Data storage accessible by a host using different communication protocols based on the mating orientation of a reversible connector

A method for use by a data storage device that includes a first data storage controller connected to a first memory, a second data storage controller connected to a second memory, and a first connector for connecting to a corresponding second connector for coupling to a host, the method comprising:

• detecting a connection of the second connector with the first connector in a first mating orientation and, in response, enabling access by the host to the first memory under the control of the first data storage controller using a first communication protocol and enabling concurrent access by the host to the second memory under the control of the second data storage controller using a second, different communication protocol;
• detecting disconnection of the second connector from the first connector and, in response, disabling access by the host to the first and second memories;
• and
• detecting a connection of the second connector with the first connector in a second mating orientation and, in response, enabling access by the host to the first memory under the control of the first data storage controller using the second communication protocol and enabling concurrent access by the host to the second memory under the control of the second data storage controller using the first communication protocol.

An apparatus for use with a data storage device that includes a first data storage controller connected to a first memory, a second data storage controller connected to a second memory, and a first connector for connecting to a corresponding second connector for coupling to a host, the apparatus comprising:

• means for detecting a connection of the second connector with the first connector in a first mating orientation;
• means, operative in response to detecting the connection of the second connector with the first connector in the first mating orientation, for enabling access by a host to the first memory under the control of the first data storage controller with a first communication protocol;
• means, operative in response to detecting the connection of the second connector with the first connector in the first mating orientation, for enabling concurrent access by the host to the second memory under the control of the second data storage controller with a second, different communication protocol;
• means for detecting a disconnection of the second connector from the first connector and, in response, for disabling access by the host to the first and second memories;
• and
• means for detecting a connection of the second connector with the first connector in a second mating orientation;
• means, operative in response to detecting the connection of the second connector with the first connector in the second mating orientation, for enabling access by the host to the first memory under the control of the first data storage controller using the second communication protocol;
• and
• means, operative in response to detecting the connection of the second connector with the first connector in the second mating orientation, for enabling concurrent access by the host to the second memory under the control of the second data storage controller using the first communication protocol.

A data storage device, comprising:

• a first data storage controller coupled to a first memory and coupled to a connector of the data storage device using a first connection lane that is coupled to a first configuration orientation pin of the connector, wherein the connector is configured to connect the data storage device to a host;
• a second data storage controller coupled to a second memory and coupled to the connector of the data storage device using a second connection lane that is coupled to a second configuration orientation pin of the connector;
• and
• wherein the first and second connection lanes are configured for concurrent communications with the host, with communications over the first connection lane configured in accordance with a first communication protocol and concurrent communications over the second connection lane configured in accordance with a second, different communication protocol,
• wherein the first connection lane provides a first data communication rate and the second connection lane provides a second data communication rate different from the first data communication rate, in response to an orientation signal at the first orientation pin, and
• wherein the first connection lane provides the second data communication rate and the second connection lane provides the first data communication rate, in response to the orientation signal at the second orientation pin.