Dual Controller Non-Volatile Memory Parameter Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile storage devices face challenges in efficiently providing device parameters, such as USB descriptors, due to storage constraints and the expense of adding additional memory like EEPROM, necessitating a cost-effective solution for storing and retrieving these parameters.
Innovation Solution
A non-volatile storage device with dual controllers, one using a USB protocol for external access and another using a different protocol like SD or CompactFlash, allows for vendor-specific commands to retrieve and provide device parameters from non-volatile memory, eliminating the need for additional storage and simplifying manufacturing by storing parameters securely within the memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If device parameters are stored in ROM, then storage is available, but ROM space is consumed that could be used for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into two distinct controllers: a first controller (USB) that handles external communication and a second controller (SD/MMC) that manages non-volatile memory operations. This segmentation allows device parameters to be stored in dedicated non-volatile memory without competing with the ROM that the first controller uses for its operational purposes, thereby resolving the space conflict while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The second controller acts as an intermediary between the non-volatile memory and the first controller. It retrieves device parameters from the non-volatile memory and provides them to the first controller when requested, eliminating the need for the first controller to directly access or manage the parameter storage space, thus preserving ROM availability while ensuring parameter accessibility.
2Quantity of substance
If an EEPROM is added to store device parameters, then parameter storage is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the second controller serve multiple functions: it manages the non-volatile memory for storing device parameters, retrieves parameters when requested by the first controller, and can also provide direct access to the non-volatile memory for data storage operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated EEPROM component, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining parameter storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the parameter storage function with the existing non-volatile memory component by having the second controller manage both the memory operations and parameter retrieval. This merging of functions into an existing component structure avoids the need to add separate EEPROM hardware, thereby reducing bill of materials cost and simplifying manufacturing.
3Quantity of substance
If device parameters are stored in non-volatile memory, then storage capacity is sufficient, but additional controller functionality is required
Solution Approach 1:
The second controller is designed to autonomously manage the non-volatile memory, handling read operations for device parameters without requiring complex coordination with the first controller. It can independently retrieve parameters and provide them to the first controller, reducing the overall system complexity by making the memory management self-sufficient rather than requiring centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile storage device has first and second controllers that provide external access to non-volatile memory using different protocols. In response to a request from the first controller, the second controller retrieves parameters from the non-volatile memory and provides the retrieved parameters to the first controller. In one embodiment, the device parameters are USB descriptors, which may include a vendor ID, a product ID, a product string, and/or a serial number. The first controller may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) card reader controller. Examples of the second controller include a Secure Digital (SD) controller, a CompactFlash (CF) controller, a MemoryStick controller, or a different type of controller that is able to provide external access to the non-volatile memory. The first controller provides the device parameters to a host during enumeration of the non-volatile storage device. The device parameters may be used to establish settings for the first controller.