Data Storage Controller Idle Control Line Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage devices face limitations in data transfer speed due to the fixed number of data lines, which restricts throughput, and there is a need to enhance data transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves utilizing idle control lines for data transfer in addition to data lines, allowing data to be transferred at a higher speed by using both data and control lines simultaneously, with control lines reverting to their legacy function post-transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is transferred only through dedicated data lines, then data transfer reliability is maintained, but data transfer speed is limited due to fixed number of data lines
Solution Approach 1:
The control lines are designed to perform dual functions: transmitting control signals during command phases and transmitting data during data transfer phases. This multi-functionality allows the same physical lines to serve multiple purposes, increasing data transfer capacity without adding more dedicated data lines, thus resolving the contradiction between transfer speed and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the function of control lines between control signal transmission and data transmission based on operational phase. During read/write commands, control lines carry control signals; during data transfer, they carry data. This dynamic reconfiguration enables flexible resource utilization and improves overall data transfer speed without permanently increasing system complexity
2Productivity
If control lines are used for data transfer, then data transfer throughput increases, but control line functionality must be temporarily suspended
Solution Approach 1:
The control lines alternate between control signal transmission and data transmission in periodic phases. During command phases, control lines transmit control signals; during data transfer phases, they transmit data. This periodic switching ensures that control functionality is restored after data transfer, maintaining adaptability while achieving high throughput during data transfer operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily establishes the dual-function capability of control lines during design and initialization, allowing them to be configured for data transmission before data transfer operations begin. This preliminary preparation enables seamless switching between control and data modes, maintaining functional adaptability while maximizing throughput
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to improving data transfer speed. A data storage device includes both a controller and a memory device. The controller provides instructions regarding read and/or write commands to the memory device through the use of control lines. The data to be written/read is transferred between the controller and the memory device along data lines. The control lines typically are not used during data transfer. During data transfer, the control lines can be used to increase data transfer speed by utilizing the otherwise idle control lines for data transfer in addition to the data lines. Hence, data transfer speed is increased by using not only the data lines, but additionally the control lines. Once the data transfer is complete, the control lines return to their legacy function.