Dynamic Storage Protocol Detection via Common Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems face limitations in dynamically detecting and configuring storage devices during boot operations, requiring predetermined storage allocations and connections, which restrict flexibility and adaptability to varying storage architectures.
Innovation Solution
The system employs initialization logic to dynamically detect and configure storage devices through a connector, using a combination of SATA and NVMe protocols over U.2 and M.2 connectors, allowing for dynamic detection and operation of multiple storage types during system boot, enabling flexible storage device selection and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If predetermined storage allocation is used at board design time, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to different storage architectures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically detects storage device types during boot operations and automatically configures appropriate protocols (SATA or NVMe) and connector assignments. This dynamic configuration replaces static predetermined allocation, allowing the system to adapt to different storage architectures while maintaining operational stability through automated detection and configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to support multiple storage device types (SATA and NVMe drives) through a single interface. The initialization logic can detect and configure various storage device types on the same connector, making the connector universal and eliminating the need for separate predetermined allocations for different storage types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are used for different storage types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single connector is designed to support multiple storage device types (SATA and NVMe drives) through unified detection and configuration logic. The initialization logic automatically identifies the storage device type connected to the connector and configures the appropriate protocol, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connectors for each storage type while maintaining full compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated storage connectors into a single connector that can handle both SATA and NVMe protocols. The initialization logic combines detection capabilities for different storage types into one unified detection process, reducing the total number of connectors required while preserving support for various storage architectures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic detection is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but initialization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The initialization logic implements self-service detection by automatically identifying storage device types and configuring appropriate protocols without external intervention. The system autonomously determines whether SATA or NVMe protocols should be used based on detected device characteristics, and automatically assigns connectors and configures parameters, reducing the perceived complexity for users while enabling flexible adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process uses feedback from storage device responses to automatically adjust configuration. The initialization logic sends detection signals and analyzes device responses to determine device type, then uses this feedback information to automatically configure the appropriate protocol and parameters, making the complex detection process transparent and automated.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an apparatus, system, and method relating to detecting, during a system boot operation, whether a device arranged to implement a first bus interface protocol is coupled to a system through a connector. A bus clock is programmed to be off in response to detection of no device implementing the first bus interface protocol being coupled to the system through the connector. After the bus clock is programmed to be off, a buffer is reprogrammed to assume that the connector implements a second bus interface protocol coupled to a storage device. After reprogramming the buffer, the apparatus, system, and method detect whether a device arranged to implement the second bus interface protocol is coupled to the connector, and the device arranged to implement the second bus interface protocol is initialized in response to detection that the device is coupled to the connector. Other embodiments are described and claimed.