1. A flash memory card for coupling to a host computer system and performing data storage operations in plurality of selected operating modes without requiring configuration instructions from an external source, the flash memory card comprising: a. a flash memory module for executing a write operation, a read operation, and an erase operation; b. a controller coupled to the flash memory module, the controller processing an unencoded signal originating from the host computer system and an encoded signal in the flash memory card and configuring the flash memory card to the selected operating mode in response to the unencoded signal and the encoded signal; c. encoding means for applying to a preencoded signal originating from the host computer system a finite set of predetermined codes, each predetermined code uniquely identifying an operating mode, thereby transforming the preencoded signal into the encoded signal, the encoding means being coupled to the controller; and d. sensing means for monitoring the unencoded signal and the encoded signal, the sensing means being coupled to the controller.