Host Discrimination of UFS Memory Cards via SD Interrogation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies have not standardized the implementation of Universal Flash Storage (UFS) protocol for removable memory cards, making it difficult for computing devices to distinguish and communicate effectively with UFS compliant cards that share the same form factor as Secure Digital (SD) cards.
Innovation Solution
A method and computing device that discriminate between SD and UFS compliant removable memory cards by sending an SD compliant interrogation signal to a common area on the card, receiving capability descriptors for SD compliance, and identifying UFS compliance through specific indications, allowing the host to restart communication using the UFS protocol if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SD compliant interrogation signals are used to maintain backward compatibility with existing SD protocol devices, then existing receptacles and devices can be used without changes, but UFS compliant removable memory cards cannot be distinguished from SD cards
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending SD compliant interrogation signals to detect UFS capability indicators before establishing actual communication. This allows the host to identify UFS cards in advance and prepare appropriate communication protocols, resolving the contradiction between maintaining SD compatibility and identifying UFS cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses capability descriptors and UFS capability indicators as intermediary elements that allow SD-compatible interrogation to reveal UFS identity. These intermediaries enable the host to distinguish UFS cards from SD cards while maintaining backward compatibility with SD protocol devices.
2Productivity
If UFS protocol is implemented in removable memory cards with SD form factor, then new high-speed storage technology is incorporated, but computing devices cannot distinguish UFS cards from SD cards using existing SD interrogation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The capability descriptor area is segmented to include specific UFS capability indicators separate from standard SD card information. This segmentation allows the host to extract UFS protocol type information and capability details while maintaining the overall SD-compatible structure, thus preserving protocol identification information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by adding UFS-specific capability indicators in specific locations within the capability descriptor area. These localized UFS indicators enable protocol identification without affecting the overall SD compatibility of the card interface and interrogation process.
3Measurement precision
If a discrimination mechanism is added to distinguish UFS from SD cards, then protocol identification is improved, but the complexity of the host system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UFS card itself provides self-service by including capability descriptors and UFS capability indicators that automatically identify its protocol type during SD-compliant interrogation. This eliminates the need for complex external discrimination mechanisms in the host system, as the card self-identifies through its response to standard interrogation signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the capability descriptor area to include UFS capability indicators. This allows protocol identification through parameter extraction from existing SD interrogation responses, avoiding the need for additional hardware or complex software discrimination mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Removable memory card discrimination systems and methods are disclosed. In particular, exemplary embodiments discriminate between secure digital (SD) cards and other removable memory cards that comply with the SD form factor, but support the Universal Flash Storage (UFS) protocol. That is, a host may have a receptacle that supports the SD card form factor and is configured to receive a device. In use, a removable memory card is inserted into the receptacle and, using an SD compliant interrogation signal, the host interrogates a common area on the card so inserted. The common area includes information related to capability descriptors of the card. An SD compliant card will respond with information such as capability descriptors about the SD protocol capabilities, while a UFS compliant card will respond with an indication that the card is UFS compliant. The host may then restart the communication with the card using the UFS protocol.