Embedded SSD Self-Diagnosis via Sideband Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor SSDs without a communication terminal for testing pose challenges in performing error tests, as they cannot utilize standard communication terminals like JTAG, making it difficult to diagnose issues in SSDs directly mounted on a main board.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a memory controller with a host interface (such as SATAe or PCIe) and a sideband interface (like I2C) to enable self-diagnostic firmware operations, allowing the SSD to perform self-diagnosis via a self-diagnostic command received through the sideband interface, even without a standard communication terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard communication terminal (JTAG) is included for testing, then error testing capability is improved, but device size and security concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the self-diagnosis functionality from requiring external testing equipment (JTAG terminal) and embeds it directly within the SSD device through self-diagnostic firmware. This allows error testing capability to be maintained while eliminating the need for additional physical communication terminals, thus resolving the contradiction between testing capability and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The SSD performs self-diagnosis through self-diagnostic firmware that can detect and correct errors autonomously. The device serves its own testing needs by monitoring its operational state through I/O operations and maintaining a self-diagnostic session, eliminating dependence on external testing equipment and thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If self-diagnostic firmware is added to enable testing without JTAG, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-diagnostic firmware leverages existing I/O operations and controller resources to perform diagnosis functions. By making the firmware multi-functional (handling both normal operations and self-diagnosis), the patent improves ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware resources serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the SSD by introducing different operational modes (normal mode, self-diagnostic session open mode, self-diagnostic session closed mode) and power states. These parameter changes enable self-diagnosis capability while managing firmware complexity through structured state transitions rather than adding entirely new complex subsystems.
3Measurement precision
If the SSD is in maximum power state for self-diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by allowing the SSD to transition between different power states during self-diagnosis. The device can enter maximum power state when precise measurement is needed for accurate diagnosis, then transition to lower power states when precise measurement is not required, thereby balancing measurement precision with energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-diagnostic process uses periodic action by closing the self-diagnostic session after diagnosis is complete. The SSD periodically enters maximum power state only when self-diagnosis is actively performed, then returns to normal or low-power states, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes at least one nonvolatile memory device, a host interface configured to communicate with a peripheral channel hub disposed external to the storage device, a sideband interface configured to receive a self-diagnostic command from a host disposed external to the storage device, and a self-diagnostic firmware configured to be driven in response to the self-diagnostic command to perform a self-diagnosis operation on the storage device.