Storage medium, storage element, storage medium arrangement method, and data transmission method

Abstract

The application discloses a storage medium, a storage element, a storage medium configuration method and a data transmission method, and belongs to the technical field of data processing. For the storage medium, the storage medium comprises at least two medium particles, the at least two medium particles are sequentially connected through a signal line to form a closed loop, and the at least two medium particles are used for transmitting data through a bus. Wherein, the level of the signal line is controlled by the two medium particles connected through the signal line, and the level of the signal line is used for the at least two medium particles to determine the sequence of transmitting data through the bus. The storage medium provided by the application can determine the sequence of transmitting data through the bus according to the level of the signal line, so that the medium particles can occupy the bus to complete data transmission after preparation, and the data transmission efficiency is improved. Moreover, since the at least two medium particles are sequentially connected to form a closed loop, the priority of the medium particles can be adjusted after the encapsulation of the medium particles.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application has the application number 202210138758.6 and the original application date is February 15, 2022. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of data processing technology, and in particular to storage media, storage elements, storage media configuration methods, and data transmission methods. Background Technology

[0003] Storage media include media dies, which are used for data transmission. Before data transmission can occur, the media dies must first undergo preparation.

[0004] Related technologies provide a storage medium comprising discrete media particles. Based on this structure, a controller first sends instructions to the media particles, which then prepare according to the received instructions. The controller then polls and checks the media particles. Only after the controller confirms through polling that the media particles are ready does it transmit data with them.

[0005] However, the process of the controller polling and checking the media particles not only consumes processing resources but also increases the latency of data transmission. Therefore, data transmission using storage media provided by related technologies consumes more processing resources and has a longer latency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a storage medium, a storage element, a storage medium configuration method, and a data transmission method to improve the problems of high processing resource consumption and long data transmission latency associated with data transmission via storage media provided by related technologies. The technical solution provided by this application is as follows.

[0007] In a first aspect, a storage medium is provided, comprising at least two media particles connected in an ordered manner via signal lines to form a closed loop, and wherein the at least two media particles are used to transmit data via a bus. The voltage level of the signal lines is controlled by the two media particles connected via the signal lines, and the voltage level of the signal lines is used by the at least two media particles to determine the order in which data is transmitted via the bus.

[0008] In this application, the dielectric particles can determine the order of data transmission via the bus based on the signal line levels. Therefore, the dielectric particles can automatically occupy the bus and complete data transmission after preparation, without consuming processing resources to poll and check whether the dielectric particles are ready. This saves processing resources, reduces data transmission latency, and improves data transmission efficiency. Furthermore, since at least two dielectric particles are connected in an ordered manner to form a closed loop, this application does not need to determine the priority of the dielectric particles during packaging; instead, the priority of the dielectric particles can be adjusted after packaging is completed.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the voltage level of any signal line is a fixed level, or the voltage levels of all signal lines are fixed levels. Where the voltage level of any signal line is fixed, one of the two dielectric particles connected to that signal line has the highest priority. Among at least two dielectric particles, the priorities of the other dielectric particles are determined based on the dielectric particle with the highest priority, and the priorities of each dielectric particle are different. Alternatively, where the voltage levels of all signal lines are fixed, the priorities of all dielectric particles are the same. This application can adjust the priority of dielectric particles by controlling the voltage levels of the signal lines.

[0010] In some possible implementations, at least two media particles include a selector and a register. The selector is used to select either its first or second terminal. The first terminal is used to configure the level of the signal line associated with the register to a fixed level. The second terminal is used to indicate that the level of the signal line is controlled by the two media particles connected by the signal line according to the data transmission situation. Based on the media particles, the level of the signal line is also controlled by the selector and register, providing a relatively flexible control method.

[0011] In some possible implementations, one of the two media particles connected by signal lines includes a selector and a register. A configuration method for the selector and register is provided, which is simple in structure and easy to use.

[0012] In some possible implementations, both media particles connected by signal lines include selectors and registers. Another method of configuring selectors and registers is provided, offering redundant selectors and registers for the signal lines with high reliability.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the signal lines include request signal lines and feedback signal lines.

[0014] In some possible implementations, with the signal line levels fixed, the request signal line has a first level indicating that authorization has not been requested, and the feedback signal line has a second level indicating that authorization has been granted. Authorization signifies permission to transmit data via the bus. Because the first level indicates that authorization has not been requested and the second level indicates that authorization has been granted, the media particle can obtain authorization without requesting it, thus giving the media particle the highest priority.

[0015] In some possible implementations, where the signal line levels are controlled by two media particles connected via the signal lines based on data transmission status, the request signal line level is either a first level or a third level. The first level indicates no authorization request, and the third level indicates an authorization request. The feedback signal line level is either a second level or a fourth level. The second level indicates authorization, and the fourth level indicates no authorization. Authorization indicates permission to transmit data via the bus. The media particles themselves control the controller's levels based on data transmission status, thereby negotiating the order of data transmission between different media particles via the bus.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the storage medium also includes a state machine. The state machine records the states of the media particles, including idle, ready, data transfer, and data transfer states of other media particles. The data transfer states of other media particles indicate that other media particles preceding the current media particle are currently transmitting data. Recording the states of each media particle through a state machine facilitates monitoring whether the media particles are functioning correctly during data transfer, preventing media particle malfunctions from affecting the data transmission process.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the media particles include a first data pin and a second data pin, and the bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus. The first data pin is used to connect to the first data bus, and the second data pin is used to connect to the second data bus. The first data bus is used for transmitting data between at least two media particles, and the second data bus is used for transmitting data to at least two media particles. In this implementation, the read and write processes use different data buses, achieving read-write separation and avoiding conflicts between the read and write processes.

[0018] In a second aspect, a storage element is provided, the storage element including a controller and a storage medium provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the controller being connected to at least two media particles included in the storage medium via a bus.

[0019] The controller is used to send a data transmission instruction to a first medium particle among at least two medium particles, wherein the first medium particle is any one of the at least two medium particles.

[0020] The first medium particle is used to receive data transmission instructions sent by the controller;

[0021] The first medium particle is also used to transmit data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus based on the data transmission command and the level of the signal line in the storage medium. The level of the signal line is controlled by two medium particles connected by the signal line. The level of the signal line is used by at least two medium particles to determine the order in which data is transmitted via the bus.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the level of the first signal line is fixed. The level of the second signal line (excluding the first signal line) is controlled by two media particles connected through the second signal line according to data transmission conditions. The first signal line is located between the first media particle and the next media particle. A data transmission command is used to instruct the first media particle to transmit data. The first media particle prepares based on the data transmission command. If the first media particle detects that the first signal line is at a fixed level and determines through the level of the third signal line that the first media particle has not authorized the previous media particle, it sends data and a data identifier to the controller via the bus. The third signal line is the second signal line located between the first media particle and the previous media particle, and authorization indicates that data transmission via the bus is permitted. In this implementation, the first media particle has the highest priority; therefore, the first media particle can occupy the bus for data transmission as long as it determines that it has not authorized the previous media particle.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the first medium particle is also used to, after completing transmission, authorize the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line if it is determined that the first medium particle has not transmitted, in response to a request for authorization from the previous medium particle via the level of the third signal line. When the previous medium particle requests authorization, if the first medium particle does not need to occupy the bus to transmit data, the first medium particle can authorize the previous medium particle.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the level of the first signal line in the signal line is controlled by the first medium particle and the next medium particle according to the data transmission situation. The level of a second signal line other than the first signal line is fixed. The first signal line is located between the first medium particle and the next medium particle. The data transmission command is used to instruct the first medium particle to transmit data. The first medium particle is used to complete preparation based on the data transmission command. If the level of the third signal line determines that the first medium particle has not authorized the previous medium particle, the first medium particle requests authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line. The third signal line is the second signal line located between the first medium particle and the previous medium particle. Authorization is used to indicate permission to transmit data through the bus. If the level of the first signal line determines that the next medium particle has authorized, the first medium particle transmits data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller through the bus. In this implementation, the first medium particle does not have the highest priority. Therefore, in addition to determining that it has not authorized the previous medium particle, the first medium particle also needs to obtain authorization from the next medium particle with higher priority before it can occupy the bus for data transmission.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the first medium particle is also used to request cancellation of authorization from the next medium particle after completing transmission by controlling the level of the first signal line; the first medium particle is also used to determine that the next medium particle has cancelled authorization by using the level of the first signal line. Since the first medium particle previously requested authorization, it also needs to request cancellation of authorization to release the bus, so that other medium particles can occupy the bus for data transmission.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the first medium particle is used to determine, before completing transmission, that the previous medium particle has not requested authorization by controlling the level of the third signal line, and then requests authorization cancellation from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line. If the previous medium particle did not request authorization from the first medium particle during transmission, the first medium particle directly requests authorization cancellation after completing transmission.

[0027] In some possible implementations, the first medium particle is also used to, before the first medium particle completes transmission, determine, through the level of the third signal line, if the previous medium particle requests authorization, and then, after completing transmission, authorize the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line. If, during the transmission of the first medium particle, the previous medium particle requests authorization from the first medium particle, then after the first medium particle completes transmission, it does not immediately request cancellation of authorization from the next medium particle, but instead authorizes the previous medium particle.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the first medium particle is further configured to request authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line after determining, through the level of the first signal line, that the next medium particle has been deauthorized, and after determining, through the level of the third signal line, that the previous medium particle has requested authorization, and without the first medium particle transmitting. The first medium particle is also configured to authorize the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line if, after determining, through the level of the first signal line, the next medium particle has been authorized. If the first medium particle determines that the previous medium particle has requested authorization only after it has already requested deauthorization from the next medium particle, then the first medium particle needs to request authorization from the next medium particle again in order to authorize the previous medium particle.

[0029] In some possible implementations, the bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus; the first media particle is used to send data and data identifiers to the controller via the first data bus, and the second data bus is used by the controller to send data to be written to at least two media particles. This implementation is used for read-write separation.

[0030] In some possible implementations, the voltage levels of each signal line are fixed. A data transmission command is used to instruct the first dielectric particle to prepare. The first dielectric particle, upon detecting that both the first and third signal lines are at a fixed voltage level, completes preparation based on the data transmission command. The first signal line is located between the first dielectric particle and the next dielectric particle, and the third signal line is located between the first dielectric particle and the previous dielectric particle. The first dielectric particle transmits data and its corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus, according to the controller's control. In this implementation, all dielectric particles have the same priority, and the dielectric particles need to complete the data transmission process according to the controller's control. This implementation is compatible with communication protocols in related technologies.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus; the first media particle is used to send data and its corresponding data identifier to the controller via a target data bus, which can be either the first or the second data bus. The target data bus is also used by the controller to send data to be written to at least two media particles. This implementation is a read-write merged approach, compatible with communication protocols in related technologies.

[0032] In some possible implementations, at least two medium particles include a selector and a register; in response to a fixed signal line level, the selector has activated its first terminal, which is used to configure the level of the signal line associated with the register to a fixed level; in response to the signal line level being controlled by the two medium particles connected via the signal line according to data transmission conditions, the selector has activated its second terminal, which is used to indicate that the level of the signal line is controlled by the two medium particles connected via the signal line according to data transmission conditions.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the signal lines include a request signal line and a feedback signal line. In response to the signal line level being a fixed level, the request signal line has a first level indicating that no authorization has been requested, and the feedback signal line has a second level indicating that authorization has been granted. Authorization indicates that data transmission via the bus is permitted.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the signal lines include request signal lines and feedback signal lines. The level of the signal lines is controlled by two medium particles connected through the signal lines according to the data transmission situation. The level of the request signal line is a first level or a third level, where the first level indicates that no authorization has been requested and the third level indicates that authorization has been requested. The level of the feedback signal line is a second level or a fourth level, where the second level indicates that authorization has been granted and the fourth level indicates that no authorization has been granted. Authorization is used to indicate that data transmission is permitted through the bus.

[0035] In some possible implementations, the storage medium includes a state machine used to record the state of the first medium particle; before the first medium particle completes preparation and after the first medium particle completes the transmission of data and data identifier, the state of the first medium particle is idle; after the first medium particle completes preparation, the state of the first medium particle is ready; when the first medium particle sends data and data identifier to the controller, the state of the first medium particle is data transmission state; after the first medium particle authorizes the previous medium particle, the state of the first medium particle is other medium particle data transmission state, which is used to indicate that other medium particles preceding the first medium particle are transmitting data.

[0036] Thirdly, a storage medium configuration method is provided, characterized in that the method is used to configure a storage medium provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the method comprising: acquiring signal line information of the storage medium, the signal line information being used to indicate signal lines in the storage medium; configuring the level of the signal line indicated by the signal line information, the level of the signal line being controlled by two media particles connected by the signal line, the level of the signal line being used by the at least two media particles included in the storage medium to determine the order of data transmission via a bus. This application can adjust the priority of the media particles by configuring the level of the signal lines after the storage medium is obtained by encapsulating the media particles.

[0037] In some possible implementations, the level of one signal line is a fixed level, while the levels of the other signal lines are controlled by two medium particles connected through the other signal lines according to the data transmission situation; or, the levels of all signal lines are fixed levels.

[0038] In some possible implementations, at least two of the medium particles include a selector and a register. The selector is used to select either a first or a second terminal. The first terminal is used to configure the level of the signal line associated with the register to a fixed level. The second terminal is used to indicate that the level of the signal line is controlled by the two medium particles connected by the signal line according to the data transmission situation. Configuring the level of the signal line indicated by the signal line information includes configuring the selector such that the selector selects either the first or the second terminal.

[0039] The technical effects of some possible implementations in the second and third aspects can be found in the technical effects of the corresponding implementations in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] Fourthly, a data transmission method is provided, the method being applied to a storage element provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method comprising:

[0041] The controller sends a data transmission instruction to the first medium particle among at least two medium particles, wherein the first medium particle is any one of the at least two medium particles.

[0042] The first medium particle receives data transmission instructions sent by the controller;

[0043] The first medium particle transmits data and its corresponding data identifier to the controller via a bus based on the data transmission command and the level of the signal line in the storage medium. The level of the signal line is controlled by two medium particles connected by the signal line, and the level of the signal line is used by at least two medium particles to determine the order in which data is transmitted via the bus.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the level of the first signal line in the signal line is a fixed level, and the level of the second signal line in the signal line other than the first signal line is controlled by two medium particles connected through the second signal line according to the data transmission situation. The first signal line is located between the first medium particle and the next medium particle of the first medium particle, and the data transmission command is used to instruct the first medium particle to transmit data.

[0045] The first medium particle transmits data and a corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus based on the data transmission command and the level of the signal line in the storage medium. This includes: the first medium particle completing preparation based on the data transmission command; and the first medium particle sending data and a data identifier to the controller via the bus when it detects that the first signal line is at a fixed level and determines through the level of the third signal line that the first medium particle has not authorized the previous medium particle. The third signal line is the second signal line located between the first medium particle and the previous medium particle, and the authorization is used to indicate that data transmission via the bus is permitted.

[0046] In one possible implementation, after sending data and a data identifier to the controller via the bus, the method further includes: in response to the first medium particle determining through the level of the third signal line that the previous medium particle requested authorization, if it is determined that the first medium particle has not sent data, the first medium particle authorizes the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the level of the first signal line in the signal line is controlled by the first dielectric particle and the next dielectric particle according to the data transmission situation, the level of a second signal line other than the first signal line in the signal line is a fixed level, the first signal line is located between the first dielectric particle and the next dielectric particle, and the data transmission command is used to instruct the first dielectric particle to transmit data;

[0048] The first medium particle transmits data and its corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus based on the data transmission command and the level of the signal line in the storage medium. This includes: the first medium particle completing preparation based on the data transmission command; if the first medium particle determines through the level of the third signal line that it has not authorized the previous medium particle, it requests authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line, where the third signal line is the second signal line located between the first medium particle and the previous medium particle, and authorization is used to indicate permission to transmit data via the bus; if the first medium particle determines through the level of the first signal line that the next medium particle has been authorized, it transmits data and its corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus.

[0049] In one possible implementation, after transmitting data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus, the method further includes: the first medium particle requesting the next medium particle to cancel authorization by controlling the level of the first signal line; the first medium particle determining that the next medium particle has canceled authorization by controlling the level of the first signal line.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the first medium particle requests cancellation of authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line, including: before the first medium particle completes transmission, if the level of the third signal line determines that the previous medium particle has not requested authorization, then requests cancellation of authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: if the first medium particle determines, through the level of the third signal line, that the previous medium particle has requested authorization before the first medium particle completes transmission, then after completing transmission, it authorizes the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line.

[0052] In one possible implementation, after the first medium particle determines that the next medium particle has been deauthorized through the level of the first signal line, the method further includes: if the first medium particle determines that the previous medium particle has requested authorization through the level of the third signal line, and the first medium particle has not transmitted, it requests authorization to the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line; the first medium particle is also used to authorize the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line if it determines that the next medium particle has been authorized through the level of the first signal line.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus; transmitting data and corresponding data identifiers to the controller via the bus includes: a first media particle sending data and data identifiers to the controller via the first data bus, and the second data bus being used by the controller to send data to be written to at least two media particles.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the voltage levels of each signal line are fixed, and the data transmission command is used to instruct the first medium particle to prepare. Based on the data transmission command and the voltage levels of the signal lines in the storage medium, the first medium particle transmits data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus. This includes: when the first medium particle detects that the first signal line is at a fixed voltage level and the third signal line is also at a fixed voltage level, it completes preparation based on the data transmission command. The first signal line is located between the first medium particle and the next medium particle, and the third signal line is located between the first medium particle and the previous medium particle. The first medium particle transmits data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus according to the controller's control.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus; transmitting data and corresponding data identifiers to the controller via the bus includes: the first media particle sending data and corresponding data identifiers to the controller via a target data bus, the target data bus being either the first data bus or the second data bus, and the target data bus also being used by the controller to send data to be written to at least two media particles.

[0056] In one possible implementation, at least two medium particles include a selector and a register; in response to a fixed signal line level, the selector has activated its first terminal, which is used to configure the level of the signal line associated with the register to a fixed level; in response to the signal line level being controlled by the two medium particles connected via the signal line according to data transmission conditions, the selector has activated its second terminal, which is used to indicate that the signal line level is controlled by the two medium particles connected via the signal line according to data transmission conditions.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the signal lines include a request signal line and a feedback signal line. In response to the signal line level being a fixed level, the request signal line level is a first level, which indicates that no authorization has been requested, and the feedback signal line level is a second level, which indicates that authorization has been granted, and authorization indicates that data transmission via the bus is permitted.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the signal lines include a request signal line and a feedback signal line. The level of the signal lines is controlled by two medium particles connected through the signal lines according to the data transmission situation. The level of the request signal line is a first level or a third level, where the first level indicates that no authorization has been requested and the third level indicates that authorization has been requested. The level of the feedback signal line is a second level or a fourth level, where the second level indicates that authorization has been granted and the fourth level indicates that no authorization has been granted. The authorization indicates that data transmission through the bus is permitted.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the storage medium includes a state machine for recording the state of a first medium particle. Before the first medium particle completes preparation and after it completes the transmission of data and data identifiers, the first medium particle is in an idle state. After the first medium particle completes preparation, the first medium particle is in a ready state. When the first medium particle sends data and data identifiers to the controller, the first medium particle is in a data transmission state. After the first medium particle authorizes the previous medium particle, the first medium particle is in a data transmission state for other medium particles, which indicates that other medium particles preceding the first medium particle are transmitting data.

[0060] The technical effects of the possible implementation methods included in the fourth aspect can be found in the technical effects of the corresponding implementation methods in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage medium provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage medium provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage medium provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage medium provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage medium provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage medium provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage medium provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a storage medium configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a data transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is for the purpose of explaining specific embodiments of this application only, and is not intended to limit this application.

[0073] This application provides a storage medium, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 1 The storage medium comprises at least two media particles. These at least two media particles are connected in an ordered manner via signal lines to form a closed loop. These at least two media particles are used to transmit data via a bus. The voltage levels of the signal lines are controlled by the two media particles connected via the signal lines, and the voltage levels of the signal lines are used by the at least two media particles to determine the order in which data is transmitted via the bus.

[0074] In this embodiment, the aforementioned bus is shared by at least two media particles. The order in which different media particles transmit data via the bus is determined by the level of signal lines, thus preventing conflicts caused by different media particles simultaneously occupying the bus for data transmission. For the storage medium provided in this application embodiment, after instructing the media particles to prepare, there is no need to consume processing resources to poll and check whether the media particles have completed preparation. After completing preparation, the media particles can independently determine the order in which they transmit data via the bus through the level of signal lines, thereby occupying the bus to complete data transmission. This saves processing resources, reduces data transmission latency, and improves data transmission efficiency.

[0075] The signal line levels are used for authorization requests, authorization requests, authorization cancellation requests, and authorization cancellations between two media particles connected via the signal line. Authorization indicates permission to transmit data via the bus. For a prepared media particle, if a higher-priority media particle exists among at least two media particles, the prepared media particle requests authorization from the higher-priority media particles via the control signal line levels when determining the order of data transmission via the bus. The higher-priority media particles, without needing to occupy the bus, authorize the prepared media particle via the control signal line levels. After receiving authorization, the prepared media particle occupies the bus to complete the data transmission. After completing the data transmission, the prepared media particle also requests authorization cancellation from the higher-priority media particles via the control signal line levels. The higher-priority media particles cancel authorization from the prepared media particle via the control signal line levels, thus releasing the bus. Alternatively, if no higher-priority media particle exists among at least two media particles, the prepared media particle does not need to request authorization and can directly occupy the bus to complete the data transmission. After completing the data transmission, there is no need to request authorization cancellation, thus releasing the bus.

[0076] It should be noted that in related technologies, when the storage medium comprises at least two media particles, these particles are connected in an orderly manner only through signal lines, without forming a closed loop. Furthermore, the priority of the media particles in these technologies depends on the connection order between them. After the media particles are packaged to form the storage medium, the connection order of the media particles remains fixed, and therefore, the priority of the media particles also remains fixed. Therefore, in these technologies, the priority of the media particles needs to be determined during the packaging process, and after packaging is completed, the priority of the media particles remains fixed.

[0077] In this embodiment, at least two dielectric particles are not only connected in an orderly manner via signal lines, but also form a closed loop. After the dielectric particles are packaged to obtain the storage medium, although the connection order of the dielectric particles remains fixed, the closed-loop structure allows the priority of other dielectric particles to adapt to any change in the priority of any one dielectric particle, thereby achieving adjustment of the dielectric particle priority. Therefore, this embodiment does not require determining the priority of the dielectric particles during packaging; the priority of the dielectric particles can still be adjusted after packaging is completed.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal line level includes two cases, A1 and A2.

[0079] In case A1, the level of any one signal line is a fixed level, while the levels of other signal lines are controlled by two medium particles connected through the other signal lines according to the data transmission situation.

[0080] As explained above, the signal line level is used for authorization requests, authorization, authorization request cancellations, and authorization cancellations between two media particles connected via that signal line. Therefore, if the level of any signal line is fixed, and this fixed level allows a media particle connected to that signal line to obtain authorization without requesting authorization, then that media particle can be determined to have the highest priority. Since the levels of other signal lines are controlled by the two media particles connected via those other signal lines based on data transmission, the priority of other media particles can be determined based on the media particle with the highest priority. For example, the priorities of other media particles preceding the highest-priority media particle decrease sequentially.

[0081] For example, see Figure 2 The signal lines include request signal lines and feedback signal lines. Request signal lines are used to request authorization or request deauthorization, while feedback signal lines are used to authorize or deauthorize.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, when the signal line level is a fixed level, the request signal line level is a first level, which indicates that no authorization has been requested, thereby eliminating the need for the media particle to request authorization via the request signal line. The feedback signal line level is a second level, which indicates that authorization has been granted, thereby enabling the media particle to obtain authorization directly without requesting authorization.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, when the level of the signal line is controlled by two media particles connected via the signal line according to data transmission conditions, the level of the request signal line is either a first level or a third level. The first level indicates that authorization has not been requested, and the third level indicates that authorization has been requested. The media particles can control the level of the request signal line according to the actual data transmission conditions. Specifically, when authorization is required, the level of the request signal line is controlled to be the third level. When authorization cancellation is required, the level of the request signal line is controlled to be the first level.

[0084] The feedback signal line operates at either the second or fourth level. The second level indicates authorization, while the fourth level indicates unauthorized access. The media particle can control the level of the request signal line based on the actual data transmission requirements. Specifically, when authorization is required, the request signal line is controlled at the second level. When authorization is revoked, the request signal line is controlled at the fourth level.

[0085] For example, the first level is the same as the fourth level, the third level is the same as the second level, and the first level is lower than the third level. The first and fourth levels are also called low levels and can be represented as 0. The second and third levels are also called high levels and can be represented as 1. In this case, since the request signal line indicates a request for authorization when it is high (third level), and the feedback signal line indicates authorization when it is high (second level), both the request signal line and the feedback signal line are active high.

[0086] See Figure 3 and Figure 4Taking storage media including media particles 0-3 as an example, the priority of each media particle is explained. RDY 3 has a fixed voltage level of 0, and ACK 0 has a fixed voltage level of 1. Therefore, media particle 3 can obtain authorization without requesting authorization from media particle 0, and media particle 3 has the highest priority. Furthermore, media particles 0 and 1 control the voltage levels of RDY 0 and ACK 1 according to data transmission. Since RDY 0 points from media particle 0 to media particle 1, and ACK 1 points from media particle 1 to media particle 0, the process between media particles 0 and 1 involves media particle 0 requesting authorization or requesting cancellation of authorization from media particle 1, and media particle 1 authorizing or canceling authorization from media particle 0. Therefore, media particle 0 has a lower priority than media particle 1. Similarly, media particles 1 and 2 control the voltage levels of RDY 1 and ACK 2 according to data transmission, with media particle 1 having a lower priority than media particle 2. Media particles 2 and 3 control the voltage levels of RDY 2 and ACK 3 according to data transmission, with media particle 2 having a lower priority than media particle 3. Therefore, the priority of dielectric particle 3, dielectric particle 2, dielectric particle 1, and dielectric particle 0 decreases in that order.

[0087] In case A2, the voltage levels of each signal line are fixed.

[0088] In case A2, since the level of each signal line is a fixed level, each medium particle is the highest priority medium particle, so at least two medium particles have the same priority.

[0089] For example, the signal lines include a request signal line and a feedback signal line. When the signal line level is a fixed level, the levels of the request signal line and the feedback signal line are described in case A1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] See Figure 5 Taking the storage medium including media particles 0-3 as an example, the priority of each media particle is explained. RDY 3 has a fixed voltage level of 0, and ACK 0 has a fixed voltage level of 1. Therefore, media particle 3 can obtain authorization without requesting authorization from media particle 0, and media particle 3 has the highest priority. Furthermore, since RDY 0, RDY 1, and RDY 2 also have fixed voltage levels of 0, and ACK 1, ACK 2, and ACK 3 have fixed voltage levels of 1, it can be similarly concluded that media particles 0, 1, and 2 also have the highest priority. Therefore, media particles 3, 2, 1, and 0 have the same priority.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, at least two media particles include a selector and a register. The selector is used to select either a first or a second terminal. The first terminal is used to configure the level of the signal line associated with the register to a fixed level, and the second terminal is used to indicate that the level of the signal line is controlled by the two media particles connected via the signal line according to data transmission. Therefore, by controlling the selector to select either the first or the second terminal, the level of the signal line can be made to be a fixed level, or the level of the signal line can be controlled by the two media particles connected via the signal line according to data transmission. Since the priority of the media particles is related to the level of the signal line, this method allows for flexible adjustment of the priority of the media particles.

[0092] In cases where the signal lines include request signal lines and feedback signal lines, the two medium particles connected by the signal lines include both the selector and register corresponding to the request signal line and the selector and register corresponding to the feedback signal line, thereby enabling control of the request signal lines and feedback signal lines.

[0093] For example, the register configures the level of any signal line by setting a numerical value. Different register values ​​result in different signal line levels. For instance, for a request signal line, when the register is set to 1, the request signal line has a third level. When the register is set to 0, the request signal line has a first level. Similarly, for a feedback signal line, when the register is set to 1, the request signal line has a second level. When the register is set to 0, the request signal line has a fourth level.

[0094] Of course, the above description of adjusting the signal line level using selectors and registers is merely an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Exemplarily, embodiments of this application may also allow the dielectric particles to control the signal line level to a fixed level, and also allow the dielectric particles to control the signal line level according to data transmission conditions.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, for two media particles connected by any signal line, the register and selector include the following two configuration methods.

[0096] In configuration method one, one of the two media chips connected via signal lines includes a selector and a register. For example, see... Figure 6 In the case where any signal line includes a request signal line and a feedback signal line, one of the two medium particles includes both the selector and register corresponding to the request signal line and the selector and register corresponding to the feedback signal line.

[0097] like Figure 6As shown, the selector is represented as a trapezoid containing 0s and 1s, with the first terminal shown as 0 and the second terminal as 1. The register is connected to the first terminal 0 of the selector. Medium particle 0 includes the selector and register associated with RDY 0 and ACK 1, while medium particle 1 includes the selector and register associated with RDY 1 and ACK 0. The explanation will focus on RDY 0 and ACK 1; RDY 1 and ACK 0 will not be elaborated upon here.

[0098] In medium particle 0, if the selector associated with RDY 0 is enabled at the first terminal 0, the level of RDY 0 is configured by the register. If the selector associated with RDY 0 is enabled at the second terminal 1, the level of RDY 0 is controlled by medium particle 0 according to the data transmission status (rdy_out in medium particle 0). The level of RDY 0 that medium particle 1 can detect (rdy_in in medium particle 1) is the level of RDY 0. Furthermore, in medium particle 0, if the selector associated with ACK 1 is enabled at the first terminal 0, the level of ACK 1 is configured by the register. If the selector associated with ACK 1 is enabled at the second terminal 1, the level of ACK 1 is controlled by medium particle 1 according to the data transmission status (ack_out in medium particle 1). The level of ACK 1 that medium particle 0 can detect (ack_in in medium particle 0) is the level of ACK 1.

[0099] In the second configuration, both media particles connected via signal lines include a selector and a register. For example, see [link to example]. Figure 7 When the signal lines include request signal lines and feedback signal lines, both medium particles include a selector and a register corresponding to the request signal line, and also include a selector and a register corresponding to the feedback signal line.

[0100] like Figure 7 As shown, the selector is represented as a trapezoid containing 0s and 1s, with the first terminal shown as 0 and the second terminal as 1. The register is connected to the first terminal 0 of the selector. Both medium particle 0 and medium particle 1 include selectors and registers associated with RDY 0 and ACK 1, and both also include selectors and registers associated with RDY 1 and ACK 0. The explanation will focus on RDY 0 and ACK 1; RDY 1 and ACK 0 will not be discussed further here.

[0101] In both media particle 0 and media particle 1, if all selectors associated with RDY 0 are enabled at their first terminal 0, the level of RDY 0 is configured by the register. If all selectors associated with RDY 0 are enabled at their second terminal 1, the level of RDY 0 is controlled by media particle 0 according to the data transmission status (rdy_out in media particle 0). The level of RDY 0 that media particle 1 can detect (rdy_in in media particle 1) is the level of RDY 0. Similarly, in both media particle 0 and media particle 1, if all selectors associated with ACK 1 are enabled at their first terminal 0, the level of ACK 1 is configured by the register. If all selectors associated with ACK 1 are enabled at their second terminal 1, the level of ACK 1 is controlled by media particle 1 according to the data transmission status (ack_out in media particle 1). The level of ACK 1 that media particle 0 can detect (ack_in in media particle 0) is the level of ACK 1.

[0102] certainly, Figure 7 The examples shown are merely illustrations and do not impose limitations on how selectors and registers are set. For example, besides Figure 7 In addition to the cases shown, one of the two medium particles may include a selector and register corresponding to the request signal line, and the other medium particle may include a selector and register corresponding to the feedback signal line. Alternatively, one of the two medium particles may include a selector and register corresponding to the request signal line, or a selector and register corresponding to the feedback signal line. The other medium particle may include a selector and register corresponding to both the request and feedback signal lines.

[0103] Regarding the two setting methods mentioned above, we will take setting method two as an example to explain the selector and register.

[0104] See Figure 3 and Figure 4Medium particle 3 and medium particle 0 include selectors and registers associated with RDY 3 and ACK 0. The selector associated with RDY 3 and ACK 0 activates the first terminal (shown as 0), causing the register to configure the level of RDY 3 to a fixed level 0 and the level of ACK 0 to a fixed level 1. Medium particle 0 and medium particle 1 include selectors and registers associated with RDY 0 and ACK 1, medium particle 1 and medium particle 2 include selectors and registers associated with RDY 1 and ACK 2, and medium particle 2 and medium particle 3 include selectors and registers associated with RDY 2 and ACK 3. The selectors associated with RDY 0, ACK 1, RDY 1, ACK 2, RDY 2, and ACK 3 all activate the second terminal (shown as 1). This results in a decreasing priority order for medium particle 3, medium particle 2, medium particle 1, and medium particle 0.

[0105] See Figure 5 All selectors including medium particle 3, medium particle 2, medium particle 1, and medium particle 0 select the first end, so that medium particle 3, medium particle 2, medium particle 1, and medium particle 0 have the same priority.

[0106] Furthermore, based on the above two configuration methods, there may be cases where a single medium particle includes multiple selectors. In some implementations, the first terminals of multiple selectors correspond to the same register. The register has multiple bits, each corresponding one-to-one with the first terminals of the multiple selectors. Each bit can configure the level of the signal line associated with the selector corresponding to that bit. In other implementations, the first terminals of multiple selectors correspond one-to-one with multiple registers; in this case, setting one bit on each register is sufficient, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0107] Since the dielectric particles are used to transmit data via the bus, they need to be connected to the bus. Exemplarily, the dielectric particles include pins for connection to the bus. In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric particle includes a first data pin and a second data pin, and the bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus. The first data pin is used to connect to the first data bus, and the second data pin is used to connect to the second data bus. The first data bus is used for at least two dielectric particles to transmit data, and the second data bus is used to transmit data to at least two dielectric particles.

[0108] The process of sending data between at least two media particles is called the read process, and the first data bus is also called the read bus. The process of sending data to at least two media particles is called the write process, and the second data bus is also called the write bus. Because different data buses are used in the read and write processes, read-write separation is achieved. The reason for using read-write separation in this embodiment is as follows.

[0109] During the read process, if the media particle has completed its preparation and determined the order of data transmission via the bus through the signal line level, the media particle can independently occupy the bus for data transmission. Therefore, the read process is controlled by the media particle. During the write process, since the media particle needs to receive data sent to it before writing, the write process is controlled by the data sender (e.g., a controller). Because the read and write processes are controlled by different entities (media particle or data sender), different data buses are needed to avoid conflicts between the read and write processes.

[0110] It should be understood that both the first and second data buses have bidirectional data transmission capabilities. The above embodiments are designed to achieve read / write separation, ensuring that the first data bus is used solely for sending data to the media particles, and the second data bus is used solely for sending data to the media particles. Exemplarily, either the first or second data bus can serve as a target data bus, which can also be used for both sending data to and from the media particles, depending on actual needs. In this case, read / write separation is no longer implemented; instead, read / write merging is achieved.

[0111] For example, in addition to the pins described above, the dielectric particle also includes pins for connecting signal lines. See [link to documentation]. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the case where the signal lines include a request signal line and a feedback signal line, the medium particles include pins for connecting the signal lines as follows: an output pin (o / p) for connecting the request signal line, and an input pin (i / p) for connecting the feedback signal line.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, the storage medium further includes a state machine for recording the states of media particles. The states of the media particles include an idle state (I), a ready state (R), a data transfer state (T), and data transfer states of other media particles (B). These other media particle transfer states indicate that other media particles preceding the media particle are currently transmitting data. The various states of the media particles are described below. Figure 11 The data transmission method shown is described below.

[0113] This application also provides a storage element. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the storage element includes a controller and a storage medium, with the controller and at least two media particles of the storage medium connected via a bus. The storage medium is as described above. Figure 1-7Any of the storage media shown. The bus is used for data transmission between the controller and the media particles. The data transmission process includes the read and write processes described above. During the read process, the media particles send data to the controller. During the write process, the controller sends data to the media particles.

[0114] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus to achieve read / write separation. See also... Figure 9 The first data bus includes DQ_R and DQS_R. DQ_R is used by the media chip to send data to the controller, and DQS_R is used by the media chip to send a clock signal to the controller, facilitating clock signal alignment between the controller and the media chip during the read process. The second data bus includes DQ_W and DQS_W. DQ_W is used by the controller to send data to the media chip, and DQS_W is used by the controller to transmit a clock signal to the media chip, facilitating clock signal alignment between the controller and the media chip during the write process. These clock signals indicate the clock period, which is the minimum time unit for data transmission between the controller and the media chip.

[0115] See also Figure 9 In addition to the first and second data buses mentioned above, the controller and the media particle also include a chip enable (CE) bus and a chip address (CA) bus. The CE bus is used by the controller to send an enable signal to the media particle, enabling it to transmit data. The CA bus is used by the controller to send data transmission instructions to the media particle, which include address information and operation type. The address information indicates the physical address of the data to be transmitted within the media particle. The operation type indicates the operation that the media particle needs to perform. For example, the operations that the media particle needs to perform include, but are not limited to, reading and writing.

[0116] The embodiments provided in this application Figure 8 or Figure 9 The storage element shown can be used for data transfer; see below for data transfer methods. Figure 11 The corresponding explanations will not be elaborated here.

[0117] This application also provides a storage medium configuration method, which is used to configure a storage medium. Figure 1-7 Configure any of the storage media shown. It should be noted that this method can be applied to... Figure 8 or Figure 9 In the controller of the shown storage element. Alternatively, this method can also be applied to other controllers capable of interacting with... Figure 1-7 In any of the electronic devices connected to the storage medium shown. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the storage medium configuration method includes the following steps 1001 and 1002.

[0118] Step 1001: Obtain signal line information of the storage medium. The signal line information is used to indicate the signal lines in the storage medium.

[0119] The signal line information of the storage medium can be generated during the process of obtaining the storage medium from the encapsulated medium particles. This application embodiment does not limit the method of obtaining the signal line information.

[0120] Step 1002: Configure the level of the signal line indicated by the signal line information. The level of the signal line is controlled by two media particles connected through the signal line. The level of the signal line is used by the storage medium to determine the order of data transmission through the bus by at least two media particles.

[0121] The priority of the dielectric particles can be adjusted by configuring the signal line levels. For example, corresponding to case A1 in the above description... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 One signal line has a fixed voltage level, while the voltage levels of other signal lines are controlled by the two dielectric particles connected through these other signal lines according to the data transmission situation. For example, corresponding to situation A2 in the above description... Figure 5 The signal lines all have fixed voltage levels.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, the media particles in at least two media particles include a selector and a register, as described above, and will not be repeated here. Accordingly, configuring the level of the signal line indicated by the signal line information includes configuring the selector such that the selector selects either the first terminal or the second terminal.

[0123] For a given signal line, there is a corresponding target medium particle. The target medium particle includes a selector and a register associated with the signal line. Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is necessary to configure the level of a signal line, the target medium particle corresponding to the signal line is first determined. Then, the selector included in the target medium particle is configured so that the selector selects either the first terminal or the second terminal, thereby realizing the configuration of the signal line level.

[0124] This application also provides a data transmission method, which is applied to... Figure 8 or Figure 9 The storage element shown. (As shown in the image) Figure 11 As shown, the method includes the following steps 1101-1103.

[0125] Step 1101: The controller sends a data transmission instruction to the first medium particle among at least two medium particles, wherein the first medium particle is any one of the at least two medium particles.

[0126] Among them, the controller first passes through Figure 9 The CE bus shown sends an enable signal to the first dielectric particle, which enables the first dielectric particle. Then, the controller further... Figure 9 The CA bus shown sends data transmission commands to the first medium particle.

[0127] Step 1102: The first medium particle receives the data transmission instruction sent by the controller.

[0128] Since the controller sends a data transmission command to the first medium particle, the first medium particle receives the data transmission command accordingly.

[0129] Step 1103: The first medium particle transmits data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus based on the data transmission command and the level of the signal line in the storage medium. The level of the signal line is controlled by two medium particles connected by the signal line. The level of the signal line is used by at least two medium particles to determine the order in which the data is transmitted via the bus.

[0130] In this configuration, the first dielectric particle transmits data and a data identifier to the controller via a bus. The data identifier is used by the controller to determine which of the at least two dielectric particles transmitted the data. For example, the data identifier is the identifier of the first dielectric particle, which indicates the first dielectric particle. Therefore, after receiving the data and the identifier of the first dielectric particle, the controller can determine that the data was transmitted by the first dielectric particle among the at least two dielectric particles based on the identifier of the first dielectric particle.

[0131] In an exemplary embodiment, the first medium particle transmits data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller via a bus based on the data transmission command and the level of the signal line in the storage medium, including the following three cases B1-B3.

[0132] In case B1, the level of the first signal line in the signal line is a fixed level. The level of the second signal line in the signal line other than the first signal line is controlled by the two medium particles connected through the second signal line according to the data transmission situation. The first signal line is located between the first medium particle and the next medium particle of the first medium particle. The data transmission command is used to instruct the first medium particle to transmit data.

[0133] In case B1, the first dielectric particle is the highest priority dielectric particle, and the priority of the dielectric particles preceding the first dielectric particle decreases sequentially. For example, see... Figure 3The first dielectric particle is dielectric particle 3. The priority of dielectric particle 3, dielectric particle 2, dielectric particle 1, and dielectric particle 0 decreases in that order.

[0134] The data transmission command instructs the first medium particle to send data and a data identifier to the controller. Based on the data transmission command and the signal line levels in the storage medium, the first medium particle transmits data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus. This includes: the first medium particle completing preparation based on the data transmission command; and if, upon detecting that the first signal line is at a fixed level and determining through the level of the third signal line that the first medium particle has not authorized the previous medium particle, sending data and a data identifier to the controller via the bus, the third signal line is the second signal line located between the first medium particle and the previous medium particle, and authorization indicates permission to transmit data via the bus.

[0135] The first medium particle, after completing preparation, possesses data transmission capability. When the first medium particle detects a fixed level on the first signal line, it determines that it does not need to request authorization from the next medium particle and has already obtained authorization from it. If the first medium particle determines through the level of the third signal line that it has not authorized the previous medium particle, it indicates that none of the medium particles preceding it have performed data transmission. Therefore, the first medium particle can determine that the bus is idle and can thus transmit data via the bus, that is, it can send data and data identifiers to the controller via the bus.

[0136] See also Figure 3 The first medium particle is medium particle 3. The first signal line is RDY 3 and ACK 0, and the third signal line is RDY 2 and ACK 3. When medium particle 3 detects that the level of RDY 3 is level 0, the level of ACK 0 is level 1, and the level of ACK 3 is level 0, medium particle 3 determines that the bus is idle, and thus sends data and data identifiers to the controller through the bus.

[0137] For example, after the first medium particle transmits data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus, the method further includes: in response to determining through the level of the third signal line that the previous medium particle has requested authorization, if it is determined that the first medium particle has not transmitted, it authorizes the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line. Here, since the first medium particle has the highest priority in case B1, authorization can be granted to the previous medium particle as long as the first medium particle has not transmitted when requesting authorization from the previous medium particle. The first medium particle not transmitting means that the first medium particle has not transmitted data and the data identifier to the controller via the bus.

[0138] In some implementations, the first medium particle determines that the previous medium particle has requested authorization after starting transmission but before completing transmission. Then, after completing transmission, the first medium particle determines that it has not yet transmitted, and subsequently authorizes the previous medium particle. In other implementations, the first medium particle determines that the previous medium particle has requested authorization after starting and completing transmission. In this case, the first medium particle can directly authorize the previous medium particle.

[0139] See also Figure 3 Medium particle 2 controls the level of RDY 2 to level 1 to request authorization from medium particle 3. Medium particle 3, upon detecting that the level of RDY 2 is level 1, determines that medium particle 2 is requesting authorization. In response to medium particle 3 failing to send data and a data identifier to the controller via the bus, medium particle 3 controls the level of ACK 3 to level 1, thereby authorizing medium particle 2.

[0140] For example, after the first medium particle authorizes the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line, the method further includes: in response to determining by the level of the third signal line that the previous medium particle requests cancellation of authorization, the first medium particle cancels the authorization to the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line.

[0141] like Figure 3 As shown, after medium particle 3 authorizes medium particle 2, medium particle 2 can also control the level of RDY 2 to be level 0 to request cancellation of authorization from medium particle 3. When medium particle 3 detects that the level of RDY 2 is level 0, it determines that medium particle 2 has requested cancellation of authorization. Then, medium particle 3 controls the level of ACK 3 to be level 0, thereby requesting cancellation of authorization from medium particle 2.

[0142] In case B2, the level of the first signal line in the signal line is controlled by the first dielectric particle and the next dielectric particle according to the data transmission situation. The level of the second signal line other than the first signal line in the signal line is a fixed level. The first signal line is located between the first dielectric particle and the next dielectric particle.

[0143] In case B2, the first dielectric particle does not have the highest priority. The priority of dielectric particles preceding the first dielectric particle decreases sequentially, and the priority of dielectric particles following the first dielectric particle increases sequentially. For example, see... Figure 4 The first dielectric particle is dielectric particle 1. The priority of dielectric particle 3, dielectric particle 2, dielectric particle 1, and dielectric particle 0 decreases in that order.

[0144] The data transmission command instructs the first medium particle to send data and a data identifier to the controller. Based on the data transmission command and the signal line levels in the storage medium, the first medium particle transmits data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus. This includes: the first medium particle completing preparation based on the data transmission command; if the first medium particle determines through the level of the third signal line that it has not authorized the previous medium particle, it requests authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line. The third signal line is the second signal line located between the first medium particle and the previous medium particle, and authorization indicates permission to transmit data via the bus; if the first medium particle determines through the level of the first signal line that the next medium particle has authorized, it transmits data and the corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus.

[0145] The first medium particle, after preparation, possesses data transmission capability. If the first medium particle determines through the level of the third signal line that it has not authorized the previous medium particle, it indicates that none of the medium particles preceding the first particle have transmitted data. However, since the first medium particle does not have the highest priority, it needs to request authorization from a higher-priority medium particle. Upon obtaining authorization from a higher-priority medium particle, the first medium particle can determine that the bus is idle and thus can transmit data via the bus, that is, it can send data to the controller via the bus.

[0146] See Figure 4 The first medium particle is medium particle 1. The first signal lines are RDY 1 and ACK 2, and the third signal lines are RDY 0 and ACK 1. When medium particle 1 detects that the level of ACK 1 is 0, medium particle 1 controls the level of RDY 1 to be 1 to request authorization from medium particle 2. If medium particle 2 does not need to occupy the bus, it controls the level of RDY 2 to be 1 to request authorization from the highest priority medium particle 3. If medium particle 3 does not need to occupy the bus, it controls the level of ACK 3 to be 1 to authorize medium particle 2. After detecting that the level of ACK 3 is 1, medium particle 2 confirms that it has received authorization from medium particle 3, and thus controls the level of ACK 2 to be 1 to authorize medium particle 1. After detecting that the level of ACK 2 is 1, medium particle 1 confirms that it has received authorization from medium particle 2, and thus, combined with the above-mentioned level of ACK 1 being 0, determines that the bus is idle. Medium particle 1 can send data and data identifiers to the controller through the bus.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, after the first medium particle transmits data and a data identifier to the controller via the bus, the method further includes: the first medium particle requesting deauthorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of a first signal line. The first medium particle determines that the next medium particle has been deauthorized by controlling the level of the first signal line. Wherein, after the first medium particle starts and completes transmission, the first medium particle no longer needs to occupy the bus, and therefore requests deauthorization from the next medium particle and determines that the next medium particle has been deauthorized.

[0148] For example, see Figure 4 Medium particle 1 controls the level of RDY 1 to level 0 to request deauthorization from medium particle 2. Medium particle 2 controls the level of RDY 2 to level 0 to request deauthorization from the highest priority medium particle 3. Medium particle 3 controls the level of ACK 3 to level 0 to deauthorize from medium particle 2. After detecting that the level of ACK 3 is level 0, medium particle 2 confirms that medium particle 3 has deauthorized, and thus controls the level of ACK 2 to level 0 to deauthorize from medium particle 1. After detecting that the level of ACK 2 is level 0, medium particle 1 confirms that medium particle 2 has deauthorized, and the bus is released.

[0149] In an exemplary embodiment, the first medium particle requests cancellation of authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line, including: before the first medium particle completes transmission, if the first medium particle determines, through the level of the third signal line, that the previous medium particle has not requested authorization, then requests cancellation of authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line. For example, see... Figure 4 If the voltage level of RDY 0 remains at level 0 before and after medium particle 1 completes transmission, then after medium particle 1 completes transmission, it is confirmed that medium particle 0 has not requested authorization. Afterwards, medium particle 1 can control the voltage level of RDY 1 to be 0 to request cancellation of authorization.

[0150] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: if, before the first medium particle completes transmission, it determines through the level of the third signal line that the previous medium particle has requested authorization, then after completing transmission, it authorizes the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line. If, during the transmission of the first medium particle, the previous medium particle requests authorization from the first medium particle, then after completing transmission, the first medium particle does not request cancellation of authorization from the next medium particle, but instead authorizes the previous medium particle. For example, see... Figure 4After medium particle 1 starts transmitting but before it finishes transmitting, medium particle 0 controls the level of RDY 0 to level 1. After medium particle 1 finishes transmitting, since it detects that the level of RDY 0 is level 1, it temporarily does not control the level of RDY 1 to level 0, but instead controls the level of ACK 1 to level 1 to authorize medium particle 0.

[0151] In an exemplary embodiment, after the first medium particle determines that the next medium particle has cancelled its authorization through the level of the first signal line, the method further includes: if the first medium particle determines that the previous medium particle requested authorization through the level of the third signal line, and the first medium particle has not transmitted, it requests authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line. The first medium particle is also configured to grant authorization to the next medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line if it determines that the next medium particle has been authorized through the level of the first signal line. If the first medium particle determines that the previous medium particle requested authorization only after it has already requested cancellation of authorization from the next medium particle, the first medium particle needs to request authorization from the next medium particle again in order to authorize the previous medium particle.

[0152] For example, see Figure 4 After medium particle 1 requests deauthorization, both RDY 1 and ACK 2 are at level 0. At this time, medium particle 0 requests authorization from medium particle 1 by controlling the level of RDY 0 to level 1. Medium particle 1 then needs to reset the level of RDY 1 to level 1 in order to request authorization from medium particle 2. After detecting that the level of ACK 2 is level 1, it is determined that medium particle 2 has authorized. Then, medium particle 1 further controls the level of ACK 1 to level 1 to authorize medium particle 0.

[0153] For example, after the first medium particle authorizes the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line, the method further includes: if the first medium particle determines, based on the level of the third signal line, that the previous medium particle has requested to cancel authorization, then the first medium particle requests to cancel authorization the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line. After determining, based on the level of the first signal line, that the next medium particle has canceled authorization, the first medium particle cancels authorization the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line. For example, see... Figure 4 Medium particle 0 requests deauthorization from medium particle 1 by controlling the level of RDY 0 to level 0. Medium particle 1 controls the level of RDY 1 to level 0 to request deauthorization from medium particle 2, and determines that medium particle 2 has deauthorized after detecting that the level of ACK 2 is level 0. Subsequently, medium particle 1 further controls the level of ACK 1 to level 0 to deauthorize medium particle 0.

[0154] In an exemplary embodiment, the bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus. For cases B1 and B2 above, the first media particle transmits data and a corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus, including: the first media particle sending data and a data identifier to the controller via the first data bus; and the second data bus being used by the controller to send data to be written to at least two media particles, thereby achieving read-write separation.

[0155] According to the above text Figure 9 As can be seen from the corresponding description, a clock cycle is the smallest unit of time for data transmission. In some embodiments, the first medium particle sends a data identifier to the controller during the first clock cycle and sends data to the controller during at least one clock cycle after the first clock cycle. In other embodiments, the first medium particle alternately sends data identifiers and data during different clock cycles.

[0156] In case B3, the voltage levels of each signal line are fixed.

[0157] In case B3, all media particles have the same priority. For example, see... Figure 5 The first medium particle can be any one of medium particle 3, medium particle 2, medium particle 1, or medium particle 0.

[0158] The data transmission command is used to instruct the first medium particle to prepare. Based on the data transmission command and the signal line levels in the storage medium, the first medium particle transmits data and its corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus. This includes: when the first medium particle detects that both the first and third signal lines are at a fixed level, it completes preparation based on the data transmission command. The first signal line is located between the first medium particle and the next medium particle, and the third signal line is located between the first medium particle and the previous medium particle. The first medium particle, under the control of the controller, transmits data and its corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus.

[0159] If the first medium particle detects a fixed level on the first signal line, it determines that it does not need to request authorization from the next medium particle and has already obtained authorization from the next medium particle. If the first medium particle detects a fixed level on the third signal line, it determines that the previous medium particle did not request authorization and has already authorized the previous medium particle. Therefore, the first medium particle determines that all medium particles have equal priority and there is no need to authorize or cancel authorization between different medium particles. The first medium particle can then proceed with preparation. For example, after completing preparation based on the data transmission instruction, the first medium particle can continue to wait for other instructions sent by the controller, which instruct the first medium particle to send data and a data identifier to the controller.

[0160] For example, see Figure 5 Taking medium particle 2 as an example, the first signal lines are RDY 2 and ACK 3, and the third signal lines are RDY 1 and ACK 2. After receiving the data transmission command, medium particle 2 detects that the level of RDY 2 is level 0, the level of ACK 3 is level 1, and the level of RDY 1 is level 0 and the level of ACK 2 is level 1. Then, medium particle 2 prepares based on the data transmission command. Next, after receiving other commands sent by the controller, medium particle 2 can send data and data identifiers to the controller based on the other commands.

[0161] In scenario B3, after receiving other instructions, the first media particle transmits data and its corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus. In scenario B3, the first media particle does not automatically determine the data to be transmitted via the bus after completing preparation; therefore, it does not automatically occupy the bus to complete data transmission, but rather needs to complete the data transmission according to the controller's control. Since the communication protocols provided by related technologies also require the media particle to complete data transmission according to the controller's control, scenario B3 is compatible with the communication protocols of related technologies. The communication protocols in related technologies include, but are not limited to, the Common Flash Interface (CFI) protocol, etc.

[0162] In an exemplary embodiment, the bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus. The first media particle transmits data and its corresponding data identifier to the controller via the bus, including: the first media particle sending the data and its corresponding data identifier to the controller via a target data bus, where the target data bus is either the first data bus or the second data bus. The target data bus is also used by the controller to send data to be written to at least two media particles, thereby achieving read-write merging. The method of sending data and data identifier to the controller via the target data bus is similar to the method of sending data and data identifier to the controller via the first data bus described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0163] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the storage medium includes a state machine for recording the states of the first medium particle, namely, an idle state, a ready state, a data transmission state, and data transmission states of other medium particles. Figure 11 In the data transmission method shown, the state machine records the state of the first medium particle in the following manner.

[0164] Before the first medium particle completes preparation, and after it completes the transmission of data and data identifiers, the state machine records the first medium particle's state as idle. After the first medium particle completes preparation, its state is ready. When the first medium particle sends data and data identifiers to the controller, its state is data transmission state. After the first medium particle authorizes the previous medium particle, its state is other medium particle data transmission state, thus indicating that other medium particles preceding the first medium particle are transmitting data.

[0165] In summary, in this embodiment, the medium particles can determine the order of data transmission via the bus based on the signal line level. Therefore, the medium particles can automatically occupy the bus to complete data transmission after preparation, without consuming processing resources to poll and check whether the medium particles are ready. This saves processing resources, reduces data transmission latency, and improves data transmission efficiency.

[0166] Furthermore, since at least two dielectric particles are connected in an orderly manner to form a closed loop, the embodiments of this application do not need to determine the priority of the dielectric particles when encapsulating them, but can adjust the priority of the dielectric particles after encapsulation is completed.

[0167] In an optional embodiment, the storage medium may include read-only storage media and random access storage media. The storage medium may also include non-volatile random access storage media. For example, the storage medium may also store device type information. The storage medium may be volatile or non-volatile, or may include both. The non-volatile storage medium may be storage scale memory (SCM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile storage medium may be random access memory (RAM), which serves as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available. Examples include static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0168] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk), etc.

[0169] In this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items that have substantially the same function and purpose. It should be understood that there is no logical or temporal dependency between "first," "second," and "nth," nor does it limit the quantity or order of execution. It should also be understood that although the following description uses the terms "first," "second," etc., to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another.

[0170] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0171] In this application, the term "at least one" means one or more. The term "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple second devices means two or more second devices. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein.

[0172] It should be understood that the terminology used in the description of the various examples herein is for the purpose of describing the particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various examples and the appended claims, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0173] It should also be understood that the terms “if” and “if” can be interpreted as meaning “when” or “upon”, or “in response to determination” or “in response to detection”. Similarly, depending on the context, the phrases “if determination…” or “if detection [the stated condition or event]” can be interpreted as meaning “when determination…”, or “in response to determination…”, or “when detection [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detection [the stated condition or event]”.

[0174] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A storage medium, characterized by, The storage medium comprises at least two medium particles which are connected in order through signal lines to form a closed loop, and the at least two medium particles are used to transmit data with the controller through a bus; The level of the signal line connecting adjacent two medium particles in the at least two medium particles is used to determine the order of the at least two medium particles in transmitting data with the controller through the bus, and the medium particles in the at least two medium particles comprise a selector and a register, the selector is used to enable the first end or the second end of the selector, the first end is used to configure the level of the signal line associated with the register as a fixed level, and the second end is used to indicate the data transmission situation of the adjacent two medium particles connected through the signal line to determine the level of the signal line.

2. The storage medium of claim 1, wherein, The signal line connecting the adjacent first medium particle and the second medium particle in the at least two medium particles comprises a signal line for sending an authorization request from the first medium particle to the second medium particle, and the level of the signal line is a fixed level, then the first medium particle has the highest priority in transmitting data with the controller through the bus, and the order of other medium particles in transmitting data with the controller through the bus is determined according to the priority of the first medium particle and the signal line of the adjacent medium particle.

3. The storage medium of claim 1 or 2, wherein, One of the adjacent two medium particles connected through the signal line comprises the selector and the register.

4. The storage medium of claim 3, wherein, Both of the adjacent two medium particles connected through the signal line comprise the selector and the register.

5. The storage medium of any one of claims 1, 2, or 4, wherein, The signal line comprises a request signal line and a feedback signal line.

6. The storage medium of claim 5, wherein, In the case that the level of the signal line is a fixed level, the level of the request signal line is a first level, the first level is used to indicate that no authorization is requested, and the level of the feedback signal line is a second level, the second level is used to indicate that the authorization is granted, and the authorization is used to indicate that the data transmission through the bus is allowed.

7. The storage medium of claim 5, wherein, In the case that the level of the signal line is determined based on the data transmission situation of the adjacent two medium particles connected through the signal line, the level of the request signal line is a first level or a third level, the first level is used to indicate that no authorization is requested, and the third level is used to indicate that the authorization is requested, the level of the feedback signal line is a second level or a fourth level, the second level is used to indicate that the authorization is granted, and the fourth level is used to indicate that the authorization is not granted, and the authorization is used to indicate that the data transmission through the bus is allowed.

8. The storage medium of any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 6, or 7, wherein, The storage medium further comprises a state machine, the state machine is used to record the state of the medium particle, and the state of the medium particle comprises an idle state, a prepared state, a data transmission state and an other medium particle data transmission state, the other medium particle transmission state is used to indicate that the other medium particle located in front of the medium particle is in data transmission.

9. The storage medium of any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 6, or 7, wherein, The medium particle comprises a first data pin and a second data pin, the bus comprises a first data bus and a second data bus, the first data pin is used to connect the first data bus, and the second data pin is used to connect the second data bus. The first data bus is used for the at least two medium particles to send data, and the second data bus is used for sending data to the at least two medium particles.

10. A memory element characterized by, The storage element comprises a controller and the storage medium as claimed in any one of claims 1-9, the controller is connected with the at least two medium particles comprised in the storage medium through a bus, and the medium particles in the at least two medium particles comprise a selector and a register; The controller is used for sending a data transmission instruction to a first medium particle in the at least two medium particles, and the first medium particle is any medium particle in the at least two medium particles; The first medium particle is used for receiving the data transmission instruction sent by the controller; The first medium particle is also used for transmitting data to the controller in response to the data transmission instruction and in accordance with an order of the first medium particle in transmitting data to the controller which is determined by a level of a signal line connected with other medium particles of the first medium particle; In response to the level of the signal line being a fixed level, the selector has selected a first end of the selector, and the first end is used for configuring the level of the signal line associated with the register as the fixed level; In response to the level of the signal line being determined based on data transmission conditions of adjacent two medium particles connected through the signal line, the selector has selected a second end of the selector, and the second end is used for indicating that the data transmission conditions of the adjacent two medium particles connected through the signal line are used for determining the level of the signal line.

11. The storage element according to claim 10, wherein When the first medium particle transmits data to the controller, the first medium particle is also used for transmitting a data identifier corresponding to the data, and the data identifier is used for identifying that the data is from the first medium particle in the at least two medium particles.

12. The storage element according to claim 11, wherein A first signal line in the signal lines has a fixed level, a second signal line in the signal lines other than the first signal line has a level determined based on data transmission conditions of adjacent two medium particles connected through the second signal line, the first signal line is located between the first medium particle and a next medium particle of the first medium particle, and the data transmission instruction is used for instructing the first medium particle to transmit data; The first medium particle is used for completing preparation based on the data transmission instruction; The first medium particle is used for sending the data and the data identifier to the controller through the bus under the condition that the first signal line is detected as the fixed level and a level of a third signal line is used to determine that the first medium particle does not authorize a previous medium particle of the first medium particle, the third signal line is a second signal line located between the first medium particle and the previous medium particle, and the authorization is used for indicating permission of transmitting data through the bus.

13. The storage element according to claim 12, wherein The first medium particle is also used for authorizing the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line under the condition that the first medium particle does not transmit data in response to the previous medium particle requesting authorization through the level of the third signal line after completing transmission.

14. The storage element according to claim 11, wherein A level of a first signal line among the signal lines is determined based on data transmission of the first medium particle and a next medium particle of the first medium particle, a level of a second signal line other than the first signal line among the signal lines is the fixed level, the first signal line is located between the first medium particle and the next medium particle, and the data transmission instruction is used to instruct the first medium particle to transmit data; The first medium particle is configured to complete preparation based on the data transmission instruction; The first medium particle is configured to request authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line in a case where it is determined through a level of a third signal line that the first medium particle has not authorized a previous medium particle of the first medium particle, the third signal line being a second signal line located between the first medium particle and the previous medium particle, and the authorization indicating permission to transmit data through the bus; The first medium particle is configured to transmit the data and a data identifier corresponding to the data to the controller through the bus in a case where it is determined through the level of the first signal line that the next medium particle has authorized.

15. The storage element according to claim 14, wherein The first medium particle is further configured to request cancellation of authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line after completing transmission; The first medium particle is further configured to determine that the next medium particle has cancelled authorization through the level of the first signal line.

16. The storage element according to claim 15, wherein The first medium particle is configured to request cancellation of authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line again in a case where it is determined through the level of the third signal line that the previous medium particle has not requested authorization before the first medium particle completes transmission.

17. The memory element of claim 16, wherein The first medium particle is further configured to authorize the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line after completing transmission in a case where it is determined through the level of the third signal line that the previous medium particle has requested authorization before the first medium particle completes transmission.

18. The memory element of any one of claims 15-17, wherein, The first medium particle is further configured to request authorization from the next medium particle by controlling the level of the first signal line in a case where it is determined through the level of the first signal line that the next medium particle has cancelled authorization, and the first medium particle has not transmitted, after the first medium particle authorizes the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line; The first medium particle is further configured to authorize the previous medium particle by controlling the level of the third signal line in a case where it is determined through the level of the first signal line that the next medium particle has authorized.

19. The memory element of any one of claims 11-17, wherein, The bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus; The first medium particle is configured to transmit the data and the data identifier to the controller through the first data bus, and the second data bus is used for the controller to transmit data to be written to the at least two medium particles.

20. The memory element of claim 11, wherein, The level of each signal line is a fixed level, and the data transmission instruction is used to instruct the first medium particle to prepare; The first medium particle is configured to complete preparation based on the data transmission instruction when it is detected that the first signal line between the first medium particle and a next medium particle of the first medium particle is at the fixed level and a third signal line between the first medium particle and a previous medium particle of the first medium particle is also at the fixed level; The first medium particle is configured to transmit the data and the data identifier corresponding to the data to the controller through the bus under control of the controller.

21. The storage element according to claim 20, wherein The bus includes a first data bus and a second data bus; The first medium particle is configured to transmit the data and the data identifier corresponding to the data to the controller through a target data bus, the target data bus being the first data bus or the second data bus, and the target data bus also being configured to transmit data to be written by the controller to the at least two medium particles.

22. The memory element of any one of claims 10-17, 20, or 21, wherein, The signal line includes a request signal line and a feedback signal line, and in response to the level of the signal line being a fixed level, the level of the request signal line is a first level, the first level being configured to indicate that no authorization is requested, and the level of the feedback signal line is a second level, the second level being configured to indicate that authorization is granted, the authorization being configured to indicate that data is allowed to be transmitted through the bus.

23. The memory element of any one of claims 10-17, 20, or 21, wherein, The signal line includes a request signal line and a feedback signal line, and in response to the level of the signal line being determined based on data transmission of adjacent two medium particles connected by the signal line, the level of the request signal line is a first level or a third level, the first level being configured to indicate that no authorization is requested, and the third level being configured to indicate that authorization is requested, and the level of the feedback signal line is a second level or a fourth level, the second level being configured to indicate that authorization is granted, and the fourth level being configured to indicate that authorization is not granted, the authorization being configured to indicate that data is allowed to be transmitted through the bus.

24. The memory element of any one of claims 10-17, 20, or 21, wherein, The storage medium includes a state machine configured to record a state of the first medium particle; Before the first medium particle completes preparation and after the first medium particle completes transmission of the data and the data identifier, the state of the first medium particle is an idle state; After the first medium particle completes preparation, the state of the first medium particle is a prepared state; When the first medium particle transmits the data and the data identifier to the controller, the state of the first medium particle is a data transmission state; After the first medium particle grants authorization to the previous medium particle of the first medium particle, the state of the first medium particle is an other medium particle data transmission state, the other medium particle data transmission state being configured to indicate that another medium particle located before the first medium particle is performing data transmission.

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