Recording media and host equipment

Abstract

A recording medium according to the present disclosure which is connected to a host device, said recording medium being equipped with a memory, a control unit for controlling the memory, and an interface unit which communicates with the host device. The interface unit transmits configuration information including the flash temperature, which is the temperature difference between the surface and interior of the recording medium, and receives a thermal throttling threshold temperature from the host device. The control unit controls an operation based on said threshold temperature.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording apparatus that accesses a recording medium, control of a recording medium, and a recording medium. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a recording apparatus capable of setting a temperature at which functional restriction is applied to a recording medium. This recording apparatus comprises a control means that sets the temperature threshold at which functional restriction is performed to a value within a settable range for the recording medium, and the control means switches between performing a first setting that sets the temperature threshold at which functional restriction is performed in the recording medium to a default value of the recording medium, and performing a second setting that sets the temperature threshold to a value larger than the default value, depending on whether the apparatus is in a playback mode or a recording and shooting mode.

[0003] This makes it possible to set the temperature at which functional restriction is applied to the recording medium. [[Related Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-87204 [[Summary of the Invention]]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a recording medium and a host device capable of setting a thermal throttling threshold in consideration of temperature increase caused by heat generation of the recording medium, suppressing thermal throttling, and performing writing and reading at a guaranteed speed.

[0006] The recording medium according to the present disclosure is a recording medium connected to a host device, comprising a memory, a control unit that controls the memory, and an interface unit that communicates with the host device, wherein the interface unit transmits setting information including a temperature increase that is a temperature difference between the surface and the interior of the recording medium, receives a thermal throttling threshold temperature from the host device, and the control unit controls operation based on the threshold temperature.

[0007] The host device in this disclosure is a host device connected to a recording medium, and includes a control unit, which receives setting information including a rise temperature, which is the temperature difference between the surface and the interior of the recording medium, calculates a threshold temperature based on the setting information and a convergence temperature, which is the surface temperature of the recording medium that can be controlled when the recording medium is operated continuously at a guaranteed speed, and transmits the calculated threshold temperature to the recording medium.

[0008] The recording medium in this disclosure is a recording medium connected to a host device and comprises a memory, a control unit for controlling the memory, and an interface unit for communicating with the host device. The interface unit receives command information including a convergence temperature, which is the temperature that can be controlled when the host device is in continuous operation. The control unit transmits setting information including a threshold temperature calculated based on the convergence temperature and the rise temperature, which is the temperature difference between the surface and the interior of the recording medium. The control unit receives a thermal throttling threshold temperature from the host device and controls the operation based on the thermal throttling threshold temperature.

[0009] The host device in this disclosure is a host device connected to a recording medium, and includes a control unit, which transmits command information to the recording medium including a convergence temperature, which is a temperature that can be controlled when the recording medium is operated continuously, receives setting information including a threshold temperature calculated by the recording medium based on the convergence temperature and the rise temperature, which is the temperature difference between the surface and the interior of the recording medium, and transmits the threshold temperature included in the setting information to the recording medium as the threshold temperature for thermal throttling.

[0010] The recording medium in this disclosure is a recording medium connected to a host device and comprises a memory, a control unit for controlling the memory, and an interface unit for communicating with the host device. The interface unit transmits setting information including the relationship between a thermal throttling threshold and a guaranteed speed, and the relationship between the convergence temperature, the guaranteed speed, and the internal temperature of the recording medium. The control unit receives the thermal throttling threshold temperature from the host device and controls the operation based on the threshold temperature.

[0011] The host device in this disclosure is a host device connected to a recording medium and includes a control unit, which receives setting information including the relationship between the thermal throttling threshold and guaranteed speed held by the recording medium, and the relationship between the convergence temperature, the guaranteed speed, and the internal temperature of the recording medium, calculates a thermal throttling threshold temperature and selection information in which one of a plurality of thermal throttling thresholds is selected from the relationship between the thermal throttling threshold and guaranteed speed, and the relationship between the convergence temperature, the guaranteed speed, and the internal temperature of the recording medium, and transmits the selection information and the threshold temperature to the recording medium.

[0012] According to this disclosure, a threshold temperature for thermal throttling is set that takes into account the temperature rise due to heat generation of the recording medium, thereby suppressing thermal throttling and enabling writing and reading at guaranteed speeds. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Schematic diagrams showing the memory card and host device in Embodiments 1 and 2. [Figure 2] Sequence diagram for querying the temperature rise in Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Sequence diagram for querying the threshold temperature of thermal throttling in Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Sequence diagram for obtaining a correspondence table showing the relationship between TMT1, TMT2 and guaranteed speed, card surface temperature, and the relationship between access speed and internal card temperature in Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] Diagram showing the relationship between TMT1, TMT2 and guaranteed speed in Embodiment 2 [Figure 6] Diagram showing the relationship between card surface temperature, access speed and internal card temperature in Embodiment 2 [Figure 7] Flowchart for threshold calculation on the host side in Embodiment 1 [Figure 8] Flowchart for threshold calculation on the card side in Embodiment 1 [Figure 9] Diagram showing temperature change and threshold during continuous operation at 400 MByte / sec in Embodiment 2 [Figure 10] Diagram showing temperature change and threshold during continuous operation at 600 MByte / sec in Embodiment 2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters and repeated descriptions for substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art.

[0015] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 7, and 8.

[0017] [1-1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a memory card according to Embodiment 1 and a connector mounted on a substrate of a host device.

[0018] Description will be given based on the diagram showing the state where the memory card 101 is removed, which is illustrated in the upper part of FIG. 1.

[0019] A substrate 105 of a host device 100 is equipped with a connector 103 into which a memory card 101 can be inserted and removed. The connector 103 includes a temperature sensor 104. The temperature sensor 104 is designed and arranged to be capable of measuring a surface temperature (case temperature) of the memory card 101. Additionally, a control unit capable of transmitting and receiving electrical signals is mounted on the substrate 105. An SoC (System On Chip) 106 is an example of the control unit. The SoC 106 is connected to the connector 103 via a signal line, and can transmit electrical signals from the SoC 106 to the connector 103. Further, temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 104 provided in the connector 103 is notified to the SoC 106 via the signal line. The SoC 106 is connected to a fan 102 via a signal line, and can transmit electrical signals from the SoC 106 to the fan 102. The fan 102 changes ON / OFF operation, the number of rotations and the like according to the electrical signal from the SoC 106.

[0020] Normally, the host device 100 requires DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and other peripheral components, but these are omitted since they are not directly related to the content of the present disclosure.

[0021] The memory card 101 incorporates a controller 108 and NAND FLASH 109, which is a non-volatile memory serving as the memory. The controller 108 is connected to the NAND FLASH 109. The controller 10 incorporates an interface unit 110, a control unit 111, and a temperature sensor 107. The control unit 111 is connected to the interface unit 110 and the temperature sensor 107.

[0022] The interface unit 110 receives a command from the SoC 106 and notifies the control unit 111 of the command. The control unit 111 performs processing in accordance with the command, generates response information (setting information), and passes the response information to the interface unit 110. The interface unit 110 returns the response information to the SoC 106.

[0023] When the interface unit 110 receives a write command, the control unit 111 writes the data to be written from the SoC 106 to the NAND FLASH 109 (write command processing). When the interface unit 110 receives a read command, the control unit 111 reads data from the NAND FLASH 109 and sends it to the SoC 106 (read command processing). When the interface unit 110 receives an erase command, the control unit 111 erases the corresponding data based on the address included in the received command (erase command processing).

[0024] The control unit 111 can read the internal temperature of the card measured by the temperature sensor 107. The temperature sensor 107 may be built into the NAND FLASH 109, or it may be built into the memory card 101 as a separate component. Regardless of the implementation, the control unit 111 can read the measurement result of the temperature sensor 107.

[0025] The lower part of Figure 1 shows the memory card 101 inserted into the connector 103.

[0026] With the memory card 101 inserted into the connector 103 mounted on the circuit board 105 of the host device 100, electrical signals from the SoC 106 are received by the memory card 101 via the connector 103. The memory card 101 processes the commands and returns response information. The memory card 101 performs write command processing, read command processing, erase command processing, etc.

[0027] The SoC 106 can acquire temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 107 built into the memory card 101 as response information to commands sent from the SoC 106 to the memory card 101.

[0028] The temperature sensor 104 is positioned so that the surface temperature of the memory card 101 can be measured when the memory card 101 is inserted.

[0029] Although the temperature sensor 104 in Figure 1 is depicted as measuring the surface temperature of the memory card 101, it may also be installed to measure the back side of the memory card 101, and multiple temperature sensors may be installed to measure the surface temperature of the memory card 101.

[0030] The memory card 101 has a minimum speed guarantee function. This function guarantees that if the host device 100 accesses the memory card 101 according to a certain procedure, write and read operations will be at or above the guaranteed speed. This guaranteed speed is a value specific to the memory card 101 and can be obtained by the SoC 106 as response information to commands sent from the SoC 106 to the memory card 101.

[0031] Furthermore, the memory card 101 has a thermal throttling function. This function limits the operation when a certain threshold temperature is exceeded, thereby suppressing heat generation. The memory card 101 allows setting multiple threshold temperatures at which thermal throttling is activated. For example, two threshold temperatures can be set as TMT1 (Thermal Management Temperature 1) and TMT2 (Thermal Management Temperature 2), with TMT1 being set to a threshold temperature smaller than TMT2. <TMT2)。

[0032] The operation of the thermal throttling function is outlined below. The control unit 111 acquires the internal card temperature from the temperature sensor 107. The control unit 111 compares the acquired internal card temperature with the threshold temperatures TMT1 and TMT2. If the internal card temperature does not exceed the threshold temperature TMT1, the control unit 111 does not activate thermal throttling. If the internal card temperature exceeds the threshold temperature TMT1, the control unit 111 activates thermal throttling (weak thermal throttling) by means of reducing the internal operating clock speed. Furthermore, if it exceeds the threshold temperature TMT2, the control unit 111 activates thermal throttling (strong thermal throttling) by means of further reducing the speed of the internal operating clock speed.

[0033] Furthermore, the memory card 101 holds MXTMT (Maximum Thermal Management Temperature), which represents the maximum value that can be set for threshold temperatures TMT1 and TMT2. This maximum value MXTMT is unique to the memory card 101 and can be obtained by the SoC 106 as response information to commands sent from the SoC 106 to the memory card 101.

[0034] For details on the thermal throttling function, threshold temperatures TMT1 and TMT2, and maximum value MXTMT, please refer to the NVMe standard (NVM Express Revision 1.3 May 1, 2017).

[0035] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the host device 100 and memory card 101 configured as described above will be explained below. The host device 100 performs the operation of acquiring and setting the rising temperature, or acquiring and setting the threshold temperature. The operation of each will be explained in detail below.

[0036] [1-2-1. Obtaining and setting the rising temperature] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation between the host device 100 and the memory card 101 inserted into the connector 103 of the circuit board 105 of the host device 100. This is an example of calculating the threshold temperature on the host side.

[0037] The memory card 101 is inserted into the connector 103 on the circuit board 105 of the host device 100. The connector 103 is connected to the SoC 106 mounted on the host device 100 by a signal line. Information that the memory card 101 has been inserted is sent to the SoC 106 via this signal line (S201). The SoC 106 detects the insertion of the memory card 101 (S202). The SoC 106 sends a command to the memory card 101. The memory card 101 analyzes the received command and sends back appropriate response information. This command and response information is repeated multiple times to perform the initialization process (S203). After the initialization process, the memory card 101 becomes ready for data writing, reading, erasing, etc.

[0038] The SoC106 queries the memory card 101 for the card-specific maximum value MXTMT (S204). The memory card 101 replies with the card-specific maximum value MXTMT (S205).

[0039] Next, the SoC 106 queries the memory card 101 to find out how much the internal temperature of the memory card rises from the surface temperature of the memory card when the memory card 101 operates continuously at the card's guaranteed speed (S206). The memory card 101 returns response information that includes the temperature rise when it operates continuously at the card's guaranteed speed (S207). In other words, the temperature rise is the difference between the card surface temperature and the internal temperature when it operates continuously at the guaranteed speed.

[0040] The SoC106 calculates the thermal throttling threshold temperature from the rising temperature included in the response information and the convergence temperature (the surface temperature of the memory card 101 reached as a result of control by the host device 100 during continuous operation) (S208). The SoC106 sends a command including the calculated threshold temperature to the memory card 101 (S209). The memory card 101 sets the value included in the command as the thermal throttling threshold temperature (threshold temperature TMT1). The SoC106 performs write and read operations on the memory card at the guaranteed speed (S210).

[0041] The calculation of the thermal throttling threshold temperature (S208) is explained using Figure 7. The SoC106 has already obtained the maximum value MXTMT and the temperature rise (S701). The SoC106 assumes the convergence temperature of the memory card 101 (S702). The SoC106 adds the obtained temperature rise to the assumed convergence temperature and then adds a positive margin to calculate the threshold temperature (S703). The SoC106 determines whether the threshold temperature calculated in step S703 is less than the obtained maximum value MXTMT (S704). If the threshold temperature is less than the obtained MXTMT, the SoC106 sets the calculated threshold temperature as the threshold temperature to be set for the memory card 101 (S705). If the threshold temperature is not less than the obtained maximum value MXTMT, the SoC106 determines whether the assumption of the card convergence temperature can be changed (S706). For example, SoC106 may determine this by checking whether the rotation speed of the fan 102 mounted on the host device 100 can be increased. If the assumed card convergence temperature can be changed, SoC106 re-assumes the card convergence temperature (S702). If the assumed card convergence temperature cannot be changed, SoC106 abandons operation at the guaranteed speed (S707).

[0042] Furthermore, the command that SoC106 sends to inquire about the temperature rise may include the guaranteed operating speed. In this case, the memory card 101 returns response information that includes the temperature rise when continuously operating at the guaranteed speed included in the received command. Also, if the threshold temperature calculated from the temperature rise and convergence temperature included in the response information is not less than the maximum value MXTMT, and the convergence temperature of the card cannot be changed, SoC106 may change the guaranteed operating speed.

[0043] Furthermore, if the internal temperature of the card exceeds the threshold temperature TMT1 and mild thermal throttling is activated, but the guaranteed speed can still be maintained, that is, if the access speed when mild thermal throttling is activated can still maintain the guaranteed speed, the memory card 101 may return a response in the command querying the temperature rise value that indicates that it is acceptable to set the threshold temperature to TMT2. In addition, the memory card 101 may be configured so that information on whether it is acceptable to set the threshold temperature to TMT2 can be obtained by a separate command, and the SoC 106 may obtain this information by a separate command.

[0044] Furthermore, if the host device 100 knows that the guaranteed speed can be maintained even if the internal temperature of the card exceeds the threshold temperature TMT1 and mild thermal throttling is activated, the threshold temperature calculated using the temperature rise value obtained from the memory card 101 may be set to the threshold temperature TMT2.

[0045] Alternatively, instead of triggering a temperature rise inquiry from the SoC106, the system may respond with a temperature rise in response to other inquiries (such as inquiries about guaranteed speed).

[0046] Furthermore, there is no inquiry from SoC106, and it is acceptable to voluntarily send the rising temperature.

[0047] [1-2-2. Obtaining and setting the threshold temperature] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation between the host device 100 and the memory card 101 inserted into the connector 103 of the circuit board 105. While Figure 2 showed the threshold temperature being calculated on the host device 100 side, Figure 3 illustrates an example where the threshold temperature is calculated on the card side.

[0048] The memory card 101 is inserted into the connector 103 on the circuit board 105 of the host device 100. The connector 103 is connected to the SoC 106 mounted on the host device 100 by a signal line. Information that the memory card 101 has been inserted is sent to the SoC 106 via this signal line (S301).

[0049] The SoC106 detects the insertion of the memory card 101 (S302). The SoC106 sends a command to the memory card 101. The memory card 101 analyzes the received command and returns appropriate response information. This command and response information is repeated multiple times to perform the initialization process (S303). After the initialization process, the memory card 101 becomes ready for data writing, reading, erasing, etc.

[0050] The SoC106 assumes the convergence temperature (S304). The SoC106 sends a command including the convergence temperature to the memory card 101. With this command, the SoC106 queries the memory card 101 to determine what temperature the thermal throttling threshold temperature should be set to if it were operating at the card's guaranteed speed (S305).

[0051] The memory card 101 calculates the thermal throttling threshold temperature by adding the temperature rise when operating at the card's guaranteed speed to the convergence temperature, and then adding a positive margin (S306).

[0052] The memory card 101 returns response information including the calculated thermal throttling threshold temperature (S307).

[0053] The SoC106 sends a command including the threshold temperature to the memory card 101 (S308). The memory card 101 uses the threshold temperature included in the command as the thermal throttling threshold temperature.

[0054] The SoC106 performs write and read operations on the memory card 101 at the guaranteed speed (S309).

[0055] The calculation of the thermal throttling threshold temperature (S306) is explained using Figure 8. The memory card 101 has already obtained the convergence temperature from the host device 100 (S801). The memory card 101 extracts the temperature rise when operating at the card's guaranteed speed (S802). The memory card 101 extracts the card's unique maximum value MXTMT (S803). The memory card 101 adds the temperature rise to the convergence temperature, and then adds a positive margin to calculate the threshold temperature (S804).

[0056] The memory card 101 determines whether the threshold temperature is less than the maximum value MXTMT for the corresponding temperature (S805). If the threshold temperature is less than the maximum value MXTMT, the memory card 101 determines the threshold temperature calculated in step S804 as the thermal throttling threshold temperature and sends a reply to the host device 100 (S806). If the threshold temperature is not less than the maximum value MXTMT, the memory card 101 sends an error notification to the host device 100 indicating that it could not calculate the thermal throttling threshold temperature (S807).

[0057] Furthermore, the command that SoC106 sends to query the thermal throttling threshold temperature may include information about the guaranteed speed at which it plans to operate. In this case, the memory card 101 will return the thermal throttling threshold temperature in its response information, which would be the temperature at which SoC106 operates if it were operating at the guaranteed speed included in the command. Also, if SoC106 receives an error from memory card 101 indicating that it cannot calculate the thermal throttling threshold temperature, it may change the guaranteed speed at which it plans to operate and query the thermal throttling threshold temperature again.

[0058] Furthermore, if the internal temperature of the card exceeds the threshold temperature TMT1 and weak thermal throttling is activated, but the guaranteed speed can still be maintained, that is, if the access speed when weak thermal throttling is activated can ensure the guaranteed speed, the memory card 101 may return a response in the command querying the thermal throttling threshold temperature indicating that it is acceptable to set the threshold temperature to TMT2. In addition, the memory card 101 may be configured so that information on whether it is acceptable to set the threshold temperature to TMT2 can be obtained by a separate command, and the SoC 106 may obtain this information by a separate command.

[0059] Furthermore, if the host device 100 knows that the guaranteed speed can be maintained even if the internal temperature of the card exceeds the threshold temperature TMT1 and weak thermal throttling is activated, the thermal throttling threshold temperature obtained from the memory card 101 may be set to the threshold temperature TMT2.

[0060] The memory card 101 may include multiple thermal throttling threshold temperatures as specified information in its response information. The multiple threshold temperatures are included in the response information according to predetermined rules, and the SoC 106 recognizes the threshold temperatures according to those rules. The recognized threshold temperature is set as the thermal throttling threshold temperature of the memory card 101.

[0061] For example, if the internal temperature of the memory card 101 exceeds the threshold temperature TMT1 and weak thermal throttling is activated, but the guaranteed speed can still be maintained, that is, if the access speed when weak thermal throttling is activated can maintain the guaranteed speed, the calculated thermal throttling threshold temperature is set as threshold temperature TMT2, and a value lower than threshold temperature TMT2 is set as threshold temperature TMT1. These two thermal throttling threshold temperatures are included in the response information and returned in a predetermined order. The Soc 106 recognizes the threshold temperatures TMT1 and TMT2 according to that order and sets them as thermal throttling threshold temperatures for the memory card 101, respectively.

[0062] Alternatively, the rule could be to use the lower thermal throttling setting as the threshold temperature TMT1 and the higher thermal throttling setting as the threshold temperature TMT2.

[0063] Alternatively, the threshold temperature can be returned in response to other queries (such as guaranteed speed queries) rather than being triggered by a threshold temperature query from the SoC106.

[0064] Furthermore, the SoC106 may spontaneously send the threshold temperature without prompting for an inquiry.

[0065] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in Embodiment 1, the SoC 106 of the host device 100 issues a command to the inserted memory card 101 requesting the temperature rise when it operates continuously at the card's guaranteed speed. The memory card 101 returns response information including the temperature rise to the SoC 106. Based on this, the SoC 106 of the host device 100 calculates the thermal throttling threshold temperature from the temperature rise and convergence temperature when it operates continuously at the card's guaranteed speed. This allows the thermal throttling threshold temperature to be set appropriately. As a result, excessive thermal throttling does not occur, and writing and reading at the guaranteed speed becomes possible.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the SoC 106 of the host device 100 issues a command to the inserted memory card 101 that includes the expected convergence temperature. The memory card 101 calculates the thermal throttling threshold temperature by adding the expected convergence temperature and the rising temperature. The memory card 101 returns response information that includes the calculated value. The SoC 106 sets the returned threshold temperature on the memory card 101. This allows the thermal throttling threshold temperature to be set appropriately. As a result, excessive thermal throttling does not occur, and writing and reading can be performed at the guaranteed speed.

[0067] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 will be described below using Figures 4-6, 9, and 10. Embodiment 2 describes an example in which the host device 100 acquires the relationship between the threshold temperatures TMT1 and TMT2, which are card-specific thermal throttling trigger thresholds, and the guaranteed speed, as well as the convergence temperature and the relationship between the guaranteed speed and the temperature inside the card, calculates the threshold temperature, and further controls the cooling function of the host device 100.

[0068] [2-1. Structure] Since it is the same as Embodiment 1, it will be omitted.

[0069] [2-2. Operation] The operation of the host device 100 and memory card 101 configured as described above will be explained below.

[0070] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation between the host device 100 and the memory card 101 inserted into the connector 103 on the circuit board 105 of the host device 100.

[0071] The memory card 101 is inserted into the connector 103 on the circuit board 105 of the host device 100. The connector 103 is connected to the SoC 106 mounted on the host device 100 by a signal line. Information that the memory card 101 has been inserted is sent to the SoC 106 via this signal line (S401).

[0072] The SoC106 detects the insertion of the memory card 101 (S402). The SoC106 sends a command to the memory card 101. The memory card 101 analyzes the received command and returns appropriate response information. This command and response information is repeated multiple times to perform the initialization process (S403). After the initialization process, the memory card 101 becomes ready for data writing, reading, erasing, etc.

[0073] SoC106 queries memory card 101 to see if it has a correspondence table showing the relationship between threshold temperatures TMT1, TMT2 and guaranteed speed, convergence temperature, and the relationship between guaranteed speed and internal card temperature (S404). Memory card 101 replies that it has the correspondence table (S405). SoC106 requests the correspondence table showing the relationship between threshold temperatures TMT1, TMT2 and guaranteed speed, convergence temperature, and the relationship between guaranteed speed and internal card temperature (S406). Memory card 101 replies with the correspondence table (S407).

[0074] Examples of correspondence tables are shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is an example showing the relationship between the thermal throttling trigger thresholds TMT1 and TMT2 and the guaranteed speed, and this information is stored in the memory card 101.

[0075] The internal card temperature in Table 501 refers to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 107 built into the memory card 101. The meaning of Table 501 is as follows:

[0076] If the internal temperature of the card is above the threshold temperature TMT2, the memory card 101 will strongly implement thermal throttling. Therefore, the guaranteed speed is 100 MByte / sec. Similarly, if the internal temperature of the card is below the threshold temperature TMT2 but above the threshold temperature TMT1, the memory card 101 will weakly implement thermal throttling. Therefore, the guaranteed speed is 400 MByte / sec. When the internal temperature of the card is below the threshold temperature TMT1, the memory card 101 will not implement thermal throttling, so the guaranteed speed is 600 MByte / sec.

[0077] Furthermore, the information shown in correspondence table 501 also has the following meanings.

[0078] The guaranteed speed of 100 MByte / sec can be achieved even if the internal temperature of the card exceeds the threshold temperature TMT2 when operating continuously at the guaranteed speed. Therefore, the threshold settings for threshold temperatures TMT2 and TMT1 are arbitrary.

[0079] To achieve the guaranteed speed of 400 MByte / sec, the internal temperature of the card during continuous operation at the guaranteed speed must be less than the threshold temperature TMT2. In other words, the threshold temperature TMT2 must be greater than the internal temperature of the card during continuous operation at the guaranteed speed. The threshold temperature TMT1 only needs to be smaller than the threshold temperature TMT2 (TMT1 <TMT2)。

[0080] To achieve the guaranteed speed of 600 MByte / sec, the internal temperature of the card during continuous operation at the guaranteed speed must be less than the threshold temperature TMT1. In other words, the threshold temperature TMT1 must be greater than the internal temperature of the card during continuous operation at the guaranteed speed. The threshold temperature TMT2 only needs to be greater than the threshold temperature TMT1.

[0081] Figure 6 shows an example illustrating the relationship between convergence temperature, guaranteed speed, and internal card temperature; this information is stored in the memory card 101. The convergence temperature is the surface temperature of the memory card 101 reached as a result of control by the host device 100 during continuous operation. The meaning of the correspondence table 601 is shown below.

[0082] Table 601 shows how high the internal temperature of the card will rise when a certain convergence temperature is maintained and the card is operated continuously at the guaranteed speed. Specifically, it shows that when the convergence temperature is 30°C, the internal temperature of the memory card 101 will reach 35°C when it is operated continuously at the guaranteed speed of 100 MByte / sec. It also shows that when the convergence temperature is 30°C, the internal temperature of the memory card 101 will reach 40°C when it is operated continuously at the guaranteed speed of 400 MByte / sec, and the internal temperature of the memory card 101 will reach 45°C when it is operated continuously at the guaranteed speed of 600 MByte / sec. The same applies to other convergence temperatures.

[0083] Furthermore, the information shown in correspondence table 601 also has the following meanings.

[0084] This indicates the optimal convergence temperature to maintain a specific internal temperature while continuously operating at a guaranteed speed. Specifically, to maintain a card temperature of 35°C while continuously operating at a guaranteed speed of 100 MByte / sec, the convergence temperature should be set to 30°C. Similarly, to maintain a card temperature of 45°C while continuously operating at 100 MByte / sec, the convergence temperature should be set to 40°C, and to maintain a temperature of 55°C, the convergence temperature should be set to 50°C. The same applies to other guaranteed speeds and internal temperatures.

[0085] Furthermore, the information shown in correspondence table 601 also has the following meanings.

[0086] This indicates the guaranteed operating speed in MByte / sec when the internal card temperature and convergence temperature can be maintained at a certain level. Specifically, if the internal card temperature can be maintained at 85°C and the convergence temperature at 80°C, it indicates that the guaranteed operating speed is 100 MByte / sec. If the internal card temperature can be maintained at 85°C and the convergence temperature at 70°C, it indicates that the guaranteed operating speed is 600 MByte / sec. If the internal card temperature can be maintained at 80°C and the convergence temperature at 70°C, it indicates that the guaranteed operating speed is 400 MByte / sec. The same applies to other internal card temperatures and convergence temperatures.

[0087] Let's continue the explanation of Figure 4. Based on the correspondence table in Figures 5 and 6 that was returned, SoC106 calculates the thermal throttling threshold temperature (S408). For example, suppose SoC106 wants to access memory card 101 at 400 MByte / sec.

[0088] Here, we will use Figure 9 to supplement the explanation of the change in internal card temperature. Figure 9 is an example showing the change in internal card temperature and threshold during continuous operation at 400 MByte / sec. As shown in Figure 9, the internal card temperature rises when the card is in operation and reaches a certain temperature. The difference between this reached internal card temperature and the convergence temperature is the temperature difference. From the correspondence table in Figure 5, if the internal card temperature is less than the threshold temperature TMT2 and greater than or equal to the threshold temperature TMT1, the guaranteed speed is 400 MByte / sec, and if it is less than the threshold temperature TMT1, the guaranteed speed is 600 MByte / sec. In other words, if the threshold temperature TMT2 is set higher than the reached internal card temperature, the guaranteed speed of 400 MByte / sec can be achieved. Assuming that the host device 100 can be cooled so that the convergence temperature is 40°C, the correspondence table 601 shows that the internal card temperature will be 50°C. From this, it can be seen that the threshold temperature TMT2 needs to be set to a value greater than 50°C. SoC106 adds a positive margin, for example 5°C, to this 50°C, calculating a threshold temperature of 55°C.

[0089] Furthermore, suppose SoC106 wants to access memory card 101 at 600 MByte / sec. Here, Figure 10 is used to supplement the explanation of the change in internal card temperature. Figure 10 is an example showing the change in internal card temperature and threshold during continuous operation at 600 MByte / sec. As shown in Figure 10, the internal card temperature rises when the device is in operation and reaches a certain temperature. All other conditions being equal, this reached temperature is higher than the temperature reached during continuous operation at 400 MByte / sec. The difference between this reached internal card temperature and the convergence temperature is the temperature difference. From the correspondence table in Figure 5, if the internal card temperature is less than the threshold temperature TMT1, the guaranteed speed is 600 MByte / sec. In other words, if the threshold temperature TMT1 is set higher than the reached internal card temperature, the guaranteed speed of 600 MByte / sec can be achieved. Assuming that the host device 100 can be cooled to a convergence temperature of 40°C, the correspondence table 601 shows that the internal card temperature will be 55°C. From this, we can see that the threshold temperature TMT1 needs to be set to a value greater than 55°C. The SoC106 adds a positive margin, for example 5°C, to this 55°C and calculates 60°C as the threshold temperature.

[0090] The SoC106 sends a command to the memory card 101 containing selection information on whether to set the threshold temperature or the thermal throttling threshold to TMT1 or TMT2 (S409). The memory card 101 sets the calculated threshold temperature as the thermal throttling threshold temperature, according to the selection information. The SoC106 writes to and reads from the memory card 101 at the guaranteed speed (S410).

[0091] Furthermore, the convergence temperature required to achieve a certain guaranteed speed can be calculated from the correspondence tables obtained in Figures 5 and 6. For example, suppose host device 100 assumes access at a guaranteed speed of 600 MByte / sec, and the separately obtained MXTMT value is 95°C. In this case, from correspondence table 601, it can be seen that if the convergence temperature is 80°C and the guaranteed speed is 600 MByte / sec, the internal temperature of the card will reach 100°C, exceeding the maximum value MXTMT. On the other hand, if the convergence temperature is 70°C and the guaranteed speed is 600 MByte / sec, the internal temperature of the card will be 90°C, which is below the maximum value MXTMT. From this, it can be calculated that host device 100 needs to keep the convergence temperature below 70°C. The host device can then operate appropriate cooling functions, such as operating fan 102, to keep the card surface temperature below 70°C.

[0092] Alternatively, the convergence temperature can be estimated from the host device 100's ability to cool the surface temperature of the memory card 101, and the guaranteed speed can be calculated from the internal card temperature obtained from the acquired correspondence table 601 and the separately obtained maximum value MXTMT. For example, suppose the host device 100 assumes the convergence temperature of the memory card 101 is 80°C, and the separately obtained maximum value MXTMT is 95°C. In this case, from the correspondence table 601, it can be seen that if the convergence temperature is 80°C and the guaranteed speed is 600 MByte / sec, the internal card temperature will be 100°C. This internal card temperature is higher than the maximum value MXTMT of 95°C. Therefore, it can be seen that operation at the guaranteed speed of 600 MByte / sec is impossible with a card surface temperature of 80°C. On the other hand, if the guaranteed speed is 400 MByte / sec, the internal card temperature will only rise to 90°C. From this, it can be calculated that operation at the guaranteed speed of 400 MByte / sec is possible when the convergence temperature is 80°C.

[0093] Note that in the correspondence table 601, if the internal card temperature exceeds the maximum value MXTMT, it may be a value indicating that setting is not possible, rather than a specific temperature.

[0094] Note that SoC106 may access memory card 101 at a speed lower than the guaranteed speed.

[0095] The SoC106 may calculate multiple thresholds and send a command containing them in a predetermined order.

[0096] Please note that the guaranteed speed is just an example, and other values ​​are also acceptable.

[0097] Furthermore, it would be possible to obtain the temperature difference for each guaranteed speed value individually from the card.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one guaranteed speed value corresponds to one thermal throttling operation, but multiple guaranteed speed values ​​may be associated with each other.

[0099] Note that instead of SoC106 requesting a compatibility table, it may be possible to return the compatibility table triggered by other requests (such as requests for guaranteed speeds).

[0100] Furthermore, you may voluntarily send a correspondence table without being requested by SoC106.

[0101] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in Embodiment 2, the SoC 106 of the host device 100 issues a command to the inserted memory card 101 to check whether it retains a correspondence table of the relationship between threshold temperatures TMT1, TMT2 and guaranteed speed, convergence temperature, and the relationship between guaranteed speed and the temperature inside the card. The memory card 101 returns response information to the SoC 106 including whether or not it retains the correspondence table. After confirming from the response information that the memory card 101 retains the correspondence table, the SoC 106 issues a command to the memory card 101 requesting the correspondence table of the relationship between threshold temperatures TMT1, TMT2 and guaranteed speed, convergence temperature, and the relationship between guaranteed speed and the temperature inside the card. The memory card 101 returns response information including the correspondence table.

[0102] Using the acquired correspondence table, the SoC 106 of the host device 100 calculates the thermal throttling threshold temperature when the memory card 101 is accessed at the desired guaranteed speed, assuming the host device 100 is at its convergence temperature. This allows the thermal throttling setting value to be set appropriately. As a result, excessive thermal throttling does not occur, and writing and reading at the guaranteed speed becomes possible.

[0103] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 and 2 have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiments 1 and 2 above.

[0104] In embodiments 1 and 2, a memory card 101 was used as an example of a recording medium. Any recording medium that can write and read data is acceptable. Therefore, the recording medium is not limited to a memory card 101. However, using a memory card 101 makes handling easier. Alternatively, a recording medium with an M.2 or U.2 shape may be used. Using an M.2 or U.2 shape as a recording medium makes it easier to increase the recording capacity. Alternatively, a recording medium embedded in the device may be used. Using an embedded recording medium makes it easier to dissipate heat to the host device's circuit board.

[0105] In embodiments 1 and 2, NAND FLASH 109 was used as an example of non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be any memory that retains data even when power is not supplied. However, using NAND FLASH as non-volatile memory makes it possible to obtain non-volatile memory at a low cost.

[0106] In embodiments 1 and 2, a fan 102 was used as an example of a cooling component. Any cooling component that can cool the recording medium is acceptable. However, using a fan as a cooling component makes it inexpensive to obtain. Alternatively, a component including a Peltier element may be used as a cooling component. Using a component including a Peltier element has the effect of making the operating noise quieter. Alternatively, a water-cooled cooling device may be used as a cooling component. Using a water-cooled cooling device allows for highly efficient cooling.

[0107] The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and may be modified, replaced, added, or omitted within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial applicability]

[0108] This disclosure is applicable to devices that write and read data while generating heat at high temperatures. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to digital cameras, camcorders, smartphones, drones, personal computers, and the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 100 host devices 101 Memory Card 102 Fans 103 Connector 104, 107 Temperature Sensors 105 circuit board 106 SoC 108 controllers 109 NAND FLASH 110 Interface section 111 Control Unit 501, 601 Correspondence Table

Claims

1. A recording medium connected to a host device, Memory and A control unit for controlling the memory, It comprises an interface unit that communicates with the host device, The interface unit is The recording medium transmits setting information including the temperature rise, which is the temperature difference between the surface and the interior of the recording medium. The thermal throttling threshold temperature is received from the host device. The control unit, The operation is controlled based on the aforementioned threshold temperature. The configuration information includes information specifying which of the multiple thermal throttling thresholds held by the memory should be set to. Recording medium.

2. The transmission of the aforementioned configuration information is performed after receiving an initialization command from the host device and completing the initialization process. The recording medium according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned temperature rise is the temperature difference reached when the memory continues to operate at its guaranteed speed. The recording medium according to claim 1.

4. A recording medium connected to a host device, Memory and A control unit for controlling the memory, It comprises an interface unit that communicates with the host device, The interface unit is The recording medium transmits setting information including the temperature rise, which is the temperature difference between the surface and the interior of the recording medium. The thermal throttling threshold temperature is received from the host device. The control unit, The operation is controlled based on the aforementioned threshold temperature. The interface unit, after receiving command information from the host device to inquire about the temperature rise, transmits the setting information. The aforementioned temperature rise is the temperature difference reached if the host device continues to operate at the guaranteed speed, provided that the command information includes the guaranteed speed desired by the host device. Recording medium.

5. A host device that connects to a recording medium, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit receives setting information including the temperature rise, which is the temperature difference between the surface and the interior of the recording medium. Based on the above setting information and the convergence temperature, which is the surface temperature of the recording medium that can be controlled when the recording medium is operated continuously at the guaranteed speed, a threshold temperature is calculated. The calculated threshold temperature is transmitted to the recording medium. Host device.

6. A recording medium connected to a host device, Memory and A control unit for controlling the memory, It comprises an interface unit that communicates with the host device, The interface unit is The host device receives command information including the convergence temperature, which is the temperature that can be controlled when the device is in continuous operation. The control unit transmits setting information including a threshold temperature calculated based on the convergence temperature and the rise temperature, which is the temperature difference between the surface and the interior of the recording medium. The thermal throttling threshold temperature is received from the host device. The control unit, The operation is controlled based on the threshold temperature of the thermal throttling. Recording medium.

7. The transmission of the aforementioned configuration information is performed after receiving an initialization command from the host device and completing the initialization process. The recording medium according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned temperature rise is the temperature difference reached when the memory continues to operate at its guaranteed speed. The recording medium according to claim 6.

9. The aforementioned temperature rise is the temperature difference reached if the host device continues to operate at the guaranteed speed, provided that the command information includes the guaranteed speed desired by the host device. The recording medium according to claim 6.

10. If the calculated threshold temperature exceeds the corresponding temperature, this fact is sent back to the host device as configuration information. The recording medium according to claim 6.

11. The setting information includes, in addition to the calculated threshold temperature, information specifying which of the multiple thermal throttling thresholds held by the memory to set the temperature to. The recording medium according to claim 6.

12. The control unit calculates a plurality of threshold temperatures and transmits setting information including the plurality of threshold temperatures. The recording medium according to claim 6.

13. A host device that connects to a recording medium, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit, The recording medium is sent command information including the convergence temperature, which is the temperature that can be controlled when the recording medium is operated continuously. The recording medium receives setting information including a threshold temperature calculated based on the convergence temperature and the rise temperature, which is the temperature difference between the surface and the interior of the recording medium. The threshold temperature included in the setting information is transmitted to the recording medium as the threshold temperature for thermal throttling. Host device.

14. For the command information, setting information including multiple threshold temperatures is received from the recording medium. The plurality of threshold temperatures are transmitted to the recording medium as a plurality of thermal throttling thresholds. The host device according to claim 13.

15. A recording medium connected to a host device, Memory and A control unit for controlling the memory, It comprises an interface unit that communicates with the host device, The interface unit is The system transmits configuration information including the relationship between the thermal throttling threshold and the guaranteed speed, and the relationship between the convergence temperature, the guaranteed speed, and the internal temperature of the recording medium. The thermal throttling threshold temperature is received from the host device. The control unit, The operation is controlled based on the constant temperature. Recording medium.

16. The transmission of the aforementioned configuration information is performed after receiving an initialization command from the host device and completing the initialization process. The recording medium according to claim 15.

17. A host device that connects to a recording medium, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit, The recording medium receives setting information including the relationship between the thermal throttling threshold and the guaranteed speed, and the relationship between the convergence temperature, the guaranteed speed, and the internal temperature of the recording medium. Based on the relationship between the thermal throttling threshold and the guaranteed speed, and the relationship between the convergence temperature, the guaranteed speed, and the internal temperature of the recording medium, the thermal throttling threshold temperature and selection information for selecting one of the multiple thermal throttling thresholds are calculated. The recording medium transmits the selection information and the threshold temperature. Host device.

18. The control unit, From the desired guaranteed speed, the convergence temperature, and the relationship between the guaranteed speed and the internal temperature of the recording medium, the internal temperature of the recording medium with respect to the desired guaranteed speed is calculated. The threshold temperature is calculated based on the internal temperature of the recording medium relating to the desired guaranteed speed. The selection information is calculated from the relationship between the desired guaranteed speed and the thermal throttling threshold. The host device according to claim 17.

19. The calculation of the threshold temperature is as follows: This also includes calculating the convergence temperature for the desired guaranteed speed from the desired guaranteed speed, the maximum temperature that can be set as the thermal throttling threshold, the convergence temperature, and the relationship between the guaranteed speed and the internal temperature of the recording medium. The control unit activates the cooling function according to the convergence temperature related to the desired guaranteed speed. The host device according to claim 17.

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