Modular disk memory apparatus with high transfer rate

Abstract

A modular disk memory apparatus provides a modularly expandable, multi-gigabyte auxiliary memory for a computer or other host electronic device, and includes multiple, parallel serial data channels to maximize bidirectional data transfer rates between the apparatus and the host device. Maximization of READ/WRITE data transfer rates within the apparatus is achieved by utilizing a large number of small hard disk drives, typically eight 2.5-inch drives on each of a plurality of Disk Storage Modules, each including a plug-in printed circuit board capable of holding two 5-1/4 inch drives, thereby increasing the maximum data transfer rate per unit volume of the modules by a factor of two. Maximization of bidirectional data transfer rates between the apparatus and host device over that attainable using a single serial data channel such as a coaxial, quadaxial or fiber optic cable, is achieved by parsing or demultiplexing data to be transmitted from a single parallel channel onto p paralleled cables, thereby increasing the maximum transmittal rate by p. Data received over the parallel data channels is multiplexed or concatenated to comprise a data stream on a single parallel channel. Reconstruction data is embedded in data contained in the p parallel data channels specifying the number q of channels employed, where 1.ltoreq.q.ltoreq.p thereby configuring the demultiplexer to concatenate that number of data channels onto a single parallel data bus.