Autonomous Eye Pattern Logging for Host-Free Signal Quality Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems require host-side settings for eye pattern evaluation, leading to difficulties in evaluating signal quality and communication errors without proper installation of eye monitor functions, and result in inefficient power consumption and data loss during mode changes.
Innovation Solution
An eye pattern evaluation device that autonomously controls eye pattern acquisition and recording in non-volatile memory, determining reception count numbers and logging communication quality without host intervention, using a control system to set voltage and timing offsets and record log information in NAND memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If host-side settings are required for eye pattern evaluation, then the evaluation can be performed with external control, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system autonomously performs eye pattern evaluation without requiring host-side settings. The control circuit automatically controls the eye monitor circuit to acquire eye patterns and stores evaluation results in memory, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for external configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The eye pattern evaluation function is segmented into independent components within the memory system: an eye monitor circuit for acquiring eye patterns, a control circuit for autonomous control, and a memory unit for storing results. This segmentation allows the evaluation function to operate independently without host intervention.
2Reliability
If eye monitor function is not properly installed, then the system can operate without additional components, but the ability to evaluate signal quality and communication errors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The eye monitor circuit and control circuit are merged within the memory system architecture. The control circuit is integrated with the eye monitor circuit to provide autonomous control, combining the monitoring and control functions in a single integrated system that enhances reliability without requiring separate external components.
3Reliability
If continuous data logging is performed, then communication quality can be monitored continuously, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eye pattern acquisition and data logging are performed periodically rather than continuously. The control circuit is configured to acquire eye patterns at specific intervals and store evaluation results in memory at predetermined points, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable communication quality monitoring.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mode changes occur during operation, then the system can adapt to different operating conditions, but data loss may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is configured to store evaluation results in memory at predetermined points before mode changes occur. By proactively saving data at these predetermined points, the system ensures that communication quality information is preserved even when mode changes occur, preventing data loss while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, an eye pattern evaluation device configured to communicate with a host includes a first interface circuit configured to acquire an eye pattern. The eye pattern evaluation device includes a controller configured to control the first interface circuit and a non-volatile memory. The controller determines whether a reception count number at a predetermined point included in the acquired eye pattern reaches a threshold value, and records, in the non-volatile memory, log information indicating communication quality at the predetermined point when the reception count number at the predetermined point reaches the threshold value.