Interrupt Circuit for Non-Volatile Memory Data Path Contention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In memory systems, shared data paths can lead to contention and delays during data input/output operations, as existing technologies require the controller to manage access and communication protocols, potentially degrading data transfer rates due to the need for each device to wait for commands or interrupt signals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a data communication apparatus with a transceiver and an interrupt circuit that allows devices to share a data path and an interrupt path, where an interrupt signal generated by one device can prevent others from accessing the data path, enabling each device to determine if it can occupy the data path based on the interrupt signal, thus avoiding collisions and improving data transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices share a data path for data input/output operations, then device utilization and resource efficiency are improved, but data transfer rates deteriorate due to contention and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt circuit generates an interrupt signal in advance before data transmission begins, notifying other devices of upcoming data path occupation. This preliminary action allows other devices to proactively hold off their transmissions, preventing contention before it occurs and maintaining high data transfer rates while enabling shared data path utilization
2Ease of operation
If the controller manages access to shared data paths using commands and interrupt signals, then data path access control is improved, but communication overhead increases and data transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt circuit extracts the access control function from the controller and implements it locally at each device. Each device independently generates and responds to interrupt signals, eliminating the need for controller-mediated access management. This decentralization removes communication overhead while maintaining proper data path access control
3Reliability
If devices wait for commands or interrupt signals before accessing the data path, then data path collision prevention is improved, but transmission delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each device equipped with an interrupt circuit autonomously monitors the data path status and generates interrupt signals independently without waiting for controller commands. This self-service mechanism enables devices to immediately hold off transmissions when detecting data path occupation, preventing collisions while minimizing waiting time
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication apparatus includes a transceiver coupled to a data path and configured to transmit or receive data through the data path; and an interrupt circuit coupled to an interrupt path corresponding to the data path and configured to determine whether to allow any apparatus to occupy the data path. The interrupt circuit generates an interrupt signal for preventing another apparatus from accessing the data path, in response to an activation signal for transmitting or receiving the data through the transceiver.