Host Controller Embedded Recording Module for High-Speed Flash Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for observing and recording high-speed data transmission signals in flash memory interfaces, such as ONFI and Toggle interfaces, are inaccurate and unreliable due to the need for external instruments and manual connections, which become costly and complex as data transmission rates increase.
Innovation Solution
An embedded instruction and data recording apparatus within a host controller that includes a storage controller with a command/address transmission channel, a data write channel, and a data read channel, along with a channel information monitoring module that captures digital signal flows and records them internally, eliminating the need for external instruments and ensuring accurate sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional external instruments (oscilloscope, logic analyzer) are used to observe and capture data transmission signals, then signal observation capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase significantly when multiple high-speed channels need to be observed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal observation and capture functions directly into the host controller by embedding a monitoring module within the controller itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate external instruments and their complex connections, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision for multiple high-speed channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring module that sits between the physical layer interfaces and the host controller's processing units. This module captures digital signals internally without requiring external probe connections, serving as a mediator that simplifies the observation system while preserving signal integrity
2Speed
If external instruments are used to capture high-speed parallel transmission signals (such as ONFI and Toggle interfaces), then data transmission observation is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates at higher data transmission rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (external probes and manual wire connections) with an integrated digital monitoring system that operates at the logic level. This substitution eliminates the bandwidth limitations and signal integrity issues of physical probe connections, enabling accurate capture of high-speed parallel transmission signals up to 2400 MT/s
3Measurement precision
If manual connection of signal lines to external probes is performed, then signal observation is possible, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex setup procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by embedding the monitoring module directly within the host controller, allowing the system to monitor and capture its own internal signals automatically. This eliminates the need for manual probe connections and setup procedures, making the observation process as simple as enabling the embedded monitor while maintaining full measurement precision
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are observed simultaneously using external instruments, then comprehensive data capture is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the embedded monitoring module to handle multiple channels simultaneously through a unified internal structure. The module can monitor command/address channels, data write channels, and data read channels all at once using shared resources, providing comprehensive multi-channel observation capability at a fraction of the cost of multiple external instruments
Data Source
AI summary
An instruction and data recording apparatus embedded in a host controller includes one or more channels, each coupled to memory devices, and a storage controller coupled to the channels having a storage control module and an internal memory. The storage control module comprises a command/address transmission channel, a data write channel and a data read channel, and a channel information monitoring module configured to capture instruction flow transmitted on the command/address transmission channel, and data flow transmitted on the data write and data read channels, and to record instruction and data items to the internal memory according to the instruction and data flows. The channel information monitoring module is configured to capture the instruction and data flows in a form of digital signals instead of analog signals at the physical layers. Any occurrence of a valid instruction flow or data flow event is treated as a single item.