Adaptive Equalizer Adjustment for Memory Storage Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing adaptive equalizers in memory storage devices face challenges in adjusting their settings efficiently within the limited time frame after connection establishment, as the adjustment time is typically short and not sufficient for complete testing of all parameters and power modes.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an equalizer adjustment method where the adaptive equalizer performs a first modulation on a signal during the handshake operation to establish a connection and a second modulation after the handshake is completed, using the modulation results to compensate subsequent signals and adjust its settings, thereby improving adjustment efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the adaptive equalizer performs complete testing of all parameters and power modes after connection establishment, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the adjustment time exceeds the limited time frame (2 milliseconds)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequalizer adjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing equalizer parameter testing and adjustment during the handshake operation phase, before the formal data transmission begins. The host system and storage device utilize the handshake period to exchange test signals and adjust equalizer parameters in advance, so that when actual data transmission starts, the equalizer is already optimized for the channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the equalizer adjustment process into two distinct phases: (1) adjustment during the handshake operation phase, and (2) adjustment during the data transmission phase. This segmentation allows different adjustment strategies to be applied at different times, with coarse adjustments during handshake and fine-tuning during data transmission, thereby resolving the time-precision contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the adaptive equalizer adjusts all equalizer parameters within the limited time frame, then the adjustment completeness is improved, but the adjustment efficiency deteriorates due to time constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequalizer parameter coverageVSAvoidadjustment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively adjusting only the most critical equalizer parameters during the limited handshake time frame, rather than attempting to optimize all parameters completely. Parameters such as equalizer tap weights and basic compensation values are adjusted during handshake, while more complex parameter optimization is performed gradually during subsequent data transmission phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary equalizer adjustments during the handshake operation, establishing baseline parameter values before formal data transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures that the most important adjustments are completed in advance, improving adjustment completeness without requiring excessive time during the main data transmission phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the handshake operation is extended to allow complete equalizer testing, then the connection reliability is improved, but the connection establishment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection establishment process into distinct phases: a standardized handshake phase that maintains the 2-millisecond time constraint, and a subsequent equalizer optimization phase that occurs during early data transmission. This segmentation allows the handshake to complete quickly for reliable connection establishment, while equalizer testing and adjustment occur in the following phase without extending the critical connection establishment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs partial equalizer testing during the handshake phase, focusing only on essential parameter adjustments that can be completed within the time constraints. Complete and exhaustive equalizer testing is deferred to the data transmission phase, ensuring connection reliability is established within the required time frame while still achieving sufficient equalizer optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9893912B1Equalizer adjustment method, adaptive equalizer and memory storage device

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 PHISON ELECTRONICS

AI summary

An exemplary embodiment provides an equalizer adjustment method. The method includes: performing a handshake operation to establish a connection with a host system by a memory storage device; in the handshake operation, receiving a first signal from the host system and performing a first modulation on the first signal by the adaptive equalizer; after the handshake operation is ended, receiving a second signal from the host system and performing a second modulation on the second signal according to a modulation result of the first modulation by the adaptive equalizer to compensate the second signal; and adjusting the adaptive equalizer according to a modulation result of the second modulation.