Dual-Port Storage Power Control for Multi-Host Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-port storage devices cannot be properly accessed by multiple hosts due to potential interference in power supply control, leading to issues with host failure and data access when one host resets or turns off the power supply, affecting the other host's ability to access the storage device.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller in each host to coordinate power control through an AND gate operation, allowing or prohibiting power supply control based on the operational states of both hosts, ensuring that the power supply is managed jointly to prevent unintended shutdowns or resets, thus enabling smooth access by multiple hosts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply of the dual-port storage device is permanently activated to avoid mutual interference between hosts, then the storage device remains accessible by multiple hosts, but energy consumption increases and power control flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power control where the storage device's power state changes based on host activity. The controller monitors host states and transitions the storage device between active and low-power states accordingly, replacing the static permanently-activated approach with a dynamic adaptation to actual usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the operational states of connected hosts and adjusts the power supply state of the storage device based on this information. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain reliability when hosts are active while reducing power consumption when hosts are inactive.
2Ease of operation
If one host controls the power supply of the storage device, then power control is simplified, but the other host cannot access the storage device when the first host resets or turns off power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power control authority of multiple hosts through an OR gate logic circuit. Instead of a single host controlling power, the system combines control signals from multiple hosts so that any active host can maintain the storage device in an accessible state, preventing unintended shutdowns while maintaining control simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between hosts and the storage device power supply. It receives power control signals from hosts, processes them through logic circuits, and generates the final power control signal to the storage device, mediating between multiple hosts' control desires and the actual power state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hosts independently control power supply without coordination, then each host has full control, but mutual interference occurs causing storage device inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary that receives independent power control signals from multiple hosts, processes them through coordination logic (OR gate), and generates a unified power control signal. This maintains host control independence while preventing the mutual interference that would occur with direct independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/electrical power control connections between hosts and storage device with a coordinated control system using logic circuits. Instead of hosts directly switching power, they send control signals that are processed by the controller's logic circuitry, substituting coordinated electronic control for direct power control.
Data Source
AI summary
A framework for system power control of a dual-port non-volatile memory storage device is provided. The electronic system includes a storage device, two hosts and a control circuit within each of the two hosts. Each host filters signals for shortly turning off a power supply of the storage device during a process of boot and reboot of the host. When one of the hosts enters a turn-off state, it is detected whether another one of the hosts is running, and the one of the hosts does not control the power supply if the another one of the hosts is running. Two control signals of the two hosts control the power supply of the storage device through an AND gate.