Optical UART Debug Data From Enclosed Memory Without EMI Cutouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory systems face challenges with electromagnetic interference (EMI) from electrostatic discharge events, which are not adequately addressed by current wired connections, and these connections also occupy valuable space and cause undesirable EMI.

Innovation Solution

Implementing light emitting diodes (LEDs) for optical signal communication to transmit and receive telemetry or debugging data, using an optical transceiver device to encode and decode data without requiring wired UART connectors, thus protecting the memory system from EMI and minimizing physical space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If wired connections are used for data communication, then mechanical robustness is provided, but electromagnetic interference (EMI) from electrostatic discharge events occurs and valuable space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical robustnessVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with optical communication using LEDs and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates the physical wired connector that causes EMI while maintaining data communication capability through light-based transmission between the memory device and external equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of direct electrical contact through wired connectors, data is transmitted via optical signals that mediate between the memory device's LED and external photodetectors, thereby avoiding EMI while preserving communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wired UART connector is used, then data communication is established, but large cutouts are required on enclosure creating EMI exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communicationVSAvoidcutout area on enclosure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired UART connector with an optical communication system using LEDs and photodetectors. This eliminates the need for large cutouts in the enclosure while maintaining data communication capability through optical signals that can pass through smaller apertures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If optical signals using LEDs are used for data communication, then EMI protection is provided and space is minimized, but wired connection mechanical robustness is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI protectionVSAvoidmechanical robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The optical signal communication provides a secure, efficient, and reliable data transfer mechanism that is immune to EMI, reducing hardware complexity and power requirements while maintaining data integrity.

Implementation Method 1

light emitting diodes (LEDs) are applied in SSDs to communicate encoded universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The data is encoded in an optical signal generated by an LED and having a fast data rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal generation: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 3

the optical signal is detected by an optical detector, allowing the LEDs to transmit debugging data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12475013B2UART communication of telemetry and debugging data using optical signals

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SK HYNIX NAND PRODUCT SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

This application is directed to communicating telemetry and debugging data of a memory system using optical signals. An enclosed memory device has an optical indicator and receives a data request. In response to the data request, the enclosed memory device obtains internal activity data stored in the memory device, encodes the internal activity data into an electrical signal, and drives the optical indicator with the electrical signal to generate a visible light signal carrying the internal activity data. In some embodiments, the enclosed memory device includes a solid-state drive. In some embodiments, the internal activity data includes telemetry data stored by the enclosed memory device while the memory device is processing a sequence of memory access requests including at least one of a read request and a write request.