Communication device, control method, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

A communication device is provided, characterized by comprising: a connection unit including a plurality of signal lines and connected to an external recording device, the plurality of signal lines including a first signal line and a second signal line; a first communication component that, upon performing a first initialization process, communicates with the external recording device in a first transmission mode; a second communication component that, upon performing a second initialization process, communicates with the external recording device in a second transmission mode; a third communication component that, upon performing a third initialization process, communicates with the external recording device in a third transmission mode; and a control component, wherein the control component performs the following control: determining whether a second signal, indicating compatibility with the second transmission mode, has been input to the second signal line before a predetermined time period has elapsed since the first signal was output to the first signal line; performing a second initialization process if the second signal has been input; performing a first initialization process if the second signal has not been input, and determining whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode based on communication in the first transmission mode; and performing a third initialization process if the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to communication equipment, control methods, and programs. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the transmission speed of external recording devices (such as memory cards) has been continuously increasing. For example, when new standards are developed, new transmission technologies are adopted, such as changes from parallel transmission to high-speed serial transmission, and increases in frequency; as a result, transmission speeds have increased.

[0003] In addition, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique to reduce the initialization time of the memory card.

[0004] Reference List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-209744 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] For reasons such as saving space and reducing costs, it is desirable for communication devices that read and write data by communicating with external recording devices to be compatible with the standards of multiple external recording devices via a single slot. In this case, the communication device needs to determine which standard the external recording device inserted into the slot is compatible with among multiple standards.

[0009] However, the technology in Patent Document 1 relates to a single standard, rather than a technology for determining which standard an external recording device is compatible with among multiple standards.

[0010] In view of the above, the present invention was made, and the present invention provides a technique for appropriately determining which standard an external recording device is compatible with among multiple standards.

[0011] Technical means to solve the problem

[0012] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a communication device, characterized by comprising: a connection unit including a plurality of signal lines and connected to an external recording device, the plurality of signal lines including a first signal line and a second signal line; a first communication component for communicating with the external recording device in a first transmission mode when a first initialization process is performed; a second communication component for communicating with the external recording device in a second transmission mode when a second initialization process is performed; a third communication component for communicating with the external recording device in a third transmission mode when a third initialization process is performed; and a control component, wherein the control component performs the following control: determining whether a second signal is input to the second signal line before a predetermined time period elapses since a first signal is output to the first signal line, the second signal indicating that the external recording device is compatible with the second transmission mode; if it is determined that the second signal has been input, performing the second initialization process; if it is determined that the second signal has not been input, performing the first initialization process and determining whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode based on communication in the first transmission mode; and performing the third initialization process if it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode.

[0013] Advantages of the present invention

[0014] This invention enables the appropriate determination of which standard an external recording device is compatible with among multiple standards.

[0015] Note that other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description of the accompanying drawings and embodiments thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the text description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a communication device that reads and writes data by communicating with an external recording device 120.

[0018] Figure 2A This is a flowchart of the determination process in the first embodiment for the case where the combination of "normal determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode.

[0019] Figure 2B This is a flowchart of the determination process in the first embodiment for the case where the combination of "high-speed determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode.

[0020] Figure 2CThis is a flowchart of the determination process in the first embodiment for the case where the combination of "normal determination" and "third transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode.

[0021] Figure 2D This is a flowchart of the determination process in the first embodiment for the case where the combination of "high-speed determination" and "third transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode.

[0022] Figure 3A-1 This is a flowchart of the determination process in the second embodiment for the case where the combination of "normal determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode.

[0023] Figure 3A-2 This is a flowchart of the determination process in the second embodiment for the case where the combination of "normal determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode.

[0024] Figure 3B This is a flowchart of the determination process in the second embodiment for the case where the combination of "high-speed determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode.

[0025] Figure 3C This is a flowchart of the determination process in the second embodiment for the case where the combination of "high-speed determination" and "third transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Several features are described in the embodiments, but the invention is not limited to requiring all of these features; rather, these features can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or similar parts are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0027] [First Embodiment]

[0028] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a communication device that reads and writes data by communicating with an external recording device 120. The communication device can be installed on, for example, a camera device. The communication device includes a semiconductor device 100, an external recording device connector 110, a common power generation unit 130, a second transmission mode power generation unit 140, and a third transmission mode power generation unit 150.

[0029] Semiconductor device 100 records (writes) or reproduces (reads) data by communicating with external recording device 120 via external recording device connector 110. For example, semiconductor device 100 is an LSI (large-scale integrated circuit) installed in a camera, smartphone, personal computer, etc.

[0030] External recording device connector 110 is a connector (connection unit) for connecting to a detachable external recording device 120, and includes electrical contacts for connecting the semiconductor device 100 and the external recording device 120. For example, external recording device connector 110 is a slot for recording media. External recording device 120 holds data processed by semiconductor device 100 in ROM (read-only memory) and also transmits / receives data recorded in ROM.

[0031] The semiconductor device 100 and the external recording device 120 have multiple transmission modes with different transmission speeds. The semiconductor device 100 determines which transmission mode the external recording device 120 is compatible with, and they transmit using the same transmission mode. (See below for further details.) Figures 2A to 2D The sequence used to determine the transmission mode is described. This embodiment will be described using the following exemplary case, wherein the multiple transmission modes with different transmission speeds are three transmission modes, namely, a first transmission mode, a second transmission mode, and a third transmission mode.

[0032] The first transmission mode is a transmission mode with a transmission speed lower than that of the second and third transmission modes. The second transmission mode is a transmission mode with a transmission speed higher than that of the first transmission mode but lower than that of the third transmission mode. The third transmission mode is a transmission mode with a transmission speed higher than that of the first and second transmission modes. Furthermore, although the external recording device 120 includes a separate electrical terminal for the first transmission mode, the external recording device 120 also includes a shared electrical terminal for the second and third transmission modes. However, this electrical terminal configuration is merely an example; for instance, all transmission modes may share the same electrical terminal.

[0033] The common power generation unit 130 generates the power (common power) typically required when the external recording device 120 transmits in any transmission mode. The second transmission mode power generation unit 140 generates the power required when the external recording device 120 transmits in the second transmission mode (second transmission mode power). When the external recording device 120 transmits in the first or third transmission mode, the second transmission mode power is not required. The third transmission mode power generation unit 150 generates the power required when the external recording device 120 transmits in the third transmission mode (third transmission mode power). When the external recording device 120 transmits in the first or second transmission mode, the third transmission mode power is not required.

[0034] In the following description, it is assumed that the first transmission mode is a transmission mode compliant with the UHS-I standard, the second transmission mode is a transmission mode compliant with the UHS-II standard, and the third transmission mode is a transmission mode compliant with the SDExpress standard. It is assumed that the external recording device 120 supports the first transmission mode (UHS-I standard), and in some cases, supports at least one of the second transmission mode (UHS-II standard) and the third transmission mode (SDExpress standard) as an option. However, this embodiment is not limited to the various types of standards mentioned herein, and each transmission mode can be a transmission mode compliant with other standards. For example, the second transmission mode can be a transmission mode compliant with the UHS-III standard. Note that the first transmission mode (UHS-I standard) and the second transmission mode (UHS-II standard) are compatible, and the first transmission mode (UHS-I standard) and the third transmission mode (SDExpress standard) are compatible. However, the second transmission mode (UHS-II standard) and the third transmission mode (SDExpress standard) are not compatible. However, in any of the first transmission mode (UHS-I standard), the second transmission mode (UHS-II standard), and the third transmission mode (SDExpress standard), a subset of signal lines (at least one signal line; for example, VDD1) are used as the same signal line.

[0035] The semiconductor device 100 includes a first recording control unit 101, a first physical layer 102, a second recording control unit 103, a second physical layer 104, a third recording control unit 105, a third physical layer 106, a signal line switching unit 107, and a system control unit 108.

[0036] The first recording control unit 101 is a controller in the first transmission mode and is a logic circuit for processing data to be sent / received, generating commands for sending / receiving data, correcting errors in received data, etc.

[0037] The first physical layer 102 is the physical layer in the first transmission mode and is a circuit that converts logic signals used for communication with the first recording control unit 101 into electrical signals used for communication with the external recording device 120. For example, the first physical layer 102 is constructed of LVCMOS (Low Voltage Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor). Moreover, communication between the first physical layer 102 and the external recording device 120 is performed using parallel signals.

[0038] The second recording control unit 103 is a controller in the second transmission mode and is a logic circuit for performing packet processing of data to be sent / received, generating commands for sending / receiving data, correcting errors in received data, etc.

[0039] The second physical layer 104 is the physical layer in the second transmission mode, and is a circuit that converts logic signals used for communication with the second recording control unit 103 into electrical signals used for communication with the external recording device 120. For example, the second physical layer 104 is a PHY (physical layer) with SerDes (serializer / deserializer) functionality. Moreover, communication between the second physical layer 104 and the external recording device 120 is performed using serial signals.

[0040] The third recording control unit 105 is a controller in the third transmission mode and is a logic circuit used for packet processing of data to be sent / received, generating commands for sending / receiving data, and correcting errors in received data. Additionally, the third recording control unit 105 can receive an input from a specific signal line (third signal line) indicating that the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode (third signal). Power supply from the third transmission mode power generation unit 150 to the external recording device 120 serves as a trigger enabling the external recording device 120 to generate the third transmission mode compatible signal. (Referring later...) Figure 2B , Figure 2D and Figures 3A-1 to 3C Describe the specific sequence.

[0041] The third physical layer 106 is the physical layer in the third transmission mode, and is a circuit that converts logic signals used for communication with the third recording control unit 105 into electrical signals used for communication with the external recording device 120. For example, the third physical layer 106 is a PHY (physical layer) with SerDes functionality. Moreover, communication between the third physical layer 106 and the external recording device 120 is performed using serial signals.

[0042] As previously described, the external recording device 120 uses a shared electrical terminal in both the second and third transmission modes. Therefore, it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the serial signal lines (first signal line and second signal line) between the desired transmission mode. The serial signal lines (first signal line and second signal line) are selectively connected to the second physical layer 104 and the third physical layer 106 via the signal line switching unit 107. The signal line switching unit 107 selects one of the second physical layer 104 and the third physical layer 106 according to the desired transmission mode and connects the selected physical layer to the serial signal lines (first signal line and second signal line) of the external recording device connector 110.

[0043] Depending on the transmission mode compatible with the external recording device 120, the system control unit 108 switches between the first recording control unit 101, the second recording control unit 103, and the third recording control unit 105 to be used. Furthermore, when transmitting in each type of transmission mode, the system control unit 108 provides power supply commands to the common power generation unit 130, the second transmission mode power generation unit 140, and the third transmission mode power generation unit 150. Additionally, the system control unit 108 controls the signal line switching unit 107 to switch between signal lines using the second physical layer 104 and signal lines using the third physical layer 106. The system control unit 108 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). (See below for further details.) Figures 2A to 2D as well as Figures 3A-1 to 3C Describe the specific control sequence.

[0044] Although Figure 1 In the example, the signal line switching unit 107 is located within the semiconductor device 100. However, the signal line switching unit 107 can also be located outside the semiconductor device 100, that is, on the printed circuit board of the communication device, and its location is unrestricted. Alternatively, instead of the signal line switching unit 107, the semiconductor device 100 may include an integrated physical layer (multi-protocol PHY) that integrates a second physical layer 104 and a third physical layer 106. In this case, the semiconductor device 100 switches between signals from the second recording control unit 103 and signals from the third recording control unit 105 within the integrated physical layer.

[0045] Figures 2A to 2D This is a flowchart of the process by which the communication device in the first embodiment determines the transmission mode compatible with the external recording device 120.

[0046] There are multiple methods for determining the third transmission mode, and the methods used are... Figure 2A and Figure 2C and Figure 2B and Figure 2D They are different. In Figure 2A and Figure 2C In this process, the third transmission mode is determined based on the communication under the first transmission mode. Figure 2B and Figure 2D In this process, communication based on a specific transmission mode is not determined, and the power supply for the third transmission mode is used as a trigger to determine the third transmission mode based on whether a third transmission mode compatible signal is input. Figure 2A and Figure 2C In this case, the determination accuracy is improved because the third transmission mode is determined based on communication. However, since the initialization process of the first transmission mode needs to be performed before determining the third transmission mode, the time required for the determination process is relatively long. On the other hand, in Figure 2B and Figure 2D In the case where the third transmission mode is determined without performing the initialization process of the first transmission mode, the time required for the determination process is relatively short, but the determination accuracy decreases.

[0047] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this process, the second transmission mode is determined first. If the external recording device 120 is compatible with the second transmission mode, the second transmission mode is selected as the transmission mode to be used, regardless of whether the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode. On the other hand, in Figure 2C and Figure 2D In this process, the third transmission mode is determined first. If the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode, the third transmission mode is selected as the transmission mode to be used, regardless of whether the external recording device 120 is compatible with the second transmission mode.

[0048] Typically, the determination of the second transmission mode can be performed in a shorter time period compared to the determination of the third transmission mode. Therefore, in the default determination mode, the communication device determines the transmission mode according to... Figure 2A The flowchart determines the transmission mode compatible with the external recording device 120.

[0049] Furthermore, the communication device can display a menu screen on a display unit (not shown) for selecting the determination mode, and the user can select the determination mode of the communication device via this menu screen. The selection of the determination mode includes the selection of the determination speed ("normal determination" or "high-speed determination") and the selection of the priority mode ("second transmission mode priority determination" or "third transmission mode priority determination").

[0050] The default determination mode mentioned above refers to a combination of "normal determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination"; in this case, the communication device determines the mode based on... Figure 2A The flowchart determines the transmission mode compatible with the external recording device 120. When the combination of "high-speed determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected, the communication device... Figure 2B The flowchart determines the transmission mode compatible with the external recording device 120. When the combination of "Normal Determination" and "Third Transmission Mode Preferred Determination" is selected, the communication device... Figure 2C The flowchart determines the transmission mode compatible with the external recording device 120. When the combination of "high-speed determination" and "third transmission mode priority determination" is selected, the communication device... Figure 2D The flowchart determines the transmission mode compatible with the external recording device 120.

[0051] Note that the default determination mode is not limited to the combination of "normal determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination". For example, if there are more external recording devices 120 that are compatible with the third transmission mode than external recording devices 120 that are not compatible with the third transmission mode, the combination of "normal determination" and "third transmission mode priority determination" can be used as the default determination mode.

[0052] First, refer to Figure 2A This describes the determination process for the case where a combination of "normal determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. The system control unit 108 determines the process based on a control program stored in a ROM (not shown). Figure 2A The determination process executes overall control, unless otherwise specified. When the system control unit 108 detects that the external recording device 120 has been connected to the external recording device connector 110, it begins... Figure 2A The processing of flowcharts.

[0053] In S200, the system control unit 108 supplies common power to the external recording device 120 by issuing a command to the common power generation unit 130. In S201, the system control unit 108 supplies second transmission mode power to the external recording device 120 by issuing a command to the second transmission mode power generation unit 140.

[0054] In S202 to S204, the system control unit 108 performs control to determine whether the external recording device 120 is compatible with the second transmission mode. Specifically, in S202, the system control unit 108 controls the connection of the signal line of the signal line switching unit 107 to the second physical layer 104. In S203, the second recording control unit 103 outputs a second transmission mode determination signal from the second physical layer 104 to the external recording device 120. In S204, the second recording control unit 103 determines whether a second transmission mode compatibility signal indicating compatibility between the external recording device 120 and the second transmission mode has been input from the external recording device 120 before a predetermined time period (first time period) has elapsed since the output of the second transmission mode determination signal. If a second transmission mode compatibility signal has been input, the process proceeds to S205; otherwise, the process proceeds to S206.

[0055] When the second transmission mode conforms to the UHS-II or UHS-III standard, the second transmission mode determination signal (first signal) is STB.L, and the second recording control unit 103 outputs STB.L via the D0 channel (first signal line). Additionally, the second transmission mode compatible signal (second signal) is STB.L, and when STB.L is input from the D1 channel (second signal line), the second recording control unit 103 determines that a second transmission mode compatible signal has been input. According to this standard, this determination requires a maximum of 200 μs. That is, the predetermined time period (first time period) in S204 is 200 μs.

[0056] In S205, the system control unit 108 begins initialization (second initialization process) in the second transmission mode. This enables communication with the external recording device 120 in the second transmission mode. That is, after the second initialization process is performed, the second recording control unit 103 communicates with the external recording device 120 in the second transmission mode.

[0057] In S206, the system control unit 108 stops supplying second transmission mode power to the external recording device 120 by issuing a command to the second transmission mode power generation unit 140.

[0058] In S207, the system control unit 108 begins initialization (first initialization process) in the first transmission mode. In S208, the first recording control unit 101 issues a third transmission mode determination command from the first physical layer. Because the first initialization process needs to be performed to issue the third transmission mode determination command, a relatively long time period (e.g., several hundred milliseconds) is required from the start of the first initialization process in S207 to the issuance of the third transmission mode determination command in S208. In S209, the first recording control unit 101 determines whether the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode based on the third transmission mode determination response. If the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode, the process proceeds to S210; otherwise, the process proceeds to S213.

[0059] When the first transmission mode conforms to the UHS-I standard and the third transmission mode conforms to the SDExpress standard, the command for determining the third transmission mode is CMD8. Furthermore, the response for determining the third transmission mode is a response to CMD8 and includes information indicating whether the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode. In this way, the first initialization process enables communication in the first transmission mode, and the determination of the third transmission mode is based on the communication of commands and responses.

[0060] In S210, the system control unit 108 selects the third physical layer 106 by issuing a command to the signal line switching unit 107. In S211, the system control unit 108 supplies third transmission mode power to the external recording device 120 by issuing a command to the third transmission mode power generation unit 150. In S212, the third recording control unit 105 reinitializes in the third transmission mode. This initialization in the third transmission mode (third initialization process) enables communication with the external recording device 120 in the third transmission mode. In other words, after performing the third initialization process, the third recording control unit 105 communicates with the external recording device 120 in the third transmission mode.

[0061] In S213, the first recording control unit 101 continues initialization in the first transmission mode. Note that, as mentioned earlier, the first initialization process required for the first recording control unit 101 to communicate in the first transmission mode was already performed in S208. Therefore, the continuation of initialization in S213 refers to a process different from the first initialization process.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 2B This describes the determination process for the case where a combination of "high-speed determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. The system control unit 108 performs the determination based on the control program stored in ROM (not shown). Figure 2B The determination process executes overall control, unless otherwise specified. When the system control unit 108 detects that the external recording device 120 has been connected to the external recording device connector 110, it begins... Figure 2B The processing of flowcharts.

[0063] Processing of S214 to S220 and Figure 2A The processing of S200 to S206 is similar, so its description is omitted.

[0064] In S221 to S223, the system control unit 108 performs control to determine whether the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode. Specifically, in S221, the system control unit 108 performs control to connect the signal line of the signal line switching unit 107 to the third physical layer 106. In S222, the system control unit 108 supplies third transmission mode power to the external recording device 120 by issuing a command to the third transmission mode power generation unit 150. This is because a different... Figure 2AThe method for determining the third transmission mode is used, and the supply of power to the third transmission mode becomes a trigger for the external recording device 120 to respond with a third transmission mode compatible signal. In S223, the third recording control unit 105 determines whether a third transmission mode compatible signal indicating that the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode has been input from the external recording device 120 before a predetermined time period (second time period) has elapsed since the third transmission mode power supply was supplied. If a third transmission mode compatible signal has been input, the process proceeds to S224; otherwise, the process proceeds to S225. The time period from S222 to S223 is longer than... Figure 2A The time interval from S207 to S208 is short, for example, a few milliseconds.

[0065] When the third transmission mode conforms to the SDExpress standard, a third transmission mode compatible signal is input from the CLKREQ signal line (third signal line). Once dedicated SDExpress power (third transmission mode power) is supplied, a response is input to the CLKREQ signal line. A maximum of 1ms is required to respond. That is, the predetermined time period (second time period) in S223 is 1ms.

[0066] In S224, the third recording control unit 105 begins initialization in the third transmission mode (third initialization process). This enables communication with the external recording device 120 in the third transmission mode. That is, when the third initialization process is performed, the third recording control unit 105 communicates with the external recording device 120 in the third transmission mode.

[0067] In S225, the system control unit 108 stops supplying third transmission mode power to the external recording device 120 by issuing a command to the third transmission mode power generation unit 150. In S226, the system control unit 108 begins initialization in the first transmission mode.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 2C This describes the determination process for the case where a combination of "normal determination" and "third transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. The system control unit 108 determines the process based on a control program stored in a ROM (not shown). Figure 2C The determination process executes overall control, unless otherwise specified. When the system control unit 108 detects that the external recording device 120 has been connected to the external recording device connector 110, it begins... Figure 2C The processing of flowcharts.

[0069] S227 handling and Figure 2A The processing of S200 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. The processing of S228 to S233 is similar. Figure 2AThe processing of S207 to S212 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. The processing of S234 to S240 is similar. Figure 2A The processing of S201 to S207 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. Therefore, except that the determination order of the second and third transmission modes is reversed, Figure 2A Determining the processing and Figure 2C The determination process is almost identical.

[0070] Next, refer to Figure 2D This describes the determination process for the case where a combination of "high-speed determination" and "third transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. The system control unit 108 performs the determination based on the control program stored in ROM (not shown). Figure 2D The determination process executes overall control, unless otherwise specified. When the system control unit 108 detects that the external recording device 120 has been connected to the external recording device connector 110, it begins... Figure 2D The processing of flowcharts.

[0071] S241 processing and Figure 2B The processing of S214 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. The processing of S242 to S246 is similar. Figure 2B The processing of S221 to S225 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. The processing of S247 to S252 is similar. Figure 2B The processing of S215 to S220 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. The processing of S253 is similar to... Figure 2B The processing of S226 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. Therefore, except that the order in which the second and third transmission modes are determined is reversed, Figure 2B Determining the processing and Figure 2D The determination process is almost identical.

[0072] As described above, according to the first embodiment, Figures 2A to 2D Any of the determination processes shown enable the appropriate determination of which standard the external recording device 120 is compatible with among multiple standards.

[0073] [Second Embodiment]

[0074] The second embodiment will be described with respect to the following configuration, which reduces the time required for the communication device to determine the transmission mode compatible with the external recording device 120. In the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the communication device is similar to that of the first embodiment (see...). Figure 1 The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0075] Figures 3A-1 to 3CThis is a flowchart of the process by which the communication device in the second embodiment determines the transmission mode compatible with the external recording device 120.

[0076] Figure 3A-1 and Figure 3A-2 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination process for the case where a combination of "normal determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. According to... Figure 3A-1 and Figure 3A-2 Even when the external recording device 120 is determined to be compatible with the second transmission mode, the high-speed determination method is used to further determine the third transmission mode, which is different from the first embodiment ( Figure 2A The situation is different. Therefore, when the external recording device 120 is compatible with both the second and third transmission modes, the communication device can select the third transmission mode, which has a higher speed than the second transmission mode, as the transmission mode to be used within a relatively short and defined time period.

[0077] Figure 3B This is a flowchart illustrating the determination process when a combination of "high-speed determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. According to... Figure 3B The determination process, along with the output of the second transmission mode determination signal, supplies power to the third transmission mode in parallel. Regarding the determination of the input of the second transmission mode compatible signal and the input of the third transmission mode compatible signal, the former is performed first. Therefore, Figure 3B Determining the processing and Figure 2B The similarity in the determination process is that the second transmission mode takes precedence over the third transmission mode, but after determining that the external recording device 120 is incompatible with the second transmission mode, a shorter time period is required to determine the third transmission mode.

[0078] Figure 3C This is a flowchart illustrating the determination process for the case where a combination of "high-speed determination" and "third transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. According to... Figure 3C The determination process, along with the output of the second transmission mode determination signal, supplies power to the third transmission mode. Regarding the determination of the input of the second transmission mode compatible signal and the input of the third transmission mode compatible signal, the latter is performed first. Therefore, Figure 3C Determining the processing and Figure 2D The similarity in the determination process is that the third transmission mode takes precedence over the second transmission mode, but after determining that the external recording device 120 is incompatible with the third transmission mode, a shorter time period is required when determining the second transmission mode.

[0079] First, refer to Figure 3A-1 and Figure 3A-2This describes the determination process for the case where a combination of "normal determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. The system control unit 108 determines the process based on a control program stored in a ROM (not shown). Figure 3A-1 and Figure 3A-2 The determination process executes overall control, unless otherwise specified. When the system control unit 108 detects that the external recording device 120 has been connected to the external recording device connector 110, it begins... Figure 3A-1 and Figure 3A-2 The processing of flowcharts.

[0080] S300 to S305 processing and Figure 2A The processing of S200 to S205 is similar, so its description is omitted.

[0081] In S306, the second recording control unit 103 issues a third transmission mode determination command from the second physical layer. In the second transmission mode, the second recording control unit 103 can send a command to the referenced... Figure 2A The commands described in S208 are the same as those in the first transmission mode. Furthermore, the transmission speed of the second transmission mode is higher than that of the first transmission mode. Therefore, if the external recording device 120 is determined to be compatible with the second transmission mode and potentially compatible with the third transmission mode, issuing a third transmission mode determination command in the second transmission mode reduces the time required to determine the third transmission mode.

[0082] In S307, the second recording control unit 103 determines the response based on the third transmission mode, determining whether the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode. If the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode, the process proceeds to S309; ​​otherwise, the process proceeds to S308.

[0083] When the second transmission mode conforms to the UHS-II standard and the third transmission mode conforms to the SDExpress standard, the command for determining the third transmission mode is CMD8. Furthermore, the response for determining the third transmission mode is a response to CMD8 and includes information indicating whether the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode. In this way, the execution of the second initialization process enables communication in the second transmission mode and the determination of the third transmission mode is based on the communication of commands and responses. Approximately tens of milliseconds are required from the start of initialization in the second transmission mode (UHS-II standard) to the issuance of CMD8.

[0084] In S308, the second recording control unit 103 continues initialization in the second transmission mode. Note that, as mentioned earlier, the second initialization process required for the second recording control unit 103 to communicate in the second transmission mode was already performed in S306. Therefore, the continuation of initialization in S308 refers to a process different from the second initialization process.

[0085] S309 processing and Figure 2A The processing of S206 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. The processing of S310 to S317 is similar. Figure 2A The processing of S206 to S213 is similar, so its description is omitted.

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 3B This describes the determination process for the case where a combination of "high-speed determination" and "second transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. The system control unit 108 performs the determination based on the control program stored in ROM (not shown). Figure 3B The determination process executes overall control, unless otherwise specified. When the system control unit 108 detects that the external recording device 120 has been connected to the external recording device connector 110, it begins... Figure 3B The processing of flowcharts.

[0087] The processing of S318 to S319 and S321 to S322 and Figure 2B S214 to S218 ( Figure 2A The processing of S200 to S204 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. The processing of S320 is similar to... Figure 2B The processing of S322 in the example is similar, so its description is omitted.

[0088] S324 processing and Figure 2B The processing of S225 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. The processing of S325 is similar. Figure 2B The processing of S219 is similar, therefore its description is omitted. The processing of S326 to S331 is similar. Figure 2B The processing of S220 to S221 and S223 to S226 is similar, so their description is omitted.

[0089] exist Figure 3B In this process, the processing of S320 and the processing of S321 and S322 are not executed in a specific order (that is, not limited to...). Figure 3B (The order shown). In other words, in Figure 3B In this context, parallel execution (essentially simultaneous execution) is used as the processing for triggering the third transmission mode and as the processing for triggering the second transmission mode.

[0090] Here, it is assumed that the longest time interval from supplying power for the third transmission mode to the external recording device 120 to inputting the third transmission mode compatible signal is 1 ms. Furthermore, it is assumed that the longest time interval from outputting the second transmission mode determination signal from the second physical layer to inputting the second transmission mode compatible signal is 200 μs. In this case, the determination of the second and third transmission modes is performed in series. Figure 2B The process, from determining the second to the third transmission mode, takes a maximum of 1.2 ms. This determination is performed in parallel. Figure 3B The time period until the determination of both the second and third transmission modes is completed is reduced to a maximum of 1 ms.

[0091] The reduction in the time period will be described in more detail. In S323, the second recording control unit 103 determines whether a second transmission mode compatible signal has been input from the external recording device 120 before a predetermined time period (first time period) has elapsed since the output of the second transmission mode determination signal. Additionally, in S328, the third recording control unit 105 determines whether a third transmission mode compatible signal has been input from the external recording device 120 before a predetermined time period (second time period) has elapsed since the supply of power for the third transmission mode. Therefore, the processing of S323 and S328 themselves is similar to... Figure 2B Similar to S218 and S223. However, with Figure 2B Unlike the S218, in Figure 3B When S323 is executed, the power supply for the third transmission mode has already begun. Therefore, when the second recording control unit 103 targets... Figure 3B When S323 is determined and the predetermined time period (first time period) is being waited for, part or all of the predetermined time period (second time period) required for S328 to be determined has elapsed. Therefore, the time period required for determining both the second transmission mode and the third transmission mode is reduced from the sum of the time periods required for each determination to the longer of the two time periods required for each determination.

[0092] Next, refer to Figure 3C This describes the determination process for the case where a combination of "high-speed determination" and "third transmission mode priority determination" is selected as the determination mode. The system control unit 108 performs the determination based on the control program stored in ROM (not shown). Figure 3C The determination process executes overall control, unless otherwise specified. When the system control unit 108 detects that the external recording device 120 has been connected to the external recording device connector 110, it begins... Figure 3C The processing of flowcharts.

[0093] Processing of S332 to S336 and Figure 3BThe processing in S318 to S332 is similar, so its description is omitted. In S337, following S336, the third transmission mode is determined before the second transmission mode, which is similar to... Figure 3B The specific handling here is different. Figure 3B The processing in S328 is similar, so its description is omitted. If the external recording device 120 is compatible with the third transmission mode, the processing proceeds to S338; otherwise, the processing proceeds to S341.

[0094] Processing of S338 to S340 and Figure 3B The processing of S326 to S327 and S329 is similar, so their description is omitted.

[0095] S341 processing and Figure 3B The processing in S330 is similar, so its description is omitted. Then, the second transmission mode is determined in S342. That is, similar to... Figure 3B Unlike other methods, the second transmission mode is determined after the third transmission mode is determined. The specific processing here is different. Figure 3B The processing in S323 is similar, so its description is omitted. If the external recording device 120 is compatible with the second transmission mode, the processing proceeds to S343; otherwise, the processing proceeds to S344.

[0096] Processing of S343 to S345 and Figure 3B The processing of S325, S326 and S331 is similar, so their description is omitted.

[0097] Here, it is assumed that the longest time interval from supplying power for the third transmission mode to the external recording device 120 to inputting the third transmission mode compatible signal is 1 ms. Furthermore, it is assumed that the longest time interval from outputting the second transmission mode determination signal from the second physical layer to inputting the second transmission mode compatible signal is 200 μs. In this case, the determination of the second and third transmission modes is performed in series. Figure 2B The process, from determining the second to the third transmission mode, takes a maximum of 1.2 ms. This determination is performed in parallel. Figure 3C ,and Figure 3B Similarly, the time interval until both the second and third transmission modes are determined is reduced to a maximum of 1 ms. That is, compared to... Figure 3B Similarly, the time period required to determine the second and third transmission modes is reduced from the sum of the time periods required for each determination to the longer of the time periods required for each determination.

[0098] As described above, according to the second embodiment, compared with the first embodiment, Figures 3A-1 to 3CAny of the determination processes shown enable the determination of which standard the external recording device 120 is compatible with among multiple standards within a short period of time.

[0099] [Other embodiments]

[0100] This invention can be implemented by providing a program for implementing one or more functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and causing one or more processors in the computer of the system or device to read and execute the program. This invention can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) for implementing one or more functions.

[0101] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, the appended claims are made to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0102] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application 2020-061110, filed on March 30, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0103] List of reference numerals

[0104] 100…Semiconductor device, 101…First recording control unit, 102…First physical layer, 103…Second recording control unit, 104…Second physical layer, 105…Third recording control unit, 106…Third physical layer, 107…Signal line switching unit, 108…System control unit, 110…External recording device connector, 120…External recording device, 150…Third transmission mode power generation unit

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that... include: A connection unit, which includes multiple signal lines and is connected to an external recording device; as well as A control unit for controlling communication with the external recording device connected to the connection unit. The control component performs the following control: Determine whether a second signal was input before a predetermined time period has elapsed since the first signal was output to the external recording device, the second signal indicating that the external recording device is compatible with the second transmission mode; If it is determined that the second signal has been input, communication is performed in the second transmission mode; and If it is determined that the second signal has not yet been input. The first initialization process, used for communication in the first transmission mode, begins. Based on the communication in the first transmission mode, determine whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, and If it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, communication is performed in the third transmission mode.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that... Also includes: A first communication component is used to communicate with the external recording device in the first transmission mode; The second communication component is used to communicate with the external recording device in the second transmission mode; as well as A third communication component is used to communicate with the external recording device in the third transmission mode. The control component controls the first communication component, the second communication component, and the third communication component.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following control: If it is determined that the second signal was input before the predetermined time period has elapsed, a second initialization process for communicating in the second transmission mode is performed, and communication is performed in the second transmission mode; as well as If it is determined that the second signal has not been input before the predetermined time period has elapsed. The first initialization process begins, and based on the communication in the first transmission mode, it is determined whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode. If it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, a third initialization process for communication in the third transmission mode is performed, and communication is performed in the third transmission mode. If it is determined that the external recording device is incompatible with the third transmission mode, the first initialization process continues, and communication is performed in the first transmission mode.

4. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of signal lines includes a first signal line and a second signal line, and The control unit determines whether the second signal is input to the second signal line before the predetermined time period elapses since the first signal was output to the first signal line.

5. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit determines whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode based on the response to a predetermined command obtained through communication in the first transmission mode.

6. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following control: Based on the communication under the second transmission mode, determine whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode; and If it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, communication under the second transmission mode is terminated, and communication is performed under the third transmission mode.

7. The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of signal lines includes a first signal line and a second signal line. The communication device further includes a switching unit that selectively connects the first signal line and the second signal line to the second communication component or the third communication component. The control unit controls the switching unit to connect the first signal line and the second signal line to the second communication unit before the first signal is output to the first signal line. If it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, the control unit controls the switching unit to connect the first signal line and the second signal line to the third communication unit.

8. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The time period required to determine whether the second signal was input before the predetermined time period elapsed since the first signal was output is shorter than the time period required to start the first initialization process and determine whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode based on communication in the first transmission mode.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The predetermined time period associated with determining whether the second signal has been input is 200 μs, and The time required to begin the first initialization process and determine whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode based on the communication in the first transmission mode is several hundred milliseconds.

10. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first transmission mode is a transmission mode that conforms to the UHS-I standard. The second transmission mode is a transmission mode that conforms to the UHS-II or UHS-III standard, and The third transmission mode is a transmission mode that conforms to the SDExpress standard.

11. The communication device according to claim 10, characterized in that, If, before the predetermined time period elapses after the STB.L signal is output to the D1 signal line in the second transmission mode, the control unit determines that the external recording device is compatible with the second transmission mode, and The control unit determines whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode based on the response to CMD8 obtained through communication in the first transmission mode.

12. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of signal lines is used in any of the first transmission mode, the second transmission mode, and the third transmission mode.

13. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first transmission mode is compatible with the second transmission mode, and the first transmission mode is compatible with the third transmission mode, but the second transmission mode is not compatible with the third transmission mode.

14. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... Also includes: The selection component is used to select the preferred transmission mode between the second and the third transmission modes. The control component performs the following control: When the second transmission mode is selected as the preferred mode, Determine whether the second signal was input before the predetermined time period elapsed since the first signal was output to the external recording device. If the second signal is detected as input, communication is performed in the second transmission mode, and If it is determined that the second signal has not yet been input. The first initialization process begins, and based on the communication in the first transmission mode, it is determined whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode. If it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, communication is performed in the third transmission mode, and If it is determined that the external recording device is incompatible with the third transmission mode, the first initialization process continues, and communication is performed in the first transmission mode; and When the third transmission mode is selected as the preferred mode, The first initialization process begins, and based on the communication in the first transmission mode, it is determined whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode. If it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, communication is performed in the third transmission mode, and In the case where it is determined that the external recording device is incompatible with the third transmission mode. The communication in the first transmission mode is terminated, and it is determined whether the second signal was input before the predetermined time period elapsed since the first signal was output to the external recording device. If the second signal is detected as input, communication is performed in the second transmission mode, and Communication is performed in the first transmission mode if it is not determined that the second signal has been input.

15. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... Also includes: The selection component is used to select the preferred transmission mode between the second and the third transmission modes. The control component performs the following control: When the second transmission mode is selected as the preferred mode, Determine whether the second signal was input before the predetermined time period elapsed since the first signal was output to the external recording device. If the second signal is detected as input, communication is performed in the second transmission mode, and If it is determined that the second signal has not yet been input. The first initialization process begins, and based on the communication in the first transmission mode, it is determined whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode. If it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, communication is performed in the third transmission mode, and If it is determined that the external recording device is incompatible with the third transmission mode, the first initialization process continues, and communication is performed in the first transmission mode; and When the third transmission mode is selected as the preferred mode, Power is supplied for the third transmission mode, and it is determined whether a third signal has been input before a second predetermined time period has elapsed since power for the third transmission mode was supplied, the third signal indicating that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode. If it is determined that the third signal has been input, communication is performed in the third transmission mode, and If it is determined that the third signal has not yet been input. Stop supplying power for the third transmission mode, and determine whether the second signal was input before the predetermined time period elapsed since the first signal was output to the external recording device. If the second signal is detected as input, communication is performed in the second transmission mode, and If it is determined that the second signal has not yet been input, communication is performed in the first transmission mode.

16. A control method for a communication device, wherein, The communication device includes: A connection unit, comprising multiple signal lines and connected to an external recording device; and A control unit for controlling communication with the external recording device connected to the connection unit. The control method is characterized by comprising the following steps, in which the control component performs the following control: Determine whether a second signal was input before a predetermined time period has elapsed since the first signal was output to the external recording device, the second signal indicating that the external recording device is compatible with the second transmission mode; If it is determined that the second signal has been input, communication is performed in the second transmission mode; and If it is determined that the second signal has not yet been input. The first initialization process, used for communication in the first transmission mode, begins. Based on the communication in the first transmission mode, determine whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, and If it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, communication is performed in the third transmission mode.

17. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a communication device to perform a control method, wherein, The communication device includes: A connection unit, comprising multiple signal lines and connected to an external recording device; and A control unit for controlling communication with the external recording device connected to the connection unit. The control method is characterized by comprising the following steps, in which the control component performs the following control: Determine whether a second signal was input before a predetermined time period has elapsed since the first signal was output to the external recording device, the second signal indicating that the external recording device is compatible with the second transmission mode; If it is determined that the second signal has been input, communication is performed in the second transmission mode; and If it is determined that the second signal has not yet been input. The first initialization process, used for communication in the first transmission mode, begins. Based on the communication in the first transmission mode, determine whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, and If it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, communication is performed in the third transmission mode.

18. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a communication device to perform a control method, wherein, The communication device includes: A connection unit, comprising multiple signal lines and connected to an external recording device; and A control unit for controlling communication with the external recording device connected to the connection unit. The control method is characterized by comprising the following steps, in which the control component performs the following control: Determine whether a second signal was input before a predetermined time period has elapsed since the first signal was output to the external recording device, the second signal indicating that the external recording device is compatible with the second transmission mode; If it is determined that the second signal has been input, communication is performed in the second transmission mode; and If it is determined that the second signal has not yet been input. The first initialization process, used for communication in the first transmission mode, begins. Based on the communication in the first transmission mode, determine whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, and If it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transmission mode, communication is performed in the third transmission mode.

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