Dataflash Interface (was Smartmedia (NAND flash) interface)

"Joseph Casey" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Greetings.
> As background we sell several types of datatalogger and we would like to
> have a Smartmedia adaptor which works with all of them. The best way of
> interfacing seems to be the RS232 port because it is common to all our
> DLs. The cards must be readable on ordinary USB adaptors. Our
> dataloggers wouldn't have to format the cards - just write data to them.
> I have not been able to find a suitable adaptor or a design for one.
>
> It looks as though we would have to design a microcontroller circuit and
> write software to handle the FAT16 file format on the cards. This would
> be a substantial project.
>
> What size is the task likely to be? what sort of issues would we have to
> deal with? Are there any ways we can save time eg by adapting an
> existing unit? using existing software etc?
>
> Any advice appreciated.
> JC

Why not an Atmel Dataflash.
Simple SPI interface and up to 16 MB of Flash.
Nor flash, so it will work of the shelf (no bit level testing).
You can find a low cost 32/40 pin device without memory bus that can handle
what you need.  The ATmega16 could be a good choice.
If you need more than 16 MB, then only add chips.
SCK,MOSI,MISO is common, and a chip select for each flash device.

The disadvantage of the dataflash is that it is not directly readable
on "stock readers"

The AT89C51SND1 MP3 player has UART + SPI + USB
and there is already FAT file system source code with the development board.
A USB Mass Storage driver is also available.
The smaller brother (AT89C5131) should be able to run the same code
with very little modifications.

Thus you can use the UART to store data and USB to retrieve the data without
a "stock reader". All this while playing "Money for nothing" in the
background :-)



-- 
Best Regards
Ulf at atmel dot com
These comments are intended to be my own opinion and they
may, or may not be shared by my employer, Atmel Sweden.