Integrated Circuit Merging CPU and Storage Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of computing systems with separate components like CPUs and mass storage devices leads to inefficiencies such as increased cost and power consumption due to the need for standardized storage interfaces and separate hardware and software components.
Innovation Solution
Integration of computing system components with mass storage devices, sharing resources like power supplies and memories, and eliminating the storage interface by coupling the CPU and controller directly, allowing for more efficient data transfer and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If computing system components and mass storage devices are kept separate with standardized storage interfaces, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the computing system components and mass storage device into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate standardized storage interfaces. The CPU, memory, and storage controller are combined on the same substrate, which reduces hardware complexity while maintaining operational ease through unified management of resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated computing system incorporates multiple functions within a single device, including processing, memory management, and storage control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate standardized interfaces while maintaining compatibility through unified resource management, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If computing system components and mass storage devices are kept separate with standardized storage interfaces, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the storage controller and CPU into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates power-consuming data transmission across external interfaces. The unified architecture allows direct access to storage resources without the need for standardized interface protocols, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability through integrated resource management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the standardized storage interface layer from the system architecture, removing the unnecessary power-consuming communication protocols and physical interfaces. This extraction maintains adaptability through direct resource access while significantly reducing power consumption by eliminating intermediate communication layers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage interface and separate hardware components are used, then ease of manufacture and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hardware components including the CPU, memory controller, and storage controller into a single integrated unit on the same substrate. This merging enables efficient resource sharing between computing and storage functions while eliminating the need for separate standardized interfaces, thereby reducing interface complexity without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides universal resource access where the CPU can directly manage both memory and storage resources through a unified control mechanism. This multi-functional approach enables flexible resource sharing while eliminating the need for multiple specialized interfaces, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A single device that provides computing system-level functionality with non-volatile storage controller functionality. These functionalities can share the same electronics.