M.2 Connector Dynamic Terminal Assignment for eMMC Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in supporting Embedded MultiMedia Card (eMMC) storage devices using M.2 connectors, as they do not utilize PCIe or SATA interfaces, leading to potential interference with other storage devices like HDDs and SSDs when non-standard terminal utilization is required for bridge circuits.
Innovation Solution
The use of switches and buffers to control voltage signals and signal propagation between components, allowing the electronic device to determine the type of storage device and adjust voltage and signal flow accordingly, enabling eMMC support without additional hardware and maintaining compatibility with PCIe interface devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bridge circuit is used to couple eMMC storage devices to PCIe interface, then eMMC support is enabled, but terminal utilization conflicts arise that interfere with other storage devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic terminal assignment where the connector terminals are configured to different functions based on the detected storage device type. When an eMMC device is detected, the system dynamically assigns specific terminals for eMMC operation; when PCIe devices are detected, terminals are reassigned for PCIe communication. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the terminal utilization conflict between eMMC bridge circuit requirements and PCIe interface standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection mechanism as an intermediary that identifies the connected storage device type and mediates the terminal configuration accordingly. This intermediary component detects whether an eMMC or PCIe device is connected and activates the appropriate terminal configuration, preventing interference between different storage device types sharing the same connector.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is added to support eMMC devices, then eMMC compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing M.2 connector universal by enabling it to support multiple storage device types (eMMC, PCIe, SATA) without requiring additional dedicated hardware for each device type. The same physical connector and terminal structure serve multiple functions depending on the detected device type, eliminating the need for separate connectors or bridge circuits for eMMC devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic device type detection and self-configuration. When a storage device is connected, the system automatically detects its type and configures the appropriate terminal assignments and communication protocols without requiring manual intervention or additional control hardware, thereby supporting eMMC devices without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an electronic device includes a connector, a first switch to control, responsive to a signal, providing of a first voltage signal to the connector, a second switch to control, responsive to the signal, providing of a second voltage signal to the connector, and a controller. The controller is to determine, responsive to the signal, a type of a storage device couple to the connector, and enable, responsive to the type of the storage device, a set of signals to the connector.