A system and method for overcoming prior impediments to the downloading of microcode firmware to a target controller of a disk or tape storage unit where an Inquiry command determines the type of firmware required by the target controller while a selection means chooses an appropriately sized buffer array for temporarily storing the firmware. Preferably, the bisphosphonate compound is etidronate, clodronate, pamidronate, or zoledronate. The system also includes an Ethernet switch for transmitting the encoded data to a digital device. A semiconductor transfer switch has a first terminal connected to the cathode and a second terminal connected to the second terminal of the capacitive storage element.