Controller-Free Flash Memory Stick for Smaller, Lower-Cost Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state drives (SSDs) have large volumes and high costs due to components like a structure housing, main control chips, and running memories, which hinder miniaturization and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A flash memory stick design that omits a flash memory main control chip and integrates a circuit board with storage units and a connection port, using a chip select signal through the connection port for data access, and is compatible with a motherboard design that separates control circuits, reducing volume and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an existing SSD structure is used with a main control chip and running memory, then data transmission and storage functions are achieved, but the volume is large and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the main control chip and running memory from the storage device, retaining only the essential storage units and connection ports. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components while preserving core data transmission functions, directly reducing device volume and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage device into minimal functional components: storage units for data storage and connection ports for data transmission. By dividing the system into only these essential segments, the design achieves miniaturization while maintaining necessary functionality.
2Reliability
If an existing SSD structure with multiple components is used, then storage and control functions are complete, but the costs are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive components such as main control chips and running memories from the storage device. By extracting these non-essential components, the design maintains basic storage functions while significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified structure using only essential components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness by using minimal hardware that achieves the required storage function without expensive specialized components.
3Volume of moving object
If a flash memory stick without main control chip is designed, then volume is reduced and costs are lowered, but data transmission must be achieved through alternative means
Solution Approach 1:
The connection ports in the flash memory stick are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both data transmission interfaces and power supply connections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control chips, reducing device complexity while maintaining data transmission capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flash memory stick is provided. The flash memory stick includes a circuit board, at least one storage unit, and a connection port, where the at least one storage unit and the connection port are separately fastened to a surface of the circuit board; and does not include a flash memory main control chip. The at least one storage unit is electrically connected to the connection port through the circuit board. A shape of the circuit board is similar to a shape of an existing memory card. Unlike an SSD, a flash memory no longer needs devices such as a main control chip, a power supply, and a running memory. In comparison with that the SSD implements data reading and writing through chip selection by using a control chip, a chip select signal of a die may be received through the connection port, to implement data reading and writing. Compared with the existing SSD, the flash memory stick has a small volume and low costs, which is conducive to miniaturization development of an electronic device.