Chained Master Slave Storage Devices for Host Port Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems face limitations in expanding storage capacity without increasing system power consumption and cost, as they require multi-port host devices or communication switches, which are costly and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A master/slave configuration of storage devices is implemented, where each device acts as both a master and slave to the next, allowing an unlimited number of devices to be chained together, with each device managing itself and presenting a unified storage capacity to the host, eliminating the need for additional ports or switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple storage devices are connected using multi-port host devices or communication switches, then storage capacity is expanded, but system cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the storage expansion function across multiple slave devices that can be chained together, with each device independently manageable. This allows capacity expansion without requiring the host to directly manage multiple complex connections, as each slave device handles its own interface requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The master device acts as an intermediary between the host and multiple slave devices, managing the complexity of multiple connections. The master device presents a unified interface to the host while coordinating access to multiple slaves, eliminating the need for multiple host ports or additional communication switches
2Quantity of substance
If multiple storage devices are connected using multi-port host devices or communication switches, then storage capacity is expanded, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power management is segmented across individual slave devices, each capable of independent power states. The host only needs to maintain one active connection to the master device, while slave devices can be powered down or placed in low-power states when not actively accessed, reducing overall system power consumption compared to keeping multiple host ports or switches active
Solution Approach 2:
The master device serves as a power management intermediary, consolidating power requirements through a single active connection to the host. It coordinates power states across the slave devices, enabling efficient power management without requiring the host to directly manage power for multiple devices or additional switch infrastructure
3Device complexity
If storage devices are chained in master/slave configuration, then system complexity is reduced and power is conserved, but device communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the communication interface requirements of multiple slave devices into a single unified interface through the master device. The master device presents one consolidated communication channel to the host, eliminating the need for the host to directly manage multiple complex interfaces while the master handles coordination with all slaves through standardized protocols
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus related to data storage devices. In one approach, a string of storage devices are chained together and coupled to a host device for storing data. Each storage device may, for example, execute read, write, or erase commands received from the host device. Each storage device in the chain is a master to the next storage device in the chain, and each storage device is a slave to the previous storage device in the chain. In one example, the host device is a system-on-chip. The chain can manage itself and is seen as a single large storage space to the host device. The host device does not require knowledge about each individual storage device, and each storage device does not require knowledge about the other storage devices in the chain (other than whether the storage device is attached to another storage device on its master port).