Configurable Storage Media Interface for SSD Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in designing Solid-State Drive (SSD) controllers that need to connect multiple NAND memory chips for high-capacity applications while reducing the overall size, as increasing host throughput requires more NAND Input/Outputs (I/Os), which conflicts with the desire for a smaller controller form factor.
Innovation Solution
A multi-configurable storage media interface that enables direct connectivity with NAND devices and connectivity through an expander and/or re-timer, allowing the controller to switch between different signaling specifications and configurations for optimal performance and power efficiency, supporting both direct connections and point-to-point interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of NAND I/Os is increased to accommodate more memory chips for high-capacity applications, then host throughput is improved, but the overall controller size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage media interface is designed to be multi-configurable, supporting both direct connectivity with NAND devices and connectivity through expander/re-timer devices. This universal interface can switch between different signaling specifications and configurations, allowing a single controller design to serve multiple purposes and reduce the need for additional dedicated I/O paths that would increase controller size.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable, allowing the controller to switch between different operational modes (direct connection vs. expander connection) based on the specific application requirements. This dynamic capability enables the same physical interface to adapt to different connectivity scenarios without requiring separate static I/O paths for each mode.
2Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic controller design is used to reduce development and manufacturing costs, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different applications may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic controller incorporates a universal storage media interface that can be configured for different application scenarios. This single integrated design supports both direct NAND device connections and expander/re-timer connections, providing application-specific adaptability without requiring separate controller designs for different use cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller includes reconfigurable interface circuits that can dynamically switch between different signaling specifications and connection modes. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows a single manufactured controller to adapt to various application requirements, maintaining versatility while benefiting from the cost advantages of monolithic manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device, memory system, and method are provided. One example of the semiconductor device is disclosed to include a host interface that enables bi-directional communications with a host computer, a processor subsystem that enables processing of read or write requests received at the host interface, and one or more storage media interfaces, each of the one or more storage media interfaces being convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration, where the first configuration of a storage media interface enables a direct connection with a computer memory device, and where the second configuration of the storage media interface enables a connection with a plurality of computer memory devices via an expander and/or re-timer.