Memory unit, a method of assembling a memory unit, a method of reconfiguring a system, and a memory device

A method of assembling a memory unit configured to be slidably received in a slot connector on a circuit board, the method comprising:

• supporting a memory on a card having a connector configured to mate with the slot connector;
• forming circuit traces on the card extending from the connector of the card toward the memory, the circuit traces being configured to couple the memory to a power supply via the slot connector;
• and
• supporting an optical interface on the card and coupling the optical interface to the memory, the optical interface being configured to convert electrical signal to optical signals, for optical data transmission to and from the memory.

A method of reconfiguring a system having a processor and an optical interface coupled to the processor, the method comprising:

• providing a card having a memory thereon, the card further having a connector configured to mate with a slot connector of the system to couple the memory to a power supply, and having an optical interface supported by the card and coupled to the memory, the optical interface being configured to convert between electrical signals and optical signals;
• inserting the card into the slot;
• and
• coupling one end of a fiber optic cable to the optical interface on the card and coupling another end of the fiber optic cable to the optical interface coupled to the processor.