along the first edge of the case; at least one securing element disposed on the bottom surface of the case of the SSD; a circuit board secured to the bottom surface of the case by the at least one securing element, the circuit board including a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, the first surface having a first edge; a plurality of connector connection terminals disposed along the first edge of the first surface of the circuit board, the first edge of the first surface of the circuit board being disposed closer to the first edge of the bottom surface of the case than to the second edge of the bottom surface of the case; a memory controller package disposed on the first surface of the circuit board, and having a width and a length that is equal to or greater than the width, the length being substantially perpendicular to the width, each of the length and the width being measured on a top surface of the memory controller package, the top surface of the memory controller package being substantially parallel with the first surface of the circuit board; and a first flash memory package disposed on the second surface of the circuit board, wherein a first distance is greater than the width of the memory controller package, the first distance being a shortest distance between the circuit board and the second edge of the bottom surface of the case, the plurality of connector connection terminals are connected to the plurality of circuit board connection terminals at the first surface of the circuit board via a conductor, the at least one securing element is substantially spaced apart from each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge of the bottom surface of the case, and the at least one securing element forms a frame for engaging at least two sides of the circuit board to receive the circuit board by non-sliding motion into the case, and the circuit board is secured to the bottom surface of the case.

16. The SSD of claim 15, further comprising: a DRAM package disposed on the first surface of the circuit board.

17. The SSD of claim 15, wherein a second distance is greater than the width of the memory controller package, the second distance being a shortest distance between the circuit board and the third edge of the bottom surface of the case.

18. The SSD of claim 17, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

19. The SSD of claim 15, wherein the first flash memory package is either a NAND flash memory package or a NOR flash memory package.

20. The SSD of claim 15, wherein the at least one securing element includes at least one rail structure contacting three (3) side surfaces of the circuit board.

21. The SSD of claim 15, wherein the at least one securing element extends between the first and second edges of the case.

22. The SSD of claim 15, wherein the at least one securing element extends substantially parallel to the third and fourth edges of the case.

23. The SSD of claim 15, wherein the at least two sides of the circuit board that are engaged by the frame of the at least one securing element are at least two outmost straight sides of the circuit board, and the frame formed by the at least one securing element is a contiguous structure that engages the at least two sides of the circuit board.

24. A solid state drive (SSD) comprising: a case including a bottom surface having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge, the second edge of the bottom surface of the case being located opposite to the first edge of the bottom surface of the case; a plurality of circuit board connection terminals along the first edge of the case; a circuit board secured to the case of the SSD; a plurality of connector connection terminals disposed along a first edge of a first surface of the circuit board, the first edge of the first surface of the circuit board being disposed closer to the first edge of the bottom surface of the case than to the second edge of the bottom surface of the case; a first package disposed on the first surface of the circuit board, the first package having a width and a length that is equal to or greater than the width, the length being substantially perpendicular to the width, each of the length and the width being measured on a first surface of the first package, the first surface of the first package being substantially parallel with the first surface of the circuit board; and at least one securing element disposed on the bottom surface of the case, wherein the circuit board is secured to the case of the SSD by the at least one securing element, at least one of a memory and a memory controller is included inside the first package, a first distance is greater than the width of the first package, the first distance being a shortest distance between the circuit board and the second edge of the bottom surface of the case, the plurality of connector connection terminals are connected to the plurality of circuit board connection terminals at the first surface of the circuit board via a conductor, the circuit board is spaced apart from the second, third and fourth edges of the bottom surface of the case, the at least one securing element is substantially spaced apart from each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge of the bottom surface of the case, the at least one securing element forms a frame for engaging at least two sides of the circuit board to receive the circuit board by non-sliding motion into the case, and the circuit board is secured to the bottom surface of the case.

25. The SSD of claim 24, wherein the SSD includes only one circuit board, the at least two sides of the circuit board that are engaged by the frame of the at least one securing element are at least two outmost straight sides of the circuit board, and the frame formed by the at least one securing element is a contiguous structure that engages the at least two sides of the circuit board.

26. The SSD of claim 24, wherein the first package is either a NAND flash memory package or a NOR flash memory package.

27. The SSD of claim 24, wherein an area of the bottom surface of the case is at least two times greater than an area of the first surface of the circuit board.

28. The SSD of claim 24, wherein the at least one securing element includes at least one rail structure contacting three (3) side surfaces of the circuit board.

29. The SSD of claim 24, wherein the at least one securing element extends between the first and second edges of the case.

30. The SSD of claim 24, wherein the at least one securing element extends substantially parallel to the third and fourth edges of the case.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The above and other features and advantages of example embodiments will become more apparent by describing them in detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(2) FIGS. 1-2 illustrate circuit boards in accordance with example embodiments.

(3) FIGS. 3-7 illustrate portions of circuit boards in accordance with example embodiments.

(4) FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate connectors usable with example embodiments.

(5) FIG. 8C illustrates a connector in accordance with example embodiments.

(6) FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate circuit board assemblies including a circuit board in accordance with example embodiments.

(7) FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate circuit board assemblies including a circuit board in accordance with example embodiments.

(8) FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate case assemblies including a connector in accordance with example embodiments.

(9) FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate devices, for example, memory devices including circuit board assemblies including circuit boards and connectors and cases in accordance with example embodiments.

(10) FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate devices, for example, memory devices including circuit boards and case assemblies including connectors and cases in accordance with example embodiments.

(11) FIG. 14 illustrates an example embodiment including a memory controller in accordance with example embodiments.

(12) FIG. 15 illustrates another example embodiment including an interface in accordance with example embodiments.

(13) FIG. 16 illustrates an example memory card in accordance with example embodiments.

(14) FIG. 17 illustrates an example portable device in accordance with example embodiments.

(15) FIG. 18 illustrates an example memory card and host system in accordance with example embodiments.

(16) FIG. 19 illustrates an example system in accordance with example embodiments.

(17) FIG. 20 illustrates an example computer system in accordance with example embodiments.

(18) FIG. 21 illustrates a method of manufacturing a common circuit board in accordance with example embodiments.

(19) FIG. 22 illustrates a method of connecting a common circuit board in accordance with example embodiments.

(20) FIG. 23 illustrates a method of manufacturing an assembly or device in accordance with example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(21) Detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and/or functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. The claims may, however, may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only example embodiments set forth herein.

(22) It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being on, connected to or coupled to another component, it can be directly on, connected to or coupled to the other component or intervening components may be present. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to another component, there are no intervening components present. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

(23) It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

(24) Spatially relative terms, such as beneath, below, lower, above, upper and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one component or feature's relationship to another component(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

(25) The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.

(26) Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and/or scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

(27) Reference will now be made to example embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like components throughout. Example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated in these figures but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

(28) FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit board 110 in accordance with example embodiments. The circuit board 110 may include a common board 100, N connection pads 15, 17 (where N is an integer 2) and N connection terminals 115, 117. In example embodiments, illustrates in FIG. 1, the circuit board 110 includes two circuit board connection pads 15 and 17, each including circuit board connection terminals 115, 117, respectively. In example embodiments, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be of a first form factor and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be of a second form factor.

(29) As shown, the circuit board 110 may be a common circuit board, namely a circuit board that may be used with other components of the first form factor or other components of the second form factor. In example embodiments, the other components may be circuit board assemblies, connectors, cases, or case assemblies.

(30) As shown, the circuit board 110 may also be a common circuit board, namely a circuit board that may be a component of a device of the first form factor or a device of the second form factor. In example embodiments, the device may be a memory device, for example, a memory card.

(31) In example embodiments, the circuit board connection terminals 115, 117 may be on different sides of the circuit board 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 are on a front side of the circuit board 110 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 are on a back side of the circuit board 110. In other example embodiments, the circuit board connection terminals 115, 117 may be on the same side of the circuit board 110.

(32) In example embodiments, the circuit board connection terminals 115, 117 may be on the same end of the circuit board 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 are on the same end of the circuit board 110. In other example embodiments, the circuit board connection terminals 115, 117 may be different or opposite ends of the circuit board 110.

(33) In example embodiments as shown in FIG. 2, the circuit board connection terminals 115, 117 may be on different sides and different ends of the circuit board 110.

(34) In example embodiments, the location of the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be reversed. In example embodiments, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be on the same side of circuit board 110 or on different (for example, opposite) sides of the circuit board 110.

(35) FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a circuit board 110 in accordance with example embodiments. In example embodiments, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be located on an edge 118 of the circuit board 110 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be offset a distance x in an x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110. In example embodiments, x is less than a length of the first circuit board connection terminals 115 in the x-direction.

(36) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 3, a first terminal area 121 and a second terminal area 123 overlap in the x-direction.

(37) In other example embodiments, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be offset a first distance x.sub.1 in the x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be offset a second distance x.sub.2 in the x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110. In other example embodiments, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be located on the edge 118 of the circuit board 110. In example embodiments, x.sub.1 and/or x.sub.2 may be less than a length of the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and/or the second circuit board connection terminals 117 in the x-direction.

(38) FIGS. 4-7 illustrate portions of circuit boards in accordance with example embodiments. In example embodiments, the first circuit board connection terminals 115, including first end circuit board connection terminals 115a, 115b may be located in the first terminal area 121 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117, including second end circuit board connection terminals 117a, 117b may be located in the second terminal area 123.

(39) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 4, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be located on the edge 118 of the circuit board 110 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be offset a distance x in an x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110. In example embodiments, x is greater than or equal to a length of the first circuit board connection terminals 115 in the x-direction.

(40) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 4, the first terminal area 121 and the second terminal area 123 do not overlap in the x-direction.

(41) In example embodiments, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be offset a first distance x.sub.1 in an x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be offset a second distance x.sub.2 in an x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110. In example embodiments, x.sub.1 and/or x.sub.2 may be greater than or equal to a length of the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and/or the second circuit board connection terminals 117 in the x-direction.

(42) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 4, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may also be offset in the y-direction. For example, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 are staggered as shown in FIG. 4, with the first terminal area 121 beginning before the second terminal area 123 and ending before the second terminal area 123 in the y-direction.

(43) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 4, individual first circuit board connection terminals 115 and individual second circuit board connection terminals 117 do not overlap in the y-direction.

(44) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 5, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be located on an edge 118 of the circuit board 110 and second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be offset a distance x in an x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110. In example embodiments, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be offset a first distance x.sub.1 in an x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110 and second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be offset a second distance x.sub.2 in an x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110.

(45) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 5, the first terminal area 121 and the second terminal area 123 do not overlap in the x-direction.

(46) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 5, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 are not offset in the y-direction. For example, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 are not staggered as shown in FIG. 4, with the first terminal area 121 beginning and ending at the same location as the second terminal area 123 in the y-direction.

(47) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 6, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be located on an edge 118 of the circuit board 110 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may also be located on the edge of circuit board 110. In example embodiments, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be offset a first distance x.sub.1 in an x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110 and second circuit board connection terminals 117 may also be offset the first distance x.sub.1 in an x-direction from the edge of circuit board 110.

(48) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 6, the first terminal area 121 and the second terminal area 123 substantially overlap in the x-direction.

(49) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 6, individual first circuit board connection terminals 115 and individual second circuit board connection terminals 117 are offset in the y-direction. For example, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 are staggered as shown in FIG. 6, with the first terminal area 121 beginning before the second terminal area 123 and ending before the second terminal area 123 in the y-direction.

(50) In example embodiments shown in FIG. 7, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be arranged substantially the same as shown in FIG. 6. However, instead of the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 alternating, as shown in FIG. 6, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be grouped in any fashion. For example, as specifically shown in area A, first circuit board connection terminals 115 and/or second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be grouped together or alternately.

(51) As discussed above, circuit boards in accordance with example embodiments may include any or all of the above features. As a result, circuit boards in accordance with example embodiments may be useable as common circuit boards with various other components of the same or different form factors. Circuit boards in accordance with example embodiments may be useable as a component of a device of the same or different form factors. In example embodiments, the device may be a memory device, for example, a memory card.

(52) FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate connectors usable with example embodiments. FIG. 8A illustrates a connector 130 of a first form factor. The connector 130 of the first form factor may be connectable to any example embodiment of the common circuit board 110 discussed above. The connector 130 may include connector connection terminals 133. The connector connection terminals 133 may be connectable to the first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the first form factor of the circuit board 110. In such a configuration, the second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the circuit board 110 may be unconnected. The connector 130 may also include an interface 160 for connection to other devices of the first form factor.

(53) FIG. 8B illustrates a connector 132 of a second form factor. The connector 132 of the second form factor may be connectable to any example embodiment of the common circuit board 110 discussed above. The connector 132 may include connector connection terminals 133. The connector connection terminals 133 may be connectable to the second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the second form factor of the circuit board 110. In such a configuration, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the circuit board 110 may be unconnected. The connector 130 may also include an interface 162 for connection to other devices of the second form factor.

(54) In other example embodiments as shown in FIG. 8C, the connector 130/132 may be common to the first form factor and the second form factor, in which case, the connector connection terminals 133 are connectable to the first circuit board connection terminals 115 or the connector connection terminals 133 are connectable to the second circuit board connection terminals 117.

(55) FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate circuit board assemblies including a circuit board in accordance with example embodiments.

(56) FIG. 9A illustrates a circuit board assembly 210 including a circuit board 110 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9A, one or more memory modules 111, for example, NAND flash packages, may be connected to the circuit board 110. The first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the circuit board 110 may be connected to connector connection terminals 133 of a connector 130 via a conductor 125, for example, one or more solder balls or solder paste. In example embodiments shown in FIG. 9A, the connector 130 may be of the first form factor, in which case, the connector connection terminals 133 are connectable to the first circuit board connection terminals 115. In such an assembly, the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be unconnected.

(57) FIG. 9B illustrates a circuit board assembly 212 including a circuit board 110 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9B, one or more memory modules 111, for example, NAND flash packages, may be connected to the circuit board 110. The second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the circuit board 110 may be connected to connector connection terminals 133 of a connector 132 via a conductor 125, for example, one or more solder balls or solder paste. In example embodiments, the connector 132 may be of the second form factor, in which case, the connector connection terminals 133 of the connector are connectable to the second circuit board connection terminals 117. In such an assembly, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be unconnected.

(58) FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate circuit board assemblies including a circuit board in accordance with example embodiments.

(59) FIG. 10A illustrates a circuit board assembly 210 including a circuit board 110 in accordance with example embodiments. The circuit board assembly 210 of FIG. 10A is similar to that of the circuit board assembly 210 of FIG. 9A, except that instead of solder balls or solder paste, a mechanical adapter connector 170 including a non-conductive part 180 and a conductive part 190, is used to connect the connector connection terminals 133 to the first circuit board connection terminals 115. Similar to the circuit board assembly 210 of FIG. 9A, the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be unconnected.

(60) FIG. 10B illustrates a circuit board assembly 220 including a circuit board 110 in accordance with example embodiments. The circuit board assembly 220 of FIG. 10B is similar to that of the circuit board assembly 220 of FIG. 9B, except that instead of solder balls or solder paste, a mechanical adapter connector 172 including a non-conductive part 182 and a conductive part 192, is used to connect the connector connection terminals 133 to the second circuit board connection terminals 117. Similar to the circuit board assembly 220 of FIG. 9B, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be unconnected.

(61) Any or all of the circuit board features discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-7 may be applied to the circuit board assemblies 210, 220, 210, or 220.

(62) FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate case assemblies including a connector in accordance with example embodiments.

(63) FIG. 11A illustrates a case assembly 220 including a connector 130 and a case 140 in accordance with example embodiments. The connector 130 may be any example embodiment of a connector discussed above. The case 140 may include at least one of three sides, a top, and/or a bottom surface element. As shown in FIG. 11A, the case 140 includes three side surface elements 145, but no top surface element and no bottom surface element. In example embodiments, the connector 130 and the case 140, and hence, the case assembly 220 itself, are both of the same (for example, the first) form factor.

(64) FIG. 11B illustrates a case assembly 222 including a connector 132 and a case 142 in accordance with example embodiments. The connector 132 may be any example embodiment of the connector 132 discussed above. The case 140 may include at least one of three sides, a top, and/or a bottom surface element. As shown in FIG. 11B, the case 142 includes three side surface elements 146, but no top surface element and no bottom surface element. In example embodiments, the connector 132 and the case 142, and hence, the case assembly 222 itself, are both of the same (for example, the second) form factor.

(65) In other example embodiments, for example, similar to those shown in FIG. 8C, the connector 130/132 of the case assembly 220/222 may be common to the first form factor and the second form factor, in which case, the connector 130/132 may include connector connection terminals 133 connectable to first circuit board connection terminals 115 and connector connection terminals 133 connectable to second circuit board connection terminals 117. Similarly, the connector 130/132 may include the interface 160 for connection to other devices of the first form factor and/or the interface 162 for connection to other devices of the second form factor.

(66) In other example embodiments, for example, similar to those shown in FIG. 8C, the case 140/142 may be common to the first form factor and the second form factor in which case, the case 140/142 may accommodate a connector 130 and/or a connector 132.

(67) FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate devices, for example, memory devices including circuit board assemblies including circuit boards and connectors and cases in accordance with example embodiments.

(68) FIG. 12A illustrates a device, for example, a memory device 310 including circuit board assembly 210 including circuit board 110 and case 140 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 12A, a memory device 310 of a first form factor may be formed by combining a circuit board assembly 210 including a circuit board 110 including first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the first form factor and second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the second form factor and a connector 130 including connector connection terminals 133, connectable to the first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the first form factor with a case 140 of the first form factor. The circuit board assembly 210 may include a memory controller C and first flash memory package E on a first surface 51 of the circuit board 110. In such a device, the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be unconnected. As shown in FIG. 12A, the case 140 includes four side surface elements 145 and a top surface element and/or a bottom surface element.

(69) FIG. 12B illustrates a device, for example, a memory device 312 including circuit board assembly 212 including circuit board 110 and case 142 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 12B, the memory device 312 of the second form factor may be formed by combining a circuit board assembly 212 including a circuit board 110 including first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the first form factor and second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the second form factor and a connector 132 including connector connection terminals 133, connectable to the second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the second form factor with a case 142 of the second form factor. The circuit board assembly 210 may include a second flash memory package E on a second surface S2 of the circuit board 110. In such a device, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be unconnected. As shown in FIG. 12B, the case 142 includes four side surface elements 146 and a top surface element and/or a bottom surface element.

(70) Any or all of the circuit board features discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-7 may be applied to the circuit board assemblies 210, 212. Any or all of the circuit board assembly features discussed above with respect to FIGS. 9A-10B may be applied to the devices 310, 312.

(71) In other example embodiments, for example, similar to those shown in FIG. 8C, the connector 130/132 may be common to the first form factor and the second form factor, in which case, the connector 130/132 may include connector connection terminals 133 connectable to first circuit board connection terminals 115 and connector connection terminals 133 connectable to second circuit board connection terminals 117. Similarly, the connector 130/132 may include the interface 160 for connection to other devices of the first form factor and/or the interface 162 for connection to other devices of the second form factor.

(72) In other example embodiments, for example, similar to those shown in FIG. 8C, the case 140/142 may be common to the first form factor and the second form factor in which case, the case 140/142 may accommodate a circuit board assembly 210 and/or a circuit board assembly 212.

(73) FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate devices, for example, memory devices including circuit boards and case assemblies including connectors and cases in accordance with example embodiments.

(74) FIG. 13A illustrates a device, for example, a memory device 410 including a case assembly 220 and circuit board 110 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13A, a memory device 410 of a first form factor may be formed by combining a case assembly 220 of the first form factor with the circuit board 110. The case assembly 220 of the first form factor may include a surface element 200 of the first form factor and a connector 130 of the first form factor. The circuit board 110 may include the first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the first form factor and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the second form factor. The connector 130 of the first form factor may include connector connection terminals 133. The connector connection terminals 133 may be connectable to the first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the first form factor. In such a device, the second circuit board connection terminals 117 may be unconnected.

(75) In example embodiments, the case assembly 220 may further include one or more securing elements 215, configured to secure the circuit board 110 to the surface element 200. In example embodiments, the one or more securing elements 215 may be guide rails, by which the circuit board 110 may be secured.

(76) In example embodiments, the surface element 200 may be a top element or a bottom element.

(77) FIG. 13B illustrates a device, for example, a memory device 412 including a case assembly 222 and circuit board 110 in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13B, a memory device 412 of a second form factor may be formed by combining a case assembly 222 of the second form factor with the circuit board 110. The circuit board 110 may include memory modules 111 (e.g., NAND flash packages) and a controller C on the circuit board 110. The surface element 202 may include a first edge E1, second edge E2, third edge E3, and a fourth edge E4. The second edge E2 may be located opposite the first edge E1. The case assembly 222 of the second form factor may include a surface element 202 of the second form factor and a connector 132 of the second form factor. The circuit board 110 may include the first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the first form factor and the second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the second form factor. The connector 132 of the second form factor may include connector connection terminals 133. The connector connection terminals 133 may be connectable to the second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the second form factor. In such a device, the first circuit board connection terminals 115 may be unconnected. A first distance D1 may be greater than a width W of one of the memory modules 111. The first distance D1 may be shortest distance between the circuit board 110 and the second edge E2 of the surface element 202.

(78) In example embodiments, the case assembly 222 may further include one or more securing elements 217, configured to secure the circuit board 110 to the surface element 202. In example embodiments, the one or more securing elements 212 may be guide rails, by which the circuit board 110 may be secured.

(79) In example embodiments, the surface element 202 may be a top element or a bottom element.

(80) Any or all of the case assembly features discussed above with respect to FIGS. 11A-11B may be applied to the memory device 410, 412.

(81) In other example embodiments, for example, similar to those shown in FIG. 8C, the connector 130/132 may be common to the first form factor and the second form factor, in which case, the connector 130/132 may include connector connection terminals 133 connectable to first circuit board connection terminals 115 and connector connection terminals 133 connectable to second circuit board connection terminals 117. Similarly, the connector 130/132 may include the interface 160 for connection to other devices of the first form factor and/or the interface 162 for connection to other devices of the second form factor.

(82) Example embodiments of circuit boards, connectors, cases, circuit board assemblies, case assemblies, and/or devices, as discussed above may be implemented as components or sub-components in one or more sub-system or system as described in more detail below.

(83) FIG. 14 illustrates an example embodiment including a memory controller in accordance with example embodiments. As shown, FIG. 14 includes a memory 510 connected to a memory controller 520. The memory 510 may be a NAND flash memory or NOR flash memory. However, the memory 510 is not limited to these memory types, and may be any memory type.

(84) The memory controller 520 may supply the input signals for controlling operation of the memory 510. For example, in the case of a NAND flash memory, the memory controller 520 may supply the command CMD and address signals. In examples of a NOR flash memory, the memory controller 520 may supply CMD, ADD, DQ and VPP signals. It will be appreciated that the memory controller 520 may control the memory 510 based on received control signals (not shown).

(85) FIG. 15 illustrates another example embodiment including an interface in accordance with example embodiments. As shown, FIG. 15 includes a memory 510 connected to an interface 515. The memory 510 may be a NAND flash memory or a NOR flash memory. However, the memory 510 is not limited to these memory types, and may be any memory type.

(86) The interface 515 may supply the input signals (for example, generated externally) for controlling operation of the memory 510. For example, in the case of a NAND flash memory, the interface 515 may supply the command CMD and address signals. In the example of a NOR flash memory, the interface 515 may supply CMD, ADD, DQ and VPP signals. It will be appreciated that the interface 515 may control the memory 510 based on received control signals (for example, generated externally, but not shown).

(87) FIG. 16 illustrates an example memory card in accordance with example embodiments. FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 14, except that the memory 510 and memory controller 520 have been embodied as a card 530. For example, the card 530 may be a memory card such as a flash memory card. Namely, the card 530 may be a card meeting any industry standard for use with a consumer electronics device such as a digital camera, personal computer, etc. It will be appreciated that the memory controller 520 may control the memory 510 based on controls signals received by the card 530 from another (e.g., external) device.

(88) FIG. 17 illustrates an example portable device in accordance with example embodiments. FIG. 17 represents a portable device 6000. The portable device 6000 may be an MP3 player, video player, combination video and audio player, etc. As shown, the portable device 6000 includes the memory 510 and memory controller 520. The portable device 6000 may also includes an encoder and decoder 610, presentation components 620 and interface 630.

(89) Data (video, audio, etc.) may be input to and output from the memory 510 via the memory controller 520 by an encoder and decoder (EDC) 610. As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 28, the data may be directly input to the memory 510 from the EDC 610 and/or directly output from the memory 510 to the EDC 610.

(90) The EDC 610 may encode data for storage in the memory 510. For example, the EDC 610 may perform MP3 encoding on audio data for storage in the memory 510. Alternatively, the EDC 610 may perform MPEG encoding (e.g., MPEG2, MPEG4, etc.) on video data for storage in the memory 510. Still further, the EDC 610 may include multiple encoders for encoding different types of data according to different data formats. For example, the EDC 610 may include an MP3 encoder for audio data and an MPEG encoder for video data.

(91) The EDC 610 may decode output from the memory 510. For example, the EDC 610 may perform MP3 decoding on audio data output from the memory 510. Alternatively, the EDC 610 may perform MPEG decoding (e.g., MPEG2, MPEG4, etc.) on video data output from the memory 510. Still further, the EDC 610 may include multiple decoders for decoding different types of data according to different data formats. For example, the EDC 610 may include an MP3 decoder for audio data and an MPEG decoder for video data.

(92) It will also be appreciated that EDC 610 may include only decoders. For example, already encoded data may be received by the EDC 610 and passed to the memory controller 520 and/or the memory 510.

(93) The EDC 610 may receive data for encoding, or receive already encoded data, via the interface 630. The interface 630 may conform to a known standard (e.g., firewire, USB, etc.). The interface 630 may also include more than one interface. For example, interface 630 may include a firewire interface, a USB interface, etc. Data from the memory 510 may also be output via the interface 630.

(94) The presentation components 620 may present data output from the memory, and/or decoded by the EDC 610, to a user. For example, the presentation components 620 may include a speaker jack for outputting audio data, a display screen for outputting video data, and/or etc.

(95) FIG. 18 illustrates an example memory card and host system in accordance with example embodiments in which the host system 7000 is connected to the card 530 of FIG. 16. In example embodiments, the host system 7000 may apply control signals to the card 530 such that the memory controller 520 controls operation of the memory 510.

(96) FIG. 19 illustrates an example system in accordance with example embodiments. As shown, system 2000 may include a microprocessor 2100, user interface 2200, for example, a keypad, a keyboard, and/or a display, modem 2300, controller 2400, memory 2500 and/or battery 2600. In example embodiments, each of the system elements may be combined each other through a bus 2001.

(97) The controller 2400 may also include one or more microprocessors, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, or any processor similar to the above. The memory 2500 may be used to store data and/or commands executed by the controller 2400. The memory 2500 may be any of any of the memories described in example embodiments above.

(98) The modem 2300 may be used to transmit data to and/or from another system, for example, a communication network. The system 2000 may be part of a mobile system, such as a PDA, a portable computer, web tablet, a wireless phone, a mobile phone, a digital music player, memory card, or other system transmitting and/or receiving information.

(99) FIG. 20 illustrates an example computer system in accordance with example embodiments. As shown, the computer system 3000 may include one or more power supplies 3002, one or more monitors 3004 (for example, a conventional and/or touch-screen monitor), one or more input devices 3006, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and/or a stylus, a main or motherboard 3008, to which one or more components 3010 are attached. The one or more sub-components 3010 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more memories, and/or one or more cards. The computer system 3000 may include one or more additional memories 3012, which may be removable or more easily removable.

(100) In example embodiments, the computer system 3000 may be desktop, personal computer, a laptop personal computer, and/or a handheld personal computer. In example embodiments, the computer system 3000 may be a server.

(101) Example embodiments of circuit boards, connectors, cases, circuit board assemblies, case assemblies, and/or devices, as discussed above may be implemented as components or sub-components in one or more computer system 3000, as described above.

(102) FIG. 21 illustrates a method of manufacturing a common circuit board in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 21 at 2110, a board 100 is provided that is common to at least a first form factor and a second form factor. At 2120, first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the first form factor are formed on the board 100. At 2130, second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the second form factor are formed on the board 100.

(103) FIG. 22 illustrates a method of connecting a common circuit board in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 22 at 2210, a circuit board 110 is provided that is common to at least a first form factor and a second form factor. The circuit board 110 includes first circuit board connection terminals 115 of the first form factor and second circuit board connection terminals 117 of the second form factor. At 2220, the circuit board 110 is connected to an external device using only one of the first circuit board connection terminals 115 and second circuit board connection terminals 117.

(104) FIG. 23 illustrates a method of manufacturing an assembly or device in accordance with example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 23 at 2310, at least two of a circuit board, for example, any of circuit boards 110 discussed above, a connector, for example, any of connectors 130/132 discussed above, and a case, for example, any of the cases 140/142 discussed above, may be combined to form any one of the circuit board assemblies 210, 212, 210, 212 discussed above, any one of the case assemblies 220, 222 discussed above, or any one of the devices 310, 312, 410, 412 discussed above.

(105) As set forth above, any of circuit boards 110 discussed above may be combined with any of connectors 130/132 discussed above to form any of the circuit board assemblies 210, 212, 210, 212 discussed above. Any of connectors 130/132 discussed above may be combined with any of the cases 140/142 discussed above to form any of the case assemblies 220, 222 discussed above. Any of circuit boards 110 discussed above may be combined with any of the connectors 130/132 discussed above and any of the cases 140/142 discussed above to form any of the devices 310, 312, 410, 412 discussed above.

(106) In example embodiments, the circuit boards, connectors, cases, circuit board assemblies, case assemblies, devices disclosed herein may be SSDs, for example, electronics with no moving parts, hence, less fragile than hard disks, having no mechanical delays, and/or lower access times and/or latency than electromechanical devices.

(107) In example embodiments, the circuit boards, connectors, cases, circuit board assemblies, case assemblies, devices disclosed herein may be components of flash memories, for example, NAND or NOR flash memories. In example embodiments, the circuit boards, connectors, cases, circuit board assemblies, case assemblies, devices disclosed herein may be components of Multi-level cell (MLC) flash memory or Single-level cell (SLC) flash memory.

(108) In example embodiments, the circuit boards, connectors, cases, circuit board assemblies, case assemblies, devices disclosed herein may be components of DRAM memories.

(109) While example embodiments discussed above refer to a first and second form factor, each embodiments may implement M form factors, where M2.

(110) In example embodiments, the first and second form factors are the 1.8 inch and 2.5 inch SATA-2 standard structures. In example embodiments, the first and second form factors may be the 3.5-inch SATA-2 standard structure or another structure, for example, a CompactFlash Type (for example, Type I or II), SD memory card, miniSD, microSD, TransFlash, MultiMediaCard (MMC), MMCplus, RS-MMC, DV RS-MMC, MMCmobile, MMCmicro, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SmartMedia Card, xD-Picture Card, PC Card (for example, Types I, II, or III), and/or USB Flash Drive

(111) Example embodiments being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from example embodiments, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of append claims.