Interface Controller Link Information Storage for Host Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hosts may erroneously determine that external electronic devices are disconnected due to delays in link information availability, especially during power-on or resume from sleep mode, leading to incomplete or failed data transfer operations.
Innovation Solution
An interface controller with a non-volatile memory and control unit that retrieves and stores link information from the external device's main body, allowing for immediate transmission of a termination-on signal to the host, enabling timely response to link information requests without waiting for the device to reach stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host waits for link information from the external electronic device during power-on, then the link information can be retrieved, but the host may erroneously determine that no device is connected due to the delay
Solution Approach 1:
The interface controller performs preliminary actions by retrieving and storing link information in non-volatile memory before the host needs it. The controller proactively prepares the link information during device initialization, so when the host requests it, the information is already available, eliminating the delay and preventing erroneous disconnection detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface controller acts as an intermediary between the external electronic device and the host. It buffers and manages the link information, retrieving it from the device and making it available to the host without requiring the host to wait for the device to be fully operational. This mediation resolves the timing conflict between host detection and device readiness.
2Productivity
If the host requests link information immediately upon connection, then the connection can be established quickly, but the device may not have reached stable operation yet causing incomplete information
Solution Approach 1:
The interface controller performs preliminary retrieval of link information from the external device during its initialization phase, before the host needs the information. This advance preparation ensures that when the host requests link information, the controller already has complete and accurate data ready to transmit, enabling both quick connection and complete information transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface controller coupling the main body of an external electronic device to a host, and the electronic device using the interface controller and a control method for the external electronic controller are disclosed. The interface controller has a control unit and a non-volatile memory. The control unit is configured to transmit a termination-on signal to the host when link information retrieved from the main body has been written into the non-volatile memory. When the host issues a link information request in response to the termination-on signal, the control unit uses the link information stored in the non-volatile memory to respond to the link information request.