Controller Lane Configuration via Cable Orientation Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices face issues in detecting cable orientation and configuring lanes due to lack of required resistors, noise, and invalid information, leading to failed orientation detection and lane configuration, which results in recognition failures by the host and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a controller that detects channel configuration signals to select appropriate lane configurations, includes a method to re-check signal states after delays, and uses a default configuration if initial signals are invalid, allowing for orientation detection and lane configuration without an orientation-handling circuit in the cable, implemented in firmware to reduce hardware costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an orientation-handling circuit is added to the cable to enable reliable orientation detection and lane configuration, then the reliability of cable orientation detection is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage device performs self-diagnosis by detecting cable orientation through software-based lane detection and configuration methods, eliminating the need for external orientation-handling circuits in the cable. The controller autonomously determines cable orientation by analyzing signal characteristics and configuring lanes accordingly, making the system self-sufficient without additional hardware in the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hardware-based orientation detection (mechanical/electrical circuits) with software-based detection methods. The controller uses firmware to detect cable orientation by analyzing electrical characteristics and configuring communication lanes through software logic, substituting physical orientation-handling circuits with computational methods.
2Reliability
If traditional hardware-based orientation detection is used, then the detection reliability is improved, but the product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cost-effective software firmware implementations instead of expensive hardware orientation-handling circuits. The solution employs standard controllers with firmware-based detection algorithms, replacing costly specialized hardware components, thereby reducing product manufacturing costs while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection approach from hardware circuit parameters to software-controlled electrical signal parameters. By detecting orientation through analysis of electrical characteristics and configuring communication lanes via software, the system achieves reliable detection without requiring additional expensive hardware components.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual testing procedures are used for lane configuration, then the precision of configuration is improved, but the productivity and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-configuration of communication lanes through firmware-based detection and configuration methods. The controller autonomously determines the correct lane configuration based on detected cable orientation and signal characteristics, eliminating the need for manual testing and configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary automatic detection and configuration of lane settings before actual data transmission begins. The controller pre-determines the appropriate lane configuration through firmware-based orientation detection, ensuring accurate setup is completed in advance without requiring subsequent manual adjustment or testing.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device and method for lane detection and configuration are provided. In one embodiment, a data storage device is provided comprising a memory, an interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to detect whether a cable coupled with the interface is providing a first channel configuration signal that indicates that the cable is in a first cable orientation or a second channel configuration signal that indicates that the cable is in a second cable orientation. In response to detecting that the cable is not providing either the first or the second channel configuration signal, the controller uses a default lane configuration to communicate with the host via the cable. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.