if you wanted to add PCMCIA capability to something resembling an ISA slot (but different
in many ways, particularly the form factor), what would be the best way to go about this?
Obviously many micro controllers have this built in (I would think). I'm looking for
something quick and dirty. Off the top of your head. I'm reading into this, but it
doesn't hurt to ask.
I took apart an HP Jornada VGA adapter (PCMCIA > VGA out) for connecting to an external
monitor. There's very little in there. There's a Trident chip (9440-3), 2 memory
chips, a couple of other chips (glue of some sort I guess) and passive components.
It's the closest thing I've seen to a VGA on a chip solution (I haven't
looked, but it's pretty close). Therefore I need to either hack the PCMCIA interface
to get it to work w/say a Tandy 2000 bus (or another 8086/80186 based computer). Or create
a PCMCIA interface on a card to plug the pc card into, which kind of seems like the long
way, but might turn out to being the easier solution. You tell me.
Keep in mind I don't need the hot swapping capability or card services stack (can a
card function w/o them?). Initially it was designed to add memory. I'm thinking all
the rest of the gobligook came along after they realized people might want to add the
kitchen sink to laptops and handhelds. 16 bit capability is of course adequate. I imagine
I'll have to right a device driver.
ISA PCMCIA adapters are mondo pricey on eBay. Icarumba.