Memory Card Connector Interrupt Signal for Data Integrity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The removal of memory cards during programming or erase operations can lead to data corruption due to loss of power, especially with multi-level flash memory devices, as users may inadvertently disconnect the cards without notification to the host system.

Innovation Solution

A memory card connector system that includes a switch or position detector to generate a high-priority interrupt signal when the card is fully inserted or about to be removed, ensuring ongoing operations are terminated before power loss, using a resistor divider network or other low-power circuits to provide advance notice and ensure data integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user removes the memory card during programming or erase operations, then the user can access the memory card at any time, but data corruption occurs due to loss of power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser ability to remove memory cardVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector detects card removal before complete disconnection occurs and generates an interrupt signal to terminate operations in advance, preventing data corruption that would result from power loss during programming or erase operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The position detector provides continuous feedback on card insertion status, enabling the host system to monitor and respond to removal attempts by terminating operations before data corruption occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a switch or position detector is added to detect card removal, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The position detector serves multiple functions: detecting card insertion, detecting card removal, and generating interrupt signals, thereby reducing the need for separate components and minimizing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector structure itself provides the detection capability through its inherent mechanical design, where the act of insertion or removal automatically triggers the position detector without requiring additional external sensing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8599637B2Advanced detection of memory device removal, and methods, devices and connectors

Publication Date: 2013.12.03 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Memory devices, connectors and methods for terminating an operation are provided, including a memory device configured to terminate an internal operation such as a programming or erase operation responsive to receiving a signal during removal of the memory device from a connector, such as a socket. The memory device may be configured to generate the removal signal, such as by including a dedicated removal terminal. The memory card may respond to the signal by terminating a programming or erase operation before power is lost. The removal terminal may have a dimension that is different from a dimension of a power terminal. Alternatively, the connector may be configured to generate a signal that causes a host to terminate programming or erase operations prior to memory card removal, such as by including a switch that is actuated when the memory device moves to a pre-power loss position.