Flash Storage Controller Power Source Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flash storage devices face performance degradation during user requests due to internal operations, which affect data reliability and user performance, as they do not distinguish between internal and external power supplies, leading to unnecessary power consumption and inefficient data management.

Innovation Solution

A flash storage device with a controller that distinguishes between internal and external power supplies, allowing internal operations to be performed only when external power is connected, thereby optimizing data reliability and performance by disabling the interface during standby or power-off states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If internal operations are performed continuously to maintain data reliability, then data reliability is improved, but user read/write performance is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoiduser read/write performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flash storage device dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on power source detection. When external power is detected, the device performs internal operations (rewriting, garbage collection) to maintain data reliability. When only internal battery power is available, the device suspends these operations to prioritize user read/write performance and conserve battery energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If internal operations are performed during user requests, then data reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs internal operations in advance when external power is available, before the user experiences any performance degradation or data corruption issues. By completing rewriting and garbage collection during external power supply, the device prepares the flash memory in optimal condition, eliminating the need for continuous operations that would consume internal battery power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the otherwise harmful situation of power consumption during internal operations into a beneficial scenario by timing these operations specifically during external power supply. What would normally be a waste of energy (performing operations when not needed) becomes a strategic opportunity to maintain data reliability without impacting battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If the flash storage device does not distinguish between internal and external power supplies, then device complexity is reduced, but power management efficiency is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply detection complexityVSAvoidpower management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flash storage device autonomously detects the power source type (external or internal battery) and automatically adjusts its operation accordingly. The device monitors its own power supply status and makes decisions about when to perform internal operations without requiring complex external control systems, achieving efficient power management through self-service mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11301166B2Flash storage device and operation control method therefor

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 JM SEMICON LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a flash storage device and an operation control method therefor, and when the flash storage device or a mobile terminal on which the flash storage device is mounted is connected to an external power supply, the flash storage device detects and classifies a power supply type, and according to detection and classification information thereof, the reliability and performance of the data of the device can be improved by performing an internal operation thereof.