Memory Card Access Module for SD and PCIe Interface Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle to access memory cards of different generations due to varying data transmission interfaces, such as the SD interface and PCIe interface.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is designed with a circuit board, a processing unit, a memory card slot, and a memory card access module. The memory card access module is connected to the processing unit and the memory card slot through signal lines conforming to standard signal transmission interfaces, allowing it to access memory cards with single or multiple interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device uses a single interface (SD or PCIe) for memory card access, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different memory card generations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is designed with dual interface support (SD interface and PCIe interface) in the memory card access module, enabling it to universally access memory cards of different generations. The memory card slot is configured to receive both traditional SD cards and newer SD Express cards, while the access module can switch between SD interface mode and PCIe interface mode based on the inserted card type, thus achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate hardware slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory card access module serves as an intermediary between the processing unit and the memory card slot. It includes a switching mechanism that can selectively connect the processing unit to either the SD interface or the PCIe interface based on the type of memory card inserted. This intermediary structure allows the system to handle multiple interface types through a single unified access path, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device implements dual interface support (SD and PCIe), then the adaptability to different memory card generations is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple signal lines
Solution Approach 1:
The memory card access module employs a dynamic switching mechanism that can adaptively select between SD interface signal lines and PCIe interface signal lines based on the detected memory card type. The switching element dynamically reconfigures the signal path connections, allowing the same physical slot and access module to handle different interface protocols without requiring permanent dual-path wiring, thus managing complexity while maintaining dual interface support.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal transmission path is segmented into separate SD interface channels and PCIe interface channels within the access module. Each interface type has its dedicated signal lines and processing paths, which are independently managed and can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows complex multi-interface functionality to be organized into manageable, independent modules that can be controlled through a unified switching mechanism.
3Speed
If the memory card slot is directly connected to the processing unit, then the signal transmission speed is improved, but the ability to perform signal conversion between different interfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The memory card access module is positioned as an intermediary between the memory card slot and the processing unit. It includes interface conversion functionality that can translate between SD interface protocols and PCIe interface protocols. The access module maintains high-speed transmission paths for both interfaces while performing necessary protocol conversions, thus enabling both direct connection benefits and interface versatility without compromising transmission speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The access module is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle both SD and PCIe interfaces through a single unified component. It includes dual protocol support and automatic interface detection, allowing it to function as either an SD interface controller or a PCIe interface controller based on the inserted memory card type. This universal design enables the system to achieve high-speed transmission appropriate for each interface type while maintaining adaptability to different card generations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device capable of accessing a memory card is provided. The electronic device includes a circuit board, a processing unit, a memory card slot, and a memory card access module. The processing unit is disposed on the circuit board. The memory card slot is disposed on the circuit board, allows the insertion of the memory card, and is coupled to the processing unit through a first signal line. The memory card access module is disposed on the circuit board for accessing the memory card. The memory card access module is coupled to the processing unit through a second signal line and coupled to the memory card slot through a third signal line and a fourth signal line. The first signal line, the second signal line, and the third signal line conform to the standard of a signal transmission interface.