Bus Signal Switching Unit for Power-Off Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data accessing apparatuses require standby power to access storage media from a powered-off host system, which is inconvenient and inefficient, and often necessitate additional components to switch power and data channels, failing to achieve a complete power-off state.
Innovation Solution
A data accessing apparatus with a bus signal switching and conversion unit that allows independent power and data transmission between two processing systems, using separate power and data channels to access storage media without consuming standby power, employing existing components and supporting hot-plug functions across various bus interface formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a prior data accessing apparatus uses an additional system controller to detect external serial signal input and controls power channel switch to draw standby power, then data access from/to storage media of powered-off host system is enabled, but the host system cannot achieve complete power-off state and consumes standby power continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the host system by introducing an independent power supply unit that provides power to the data accessing apparatus separately from the host system's power supply. This allows the host system to be completely powered off while the data accessing apparatus maintains operational capability through its independent power source, thereby eliminating standby power consumption from the host system.
Solution Approach 2:
The data accessing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle both data access operations and power management functions. The apparatus can operate in multiple modes: accessing storage media when host is powered off using independent power supply, and coordinating with host system when powered on. This universal design eliminates the need for dedicated standby power channels while maintaining data access capability.
2Ease of operation
If prior data accessing apparatus implements switches of different power channels and data channels with multiple standby power channels, then data access from powered-off system is permitted, but device complexity increases and existing components cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power channel switching function with the data channel transmission function by using a single transmission medium that carries both power signals and data signals. The bus signal switching and conversion unit integrates control of both power and data channels, eliminating the need for separate switching elements for each channel and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission medium is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: transmitting power signals and transmitting data signals simultaneously or alternatively. This universal transmission channel eliminates the need for separate dedicated power channels and data channels, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall apparatus structure.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If host system is completely powered off to save energy, then standby power consumption is eliminated, but data access from/to storage media becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two independent parts: the host system power supply and the data accessing apparatus power supply. The independent power supply unit provides dedicated power to the data accessing apparatus, allowing it to remain operational while the host system is completely powered off. This segmentation enables selective power management where only necessary components consume power.
Solution Approach 2:
The data accessing apparatus serves as an intermediary between the completely powered-off host system and external devices requiring data access. It mediates the data access operations by receiving data from the storage media, performing necessary conversions or processing, and transmitting data to external devices, all while the host system remains in a completely powered-off state.
Data Source
AI summary
A data access apparatus and a processing system using the same are disclosed herein, which can be a power-off status to permit its storage media being accessible by another processing system. When a bus signal switching and conversion unit receives a first-level control signal, the storage media is permitted to electrically connect only with a first bus channel and to perform a conversion between a first and second bus interface formats to the accessed data and to supply a system power based on a first power signal from the processing system to the storage media. When the bus signal switching and conversion unit receives the second-level control signal, the storage media is permitted to electrically connect only with a second bus channel and to perform a conversion between a second and third bus interface formats to the accessed data, and to supply a system power based on a second power signal from the another processing system to the storage media.