Host Storage Time Sync Interval Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synchronizing time between host devices and storage devices in semiconductor systems often result in overhead due to unnecessary data transfer and inefficient use of signals, which can degrade performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that identify a time synchronization interval, notify the host device of this interval, and provide host time information only during this interval, using established UFS protocol information units or UniPro attributes, thereby reducing unnecessary signal usage and enhancing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time information is transferred continuously between host device and storage device, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but overhead due to data transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time synchronization by defining specific time synchronization intervals during which time information is transferred between host device and storage device. The storage controller identifies when synchronization is needed and initiates transfers only during these intervals, rather than continuously. This periodic approach maintains time synchronization accuracy while significantly reducing the overhead associated with constant data transfer.
2Reliability
If additional signals are used for time information transfer, then reliability of time synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing communication signals and protocols (UFS protocol information units and UniPro attributes) that are already established between the host device and storage device. Instead of introducing dedicated new signals for time synchronization, the invention makes the existing communication infrastructure multi-functional by incorporating time information transfer within the existing data communication framework. This approach ensures reliable time synchronization without increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If time information is transferred using established signals, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information may increase due to signal repurposing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the existing communication protocol into distinct functional components, separating time information transfer from other data communications. By defining specific time synchronization intervals and dedicated protocol fields within the UFS and UniPro frameworks, the invention ensures that time information is transmitted as a distinct, structured element. This segmentation prevents information loss by ensuring time data is properly formatted, transmitted, and received without confusion with other data types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of synchronizing time between a host device and a storage device is provided. The method includes: identifying, by the storage device, a time synchronization interval; notifying the time synchronization interval from the storage device to the host device; providing host time information from the host device to the storage device during the time synchronization interval; and synchronizing, by the storage device, time information of the storage device with the host time information.