Mobile devices and their operating methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media

Abstract

This disclosure provides a mobile device and its operating method, system, and computer-readable storage medium. The mobile device includes a first memory, a memory system, a switching circuit, and an external interface. The switching circuit is configured to switch from a first state to a second state or a third state in response to a switching instruction. The switching instruction indicates access to the memory system. In the first state, the first memory is coupled to the external interface via the switching circuit. In the second state, the memory system is coupled to the first memory via the switching circuit. In the third state, the memory system is coupled to the external interface via the switching circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to semiconductor technology, and includes, but is not limited to, a mobile device and its operating method, system, and computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of information technology, mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets are increasingly used in daily work, study and life. Users can not only communicate, but also store data information (such as audio, video, images, etc.) anytime and anywhere by using small and portable mobile devices.

[0003] However, the storage capacity of these mobile devices is limited, making it difficult to meet users' ever-increasing storage demands. Therefore, how to enable mobile devices to simultaneously perform communication and mobile storage functions has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mobile device and its operating method, system, and computer-readable storage medium.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a mobile device, the mobile device comprising: a first memory, a memory system, a switching circuit, and an external interface;

[0006] The switching circuit is configured to switch from a first state to a second state or a third state in response to a switching command; wherein the switching command is used to indicate access to the memory system; in the first state, the first memory is coupled to the external interface through the switching circuit; in the second state, the memory system is coupled to the first memory through the switching circuit; and in the third state, the memory system is coupled to the external interface through the switching circuit.

[0007] In some embodiments, the switching instruction includes a first sub-switching instruction; wherein the first sub-switching instruction is used to indicate switching to the second state; the mobile device further includes: a processor coupled to the first memory;

[0008] The switching circuit includes a first port, a second port, and a third port, wherein the first port is coupled to the first memory, the second port is coupled to the memory system, and the third port is coupled to the external interface;

[0009] The switching circuit is specifically configured to, in response to a first sub-switching instruction from the processor, switch the first port from being coupled to the third port to being coupled to the second port.

[0010] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to:

[0011] Back up the data stored in the first memory to the second memory of the memory system;

[0012] or,

[0013] Read the data stored in the second memory of the memory system.

[0014] In some embodiments, the switching instruction further includes a second sub-switching instruction; wherein the second sub-switching instruction is used to indicate switching to the third state; the switching circuit is further configured to switch from the second state to the third state in response to the second sub-switching instruction from the processor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the switching circuit is further configured to switch from the second state or the third state to the first state in response to a recovery instruction from the processor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the switching circuit is specifically configured to: in response to the switching instruction from the processor, the third port switches from being coupled to the first port to being coupled to the second port; wherein the external interface is coupled to an external terminal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the memory system includes a second memory and a memory controller; wherein the second memory and the memory controller are co-packaged on the motherboard of the mobile device; the mobile device further includes a bridge chip, through which the memory system is coupled to the external interface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the memory system includes a second memory and a memory controller, the second memory and the memory controller being respectively packaged on the motherboard of the mobile device; the second memory is coupled to the external interface through the memory controller.

[0019] In some embodiments, the memory system includes at least one of an embedded multimedia card, general-purpose flash memory, and a solid-state drive.

[0020] In some embodiments, the mobile device is used for communication and / or mobile storage.

[0021] In some embodiments, the mobile device includes a mobile phone or a tablet computer.

[0022] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide an operation method for a mobile device, the mobile device including a first memory, a memory system, a switching circuit, and an external interface; the operation method includes:

[0023] Receive a switching instruction; wherein the switching instruction is used to indicate access to the memory system;

[0024] In response to the switching command, the switching circuit switches from a first state to a second state or a third state; wherein, in the first state, the first memory is coupled to the external interface through the switching circuit; in the second state, the memory system is coupled to the first memory through the switching circuit; and in the third state, the memory system is coupled to the external interface through the switching circuit.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mobile device further includes: a processor coupled to the first memory; the switching circuit includes: a first port, a second port, and a third port, the first port being coupled to the first memory, the second port being coupled to the memory system, and the third port being coupled to the external interface;

[0026] The receiving switching instruction includes: receiving a first sub-switching instruction from the processor; wherein the switching instruction includes the first sub-switching instruction, which is used to indicate switching to the second state;

[0027] The switching circuit switching from a first state to a second state in response to the switching instruction includes: in response to the first sub-switching instruction from the processor, the first port switching from being coupled to the third port to being coupled to the second port.

[0028] In some embodiments, the operating method further includes:

[0029] Back up the data stored in the first memory to the second memory of the memory system;

[0030] or,

[0031] Read the data stored in the second memory of the memory system.

[0032] In some embodiments, receiving the switching instruction further includes: receiving a second sub-switching instruction from the processor; wherein the switching instruction includes the second sub-switching instruction, which is used to indicate switching to the third state;

[0033] The operation method further includes: in response to a second sub-switching instruction from the processor, the switching circuit switches from the second state to the third state.

[0034] In some embodiments, the operation method further includes: in response to a recovery instruction from the processor, the switching circuit switches from the second state or the third state to the first state.

[0035] In some embodiments, the switching circuit switching from a first state to a third state in response to a switching instruction includes: in response to the switching instruction from the processor, the third port switching from being coupled to the first port to being coupled to the second port; wherein the external interface is coupled to an external terminal.

[0036] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a system, the system comprising:

[0037] Mobile devices as described in any of the above embodiments;

[0038] An external terminal, coupled to the mobile device, is configured to: access the first memory when the switching circuit is in the first state; or access the memory system when the switching circuit is in the third state.

[0039] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium storing instruction code, which, when executed, implements the operation method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0040] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting a switching circuit and a memory system in the mobile device, and the switching circuit being able to switch from a first state to a second state or a third state in response to a switching command, the memory system can be used as extended memory of the mobile device or the mobile device can be used as mobile storage; firstly, it can provide additional storage space for the mobile device, increase the storage capacity of the mobile device, and the communication function of the mobile device is not affected; secondly, it combines the two products of mobile phone and mobile storage into one product, and the mobile device has both communication and mobile storage functions, which can reduce the user's usage cost and enhance portability. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile device in a first state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile device in a second state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile device in a third state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another mobile device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a memory system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of a memory card according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram of a solid-state drive according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0051] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be practiced without one or more of these details. In some embodiments, to avoid confusion with this disclosure, certain technical features well-known in the art are not described; that is, not all features of the actual embodiments, nor well-known functions and structures, may be described herein.

[0052] Generally, terms can be understood at least in part from their use in context. For example, depending at least in part on the context, the term "one or more" as used herein can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or it can be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms such as "a" or "described" can also be understood to convey either a singular or a plural usage, depending at least in part on the context. Additionally, the use of "based on" can be understood to not necessarily convey an exclusive set of factors, and can alternatively allow for the presence of additional factors that are not necessarily explicitly described, also depending at least in part on the context.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, the terminology used herein is intended only to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. When used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprise” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, identify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. When used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0054] To fully understand this disclosure, detailed steps and structures will be presented in the following description to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure. Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below; however, other embodiments may also be implemented in addition to these detailed descriptions.

[0055] Mobile phones are widely used in daily life as common mobile devices, but their storage capacity is limited and easily fills up. As the storage of large amounts of data (such as short videos, movies, TV series, and audio) becomes increasingly common, users need more storage capacity. Therefore, additional storage space is required.

[0056] Mobile storage devices are favored by consumers due to their advantages such as rewritability and large storage capacity. Mobile storage includes, but is not limited to, USB flash disks, portable hard drives, and memory cards. Backing up data from a mobile phone to mobile storage provides additional storage space and frees up internal memory. However, this solution requires users to purchase and carry both the phone and the mobile storage device, increasing user costs and reducing portability.

[0057] Furthermore, backing up data from a mobile phone to external storage usually requires the use of other devices, resulting in a poor user experience. For example, the phone and external storage are connected to a computer separately to copy data; after the copying is complete, both the phone and external storage are unplugged from the computer. In addition, users need to purchase additional data cables, further increasing user costs and reducing portability.

[0058] In view of this, in order to solve one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a mobile device.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile device 100 in a first state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile device 100 in a second state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3This is a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile device 100 in a third state according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The following will be combined with... Figures 1 to 3 The mobile device 100 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the mobile device 100 includes: a first memory 120, a memory system 130, a switching circuit 150, and an external interface 160; the switching circuit 150 is configured to switch from a first state to a second state or a third state in response to a switching command; wherein the switching command is used to indicate access to the memory system 130; in the first state, the first memory 120 is coupled to the external interface 160 through the switching circuit 150; in the second state, the memory system 130 is coupled to the first memory 120 through the switching circuit 150; and in the third state, the memory system 130 is coupled to the external interface 160 through the switching circuit 150.

[0061] Mobile device 100 includes, but is not limited to, smartphones (e.g., mobile phones), tablet computers (e.g., tablet computers), or laptop computers. In this embodiment, a mobile phone will be used as an example for illustration. Mobile device 100 includes a first memory 120, a memory system 130, a switching circuit 150, and an external interface 160. Figure 1 As not shown in the figure, the mobile device 100 may also include other functional devices known in the art, such as power management chips, baseband chips, radio frequency chips, WIFI chips, etc.

[0062] The first memory 120 includes at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory includes, but is not limited to, static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM); non-volatile memory includes, but is not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) and flash memory.

[0063] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first memory 120 may be the mobile phone's RAM and / or internal memory, and the number of first memories 120 is not limited to... Figure 1 The number of first memories 120 shown can be one, but there can be two or more; the storage capacity of the first memory 120 includes, but is not limited to, 32G, 64G, 128G or 256G. Of course, the storage capacity of the first memory 120 can also be less than 32G (e.g., 16G) or greater than 256G (e.g., 512G); there are no special limitations on the number and storage capacity of the first memory 120 in this embodiment of the disclosure.

[0064] The memory system 130 includes one or more second memories 131 and a memory controller 132. The memory controller 132 is coupled to the second memories 131 and the switching circuitry 150 and is configured to control the second memories 131. The memory controller 132 can manage data stored in the second memories 131 and communicate with the processor 110 or an external terminal. Information regarding the memory system 130, the second memories 131, and the memory controller 132 will be discussed later. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The embodiments are described in detail, and will not be repeated here.

[0065] The switching circuit 150 can switch from a first state to a second state or a third state in response to a switching command. The internal functional circuits of the mobile device 100 or an external terminal can access the memory system 130, so that the mobile device 100 has both communication and mobile storage functions.

[0066] For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the processor 110 needs to access the memory system 130, the switching circuit 150 can switch from a first state to a second state after receiving a switching command, so that the processor 110 is coupled to the memory system 130 through the switching circuit 150, thereby enabling access to the memory system 130. At this time, the memory system 130 can be used as extended memory for the mobile device 100, thereby providing additional storage space for the mobile device 100, increasing the storage capacity of the mobile device 100, and the communication function of the mobile device 100 is not affected.

[0067] It should be noted that when other functional circuits inside the mobile device 100 need to access the memory system 130, the switching circuit 150 can perform similar operations. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The operation enables other functional circuits inside the mobile device 100 to be coupled to the memory system 130 through the switching circuit 150, thereby enabling access to the memory system 130. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the functional circuits inside the mobile device 100 that access the memory system 130 are not limited to the processor 110.

[0068] For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, when an external terminal needs to access the memory system 130, the switching circuit 150 can switch from the first state to the third state after receiving a switching command, allowing the external terminal to be coupled to the memory system 130 through the external interface 160 and the switching circuit 150, thereby enabling access to the memory system 130. At this time, the mobile device 100 can be used not only as a communication device but also as a mobile storage device; that is, the mobile device 100 simultaneously possesses both communication and mobile storage functions. External terminals include, but are not limited to, desktop computers or laptops.

[0069] The switching circuit 150 includes a switching circuit, such as a toggle switch circuit or a membrane switch circuit. In one specific embodiment, the switching circuit 150 is a toggle switch circuit, which may have at least three positions, each position corresponding to one of a first state, a second state, and a third state. Different positions correspond to different states, thus enabling switching between different states. Here, the switching circuit 150 including a switching circuit is merely exemplary. Generally, the switching circuit 150 may also include other circuits capable of implementing switching functions, such as a multiplexer circuit, a cross-connect switching circuit, or a switch matrix circuit.

[0070] External interface 160 includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. Examples include MicroUSB, Type-C, and Lightning interfaces. In this embodiment, a Type-C interface will be used as an example for explanation.

[0071] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting a switching circuit and a memory system in the mobile device, and the switching circuit being able to switch from a first state to a second state or a third state in response to a switching command, the memory system can be used as extended memory of the mobile device or the mobile device can be used as mobile storage; firstly, it can provide additional storage space for the mobile device, increase the storage capacity of the mobile device, and the communication function of the mobile device is not affected; secondly, it combines the two products of mobile phone and mobile storage into one product, and the mobile device has both communication and mobile storage functions, which can reduce the user's usage cost and enhance portability.

[0072] In some embodiments, the switching instruction includes a first sub-switching instruction; wherein the first sub-switching instruction is used to indicate switching to a second state; the mobile device 100 further includes a processor 110, the processor 110 being coupled to a first memory 120;

[0073] The switching circuit 150 includes a first port, a second port and a third port, the first port being coupled to a first memory 120, the second port being coupled to a memory system 130, and the third port being coupled to an external interface 160.

[0074] The switching circuit 150 is specifically configured to switch the first port from being coupled to the third port to being coupled to the second port in response to a first sub-switching instruction from the processor 110.

[0075] Processor 110 includes a dedicated processor, such as at least one of a variety of dedicated processors, including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), and a Video Processing Unit (VPU). Processor 110 may also include a System-on-Chip (SoC) integrating multiple dedicated processors, such as an Application Processor (AP) and a baseband processor. The application processor handles applications running in an operating system environment, and the baseband processor handles cellular mobile communications, such as second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), and fifth-generation (5G) cellular mobile communications. It should be noted that processor 110 can perform the various operations disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure through integrated hardware logic circuits and / or software instruction code.

[0076] For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the processor 110 needs to access the memory system 130, the processor 110 can send a first sub-switching instruction to the switching circuit 150; in response to the first sub-switching instruction, the switching circuit 150 switches from the A-C connection to the A-B connection, so that the processor 110 is coupled to the memory system 130 through the switching circuit 150.

[0077] For example, the switching circuit 150 is a toggle switch circuit, which includes a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The first gear, the second gear, and the third gear correspond to the first state, the second state, and the third state, respectively. After receiving the first sub-switching command, the switching circuit 150 can switch from the first gear to the second gear, thereby switching to the second state.

[0078] In some embodiments, nodes A, B, and C represent the first port, the second port, and the third port, respectively. In other embodiments, at least one of nodes A, B, and C can be a connection node within the switching circuit 150. For example, node A is a connection node within the switching circuit 150, and node A can be connected to the first port. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can reasonably configure the first port, the second port, and the third port according to requirements, and this disclosure does not impose any special limitations in this regard.

[0079] In some embodiments, the processor 110 is configured to: back up data stored in the first memory 120 to the second memory 131 of the memory system 130; or, read data stored in the second memory 131 of the memory system 130.

[0080] Reference Figure 2 As shown, when the switching circuit 150 switches to the second state, the memory system 130 can be used as extended memory for the mobile device 100. For example, when the available storage space of the first memory 120 is insufficient, the processor 110 can back up the data stored in the first memory 120 to the second memory 131 of the memory system 130, and erase the backed-up data in the first memory 120, thereby freeing up the running memory and / or internal memory of the mobile device 100 and improving the operational performance of the mobile device 100. Furthermore, by backing up the data stored in the first memory 120 to the second memory 131 of the memory system 130, data loss can be avoided, ensuring data reliability. In addition, data backup is completed internally within the mobile device 100 without the need for other devices, improving data transmission speed and backup efficiency.

[0081] It should be noted that in practical applications, an application can be installed on the mobile phone, and the user can switch the circuit state and back up the data stored in the first memory by operating the application.

[0082] For example, when the processor 110 needs to read data stored in the second memory 131, the processor 110 can send a first sub-switching instruction to the switching circuit 150; in response to the first sub-switching instruction, the switching circuit 150 switches from the A-C connection to the A-B connection; in this way, the processor 110 can read the data stored in the second memory 131. Since the data reading is completed inside the mobile device 100, it does not require the assistance of other devices, which can improve the speed of data transmission and the efficiency of reading.

[0083] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, after the first port of the switching circuit is switched from being coupled to the third port to being coupled to the second port, the switching circuit can switch to the second state. In this way, the memory system can be used as the extended memory of the mobile device. Backing up the data in the first memory to the memory system no longer requires the use of other devices or supporting products, which enhances the user experience, further reduces the cost of use, and further enhances portability. Backing up or reading data inside the mobile device can be done without the need for other devices, which can improve the backup efficiency or reading efficiency.

[0084] In some embodiments, the switching instruction further includes a second sub-switching instruction; wherein the second sub-switching instruction is used to indicate switching to a third state; the switching circuit 150 is further configured to:

[0085] In response to a second sub-switching instruction from processor 110, the system switches from the second state to the third state.

[0086] For example, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when an external terminal needs to access the memory system 130, the processor 110 can send a second sub-switching instruction to the switching circuit 150; in response to the second sub-switching instruction, the switching circuit 150 switches from the A-B connection to the B-C connection, so that the external terminal is coupled to the memory system 130 through the switching circuit 150.

[0087] For example, the switching circuit 150 is a toggle switch circuit, which includes a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The first gear, the second gear, and the third gear correspond to the first state, the second state, and the third state, respectively. After receiving the second sub-switching command, the switching circuit 150 can switch from the second gear to the third gear, thereby switching to the third state.

[0088] In some embodiments, the switching circuit 150 is further configured to switch from a second state or a third state to a first state in response to a recovery instruction from the processor 110.

[0089] In some embodiments, the switching circuit 150 is specifically configured to switch the first port from being coupled to the second port to being coupled to the third port in response to a recovery command from the processor 110. Thus, the switching circuit 150 can switch from a second state to a first state.

[0090] For example, refer to Figure 2 As shown, after the data in the first memory 120 has been backed up, the processor 110 can send a recovery command to the switching circuit 150; in response to the recovery command, the switching circuit 150 switches from the A-B connection to the A-C connection, as follows. Figure 1As shown, this switches the mobile device 100 to its normal state (i.e., the first state). It should be noted that in the normal state, the mobile device 100 is typically used as a communication tool.

[0091] In some embodiments, the switching circuit 150 is specifically configured to switch the third port from being coupled to the second port to being coupled to the first port in response to a recovery instruction from the processor 110. Thus, the switching circuit 150 can switch from a third state to a first state.

[0092] For example, refer to Figure 3 As shown, after the external terminal has completed accessing the memory system 130, the processor 110 can send a recovery command to the switching circuit 150; in response to the recovery command, the switching circuit 150 switches from the B-C connection to the A-C connection, as follows. Figure 1 As shown, this causes the mobile device 100 to switch to the normal state.

[0093] It should be noted that the recovery command for switching from the second state to the first state and the recovery command for switching from the third state to the first state can be the same or different, and this disclosure does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0094] In some embodiments, the switching circuit 150 is specifically configured to: in response to a switching instruction from the processor 110, switch the third port from being coupled to the first port to being coupled to the second port; wherein the external interface 160 is coupled to an external terminal.

[0095] For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, when an external terminal needs to access the memory system 130, the processor 110 can send a switching command to the switching circuit 150. In response to the switching command, the switching circuit 150 switches from the A-C connection to the B-C connection, so that the external terminal is coupled to the memory system 130 through the external interface 160 and the switching circuit 150, thereby enabling access to the memory system 130.

[0096] It is understood that the switching circuit 150 provided in this embodiment can switch between any two states to complete the corresponding logic operation.

[0097] In some embodiments, the memory system 130 includes a second memory 131 and a memory controller 132; wherein the second memory 131 and the memory controller 132 are jointly packaged on the motherboard of the mobile device 100; the mobile device 100 further includes a bridge chip 140, through which the memory system 130 is coupled to an external interface 160.

[0098] For example, refer to Figure 1As shown, the second memory 131 and the memory controller 132 can be jointly packaged into a memory system 130, which is then packaged on the motherboard of the mobile device 100. The memory system 130 includes at least one of an embedded multimedia card (eMMC), universal flash storage (UFS), and solid state disk (SSD). The motherboard includes, but is not limited to, a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0099] Data, addresses, commands, etc., can be transmitted between the memory system 130 and the first memory 120 or an external terminal via a bridging chip 140. The bridging chip 140 is used to perform interface protocol conversion on signals (including data signals and / or control signals) transmitted between the memory system 130 and the first memory 120 or the external terminal. The bridging chip 140 includes a first interface, a conversion unit, and a second interface; the first interface is coupled to the memory system 130, and the second interface is coupled to a second port; the conversion unit is used to convert the interface protocol followed between the first interface and the memory system 130 into the interface protocol followed between the second interface and the first memory 120 or the external terminal, thereby ensuring signal transmission between the memory system 130 and the first memory 120 or the external terminal. Interface protocols include USB protocol, SATA protocol, PCIe protocol, etc.

[0100] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by setting a bridge chip in the mobile device, the memory system consisting of the second memory and the memory controller, which are co-packaged on the motherboard, can be coupled to an external port through the bridge chip. In this way, the interface protocol can be converted, ensuring the transmission of signals between the memory system and the external terminal (or the first memory).

[0101] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another mobile device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The processor 110, first memory 120, memory system 130, switching circuit 150, and external interface 160 are similar to those in the above embodiments and will not be described again. The difference from the above embodiments is that... Figure 4 The memory system 130 includes a second memory 131 and a memory controller 132, which are each packaged on the motherboard of the mobile device 100; the second memory 131 is coupled to an external interface 160 through the memory controller 132.

[0102] It is understood that in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the second memory 131 and the memory controller 132 can each be packaged as independent components (e.g., dies) on the motherboard. When the second memory 131 and the memory controller 132 are each packaged on the motherboard, the bridge chip 140 can be omitted.

[0103] In some embodiments, the mobile device 100 is used for communication and / or mobile storage.

[0104] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a memory system 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 5 As shown, the memory system 130 includes one or more second memories 131 and a memory controller 132, the memory controller 132 being coupled to the second memories 131 and a switching circuit (see reference). Figure 4 The memory controller 132 is configured to control the second memory 131. The memory controller 132 can manage the data stored in the second memory 131 and communicate with the processor or an external terminal.

[0105] In some embodiments, the memory controller 132 is designed to operate in low-duty-cycle environments, such as Secure Digital Memory Cards (SD Cards), Compact Flash Cards (CF Cards), Universal Serial Bus flash drives, or other media used in electronic devices such as personal calculators, digital cameras, mobile phones, etc. In some embodiments, the memory controller 132 is designed to operate in high-duty-cycle environments, such as solid-state drives (SSDs) or embedded multimedia cards, with SSDs or eMMC used as data storage in mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and enterprise storage arrays.

[0106] The memory controller 132 can be configured to control the operation of the second memory 131, such as read, erase, and write operations. The memory controller 132 can also be configured to manage various functions related to data stored or to be stored in the second memory 131, including but not limited to bad block management, garbage collection, logical-to-physical address translation, wear leveling, etc. In some embodiments, the memory controller 132 is also configured to process error correction codes for data read from or written to the second memory 131. The memory controller 132 can also perform any other suitable functions, such as formatting the second memory 131. The memory controller 132 can communicate with an external terminal according to a specific communication protocol. For example, the memory controller 132 can communicate with an external terminal through at least one of various interface protocols, such as USB, MMC, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE), Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), Serial ATA, Parallel ATA, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Enhanced System Device Interface (ESDI), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), FireWire, etc.

[0107] The memory controller 132 and one or more second memories 131 can be integrated into various types of storage devices, for example, included in the same package (e.g., a general-purpose flash memory package or an eMMC package). That is, the memory system 130 can be implemented and packaged into different types of end electronic products. Figure 6aIn one example shown, the memory controller 132 and a single second memory 131 can be integrated into the memory card 202. The memory card 202 may include a PC card (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, PCMCIA), a CF card, a Smart Media (SM) card, a memory stick, a Multimedia Card (MMC), a Reduced-Size MMC (RS-MMC), a Multimedia Card Micro (MMCmicro), an SD card (SD, miniSD, microSD, SDHC), Universal Flash Storage (UFS), etc. The memory card 202 may also include a bridge chip (e.g., ...) connecting the memory card 202 to the memory card. Figure 1 The memory card connector 204 is coupled to the bridge chip in the memory card. (In such a case...) Figure 6b In another example shown, the memory controller 132 and a plurality of second memories 131 may be integrated into the SSD 206. The SSD 206 may also include a bridge chip (e.g., for connecting the SSD 206 to the SSD) Figure 1 The SSD connector 208 is coupled to the bridge chip in the memory. In some embodiments, the storage capacity and / or operating speed of the SSD 206 is greater than the storage capacity and / or operating speed of the memory card 202. The second memory 131 may include volatile and non-volatile memory, such as NAND flash memory, dynamic random access memory, ferroelectric random access memory, magnetic random access memory, phase-change random access memory, resistive random access memory, nano-random access memory, etc.

[0108] Based on the aforementioned mobile device, this disclosure also provides a method for operating the mobile device.

[0109] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a mobile device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 7 As shown, this operation method includes at least the following steps:

[0110] S210: Receive switching instruction; wherein, the switching instruction is used to indicate access to the memory system;

[0111] S220: In response to a switching command, the switching circuit switches from a first state to a second state or a third state; wherein, in the first state, the first memory is coupled to an external interface through the switching circuit; in the second state, the memory system is coupled to the first memory through the switching circuit; and in the third state, the memory system is coupled to an external interface through the switching circuit.

[0112] It should be noted that, Figure 7 The steps shown are not exclusive; other steps may be performed before, after, or between any of the steps shown. Figure 7 The steps shown can be adjusted in order according to actual needs.

[0113] In some embodiments, the mobile device further includes: a processor coupled to a first memory; and a switching circuit including: a first port, a second port, and a third port, wherein the first port is coupled to the first memory, the second port is coupled to the memory system, and the third port is coupled to an external interface.

[0114] Step S210 above includes: receiving a first sub-switching instruction from the processor; wherein the switching instruction includes a first sub-switching instruction, which is used to indicate switching to the second state;

[0115] The above step S220 includes: in response to a first sub-switching instruction from the processor, the first port is switched from being coupled to the third port to being coupled to the second port.

[0116] In some embodiments, the above-described operation method further includes: backing up the data stored in the first memory to the second memory of the memory system; or reading the data stored in the second memory of the memory system.

[0117] In some embodiments, step S210 further includes: receiving a second sub-switching instruction from the processor; wherein the switching instruction includes a second sub-switching instruction, the second sub-switching instruction being used to indicate switching to a third state; the above operation method further includes: in response to the second sub-switching instruction from the processor, the switching circuit switches from the second state to the third state.

[0118] In some embodiments, the above-described operation method further includes: in response to a recovery instruction from the processor, the switching circuit switches from a second state or a third state to a first state.

[0119] In some embodiments, step S220 includes: in response to a switching instruction from the processor, switching the third port from being coupled to the first port to being coupled to the second port; wherein the external interface is coupled to an external terminal.

[0120] The above operating methods have been described in detail on the mobile device side, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0121] Based on the aforementioned mobile device, this disclosure also provides a system.

[0122] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a system 300 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 8 As shown, system 300 includes:

[0123] Mobile device 100 as in any of the above embodiments;

[0124] External terminal 200 is coupled to mobile device 100 and is configured to: access first memory 120 when switching circuit 150 is in a first state; or access memory system 130 when switching circuit is in a third state.

[0125] In some embodiments, the external terminal includes a desktop computer or a laptop computer.

[0126] Based on the aforementioned mobile device, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instruction code, which, when executed, implements the operation method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0127] In some implementations, the instruction code may be a computer program; the computer-readable storage medium may be applied to the mobile device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the mobile device to perform the corresponding steps in the various operation methods of the embodiments of this application, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0128] It should be understood that the phrase "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "one embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this disclosure, the sequence numbers of the above-described processes do not imply a sequential 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 disclosure. The sequence numbers of the above-described embodiments are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0129] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0130] The above description is merely an embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A mobile device, characterized in that, The mobile device includes: a first memory, a memory system, a switching circuit, and an external interface; The switching circuit is configured to switch from a first state to a second state or a third state in response to a switching command; wherein the switching command is used to indicate access to the memory system; in the first state, the first memory is coupled to the external interface through the switching circuit; in the second state, the memory system is coupled to the first memory through the switching circuit; and in the third state, the memory system is coupled to the external interface through the switching circuit.

2. The mobile device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching instruction includes a first sub-switching instruction; wherein the first sub-switching instruction is used to indicate switching to the second state; the mobile device further includes: a processor, the processor being coupled to the first memory; The switching circuit includes a first port, a second port, and a third port, wherein the first port is coupled to the first memory, the second port is coupled to the memory system, and the third port is coupled to the external interface; The switching circuit is specifically configured to, in response to a first sub-switching instruction from the processor, switch the first port from being coupled to the third port to being coupled to the second port.

3. The mobile device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to: Back up the data stored in the first memory to the second memory of the memory system; or, Read the data stored in the second memory of the memory system.

4. The mobile device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switching instruction further includes a second sub-switching instruction; wherein the second sub-switching instruction is used to indicate switching to the third state; the switching circuit is further configured to: In response to the second sub-switching instruction from the processor, the system switches from the second state to the third state.

5. The mobile device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switching circuit is also configured to: In response to a recovery command from the processor, the system switches from the second state or the third state to the first state.

6. The mobile device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switching circuit is specifically configured as follows: In response to the switching instruction from the processor, the third port switches from being coupled to the first port to being coupled to the second port; wherein the external interface is coupled to an external terminal.

7. The mobile device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The memory system includes a second memory and a memory controller; wherein the second memory and the memory controller are jointly packaged on the motherboard of the mobile device; The mobile device further includes a bridge chip, through which the memory system is coupled to the external interface.

8. The mobile device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The memory system includes a second memory and a memory controller, each of which is encapsulated on the motherboard of the mobile device; the second memory is coupled to the external interface through the memory controller.

9. The mobile device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The memory system includes at least one of the following: an embedded multimedia card, general-purpose flash memory, and a solid-state drive.

10. The mobile device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile device is used for communication and / or mobile storage.

11. The mobile device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile devices include: mobile phones or tablet computers.

12. A method for operating a mobile device, characterized in that, The mobile device includes a first memory, a memory system, a switching circuit, and an external interface; the operation method includes: Receive a switching instruction; wherein the switching instruction is used to indicate access to the memory system; In response to the switching command, the switching circuit switches from a first state to a second state or a third state; wherein, in the first state, the first memory is coupled to the external interface through the switching circuit; in the second state, the memory system is coupled to the first memory through the switching circuit; and in the third state, the memory system is coupled to the external interface through the switching circuit.

13. The operating method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The mobile device further includes: a processor coupled to the first memory; the switching circuit includes: a first port, a second port, and a third port, the first port being coupled to the first memory, the second port being coupled to the memory system, and the third port being coupled to the external interface; The receiving of the handover instruction includes: Receive a first sub-switching instruction from the processor; wherein the switching instruction includes the first sub-switching instruction, which is used to indicate switching to the second state; In response to the switching command, the switching circuit switches from a first state to a second state, including: In response to the first sub-switching instruction from the processor, the first port switches from being coupled to the third port to being coupled to the second port.

14. The operating method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The operation method further includes: Back up the data stored in the first memory to the second memory of the memory system; or, Read the data stored in the second memory of the memory system.

15. The operating method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The receiving of the switching instruction also includes: Receive a second sub-switching instruction from the processor; wherein the switching instruction includes the second sub-switching instruction, which is used to indicate switching to the third state; The operation method further includes: In response to the second sub-switching instruction from the processor, the switching circuit switches from the second state to the third state.

16. The operating method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The operation method further includes: In response to a recovery command from the processor, the switching circuit switches from the second state or the third state to the first state.

17. The operating method according to claim 13, characterized in that, In response to a switching command, the switching circuit switches from a first state to a third state, including: In response to the switching instruction from the processor, the third port switches from being coupled to the first port to being coupled to the second port; wherein the external interface is coupled to an external terminal.

18. A system, characterized in that, include: The mobile device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; An external terminal, coupled to the mobile device, is configured to access the first memory when the switching circuit is in the first state. Alternatively, the memory system can be accessed when the switching circuit is in the third state.

19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The external terminal includes a desktop computer or a laptop computer.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instruction code that, when executed, implements the operation method as described in any one of claims 12 to 17.

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