Link Startup Pad Level Control for Leakage-Stable Storage Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices using non-volatile memory face issues with current leakage through pads receiving link startup mode signals, which can lead to unstable voltage levels and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A storage device design that includes a pull-down resistor connected to a ground terminal and a pad level control circuit, which automatically or manually controls the connection/disconnection of the resistor based on a link startup mode signal to stabilize the voltage level of the pad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pad receives a link startup mode signal, then the storage device can determine the link startup mode, but current leakage occurs through the pad
Solution Approach 1:
The pad level control circuit dynamically adjusts the voltage level of the second pad based on the link startup mode signal. When a link startup mode signal is detected, the circuit switches the pad from a high-impedance state to a controlled voltage level, preventing current leakage while maintaining signal reception capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pad level control circuit acts as an intermediary between the second pad and the link startup mode signal. It controls the voltage level of the pad to prevent direct current leakage paths while still allowing the signal to be properly received and processed by the storage device
2Stability of the object's composition
If a pull-down resistor is connected to the pad, then voltage level is stabilized, but current leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a fixed pull-down resistor, the invention uses a controllable pad level control circuit that dynamically adjusts the pad's voltage level. This provides voltage stability only when needed (during link startup mode determination) while preventing continuous current leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The pad level control circuit changes the voltage level parameter of the second pad based on the detected link startup mode signal. This allows the pad to maintain stable voltage levels during critical operations while avoiding current leakage during normal operation
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device including a non-volatile memory device; a memory controller controlling data input to the non-volatile memory device and data output from the non-volatile memory device; and a device interconnect layer transmitting signals received from a host to the memory controller. The device interconnect layer includes a first pad that inputs first data to be stored in the non-volatile memory device and that outputs second data stored in the non-volatile memory device; a second pad that receives a link startup mode signal from the host that indicates a link startup mode of the memory controller; a pull-down resistor between the second pad and a ground terminal; and a pad level control circuit that controls a voltage level of the second pad by controlling connection or disconnection of the pull-down resistor to the ground terminal based on the link startup mode signal.