Removable Memory Card Multi-Mode Detection and Data Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory card standards lack compatibility with multiple host platforms and do not efficiently support low power consumption and high-speed data access while maintaining backward compatibility with existing protocols like MMC and USB.
Innovation Solution
A novel removable memory card standard that includes detection schemes and hardware interface compatibility requirements, allowing operation in MMC, USB, and Mu modes, with a wrapper for data conversion and device controllers for each mode, enabling backward compatibility and high-speed data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a memory card supports multiple host platforms and modes of operation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory card is designed with multi-functionality to operate in multiple modes (MMC mode, USB mode, and Mu mode) by incorporating different device controllers (MMC compatible device controller, USB compatible device controller) and a detection scheme that automatically identifies the host platform type, enabling a single device to serve multiple host platforms without requiring separate specialized cards for each platform
Solution Approach 2:
The memory card employs a dynamic detection scheme that automatically identifies the type of host platform upon insertion and dynamically switches between different operational modes (MMC mode, USB mode, or Mu mode) by activating the appropriate device controller, thereby adapting to different hosts without manual configuration
2Productivity
If a memory card enables high-speed data access, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory card dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the detected host platform capabilities. When a high-speed USB host is detected, the card activates USB mode with high-speed data access capabilities. When a low-power MMC host is detected, the card switches to MMC mode with lower power consumption, thereby optimizing the balance between data access speed and power consumption according to the specific host environment
3Adaptability or versatility
If a memory card maintains backward compatibility with existing protocols, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory card integrates multiple device controllers (MMC compatible device controller, USB compatible device controller) within a single device to maintain backward compatibility with both MMC and USB protocols, allowing the card to function as a universal storage device that can be used with legacy MMC hosts as well as modern USB hosts without requiring separate specialized cards
Solution Approach 2:
The detection scheme acts as an intermediary that automatically identifies the host platform type and routes communication to the appropriate device controller. This intermediary mechanism manages the complexity of multiple controllers by providing automatic mode switching, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex software drivers on the host side
Data Source
AI summary
A removable electronic device includes a detector for detecting a mode of operation to distinguish among a multimedia card (MMC) compatible mode, a universal serial bus (USB) compatible mode, and a Mu mode, a wrapper for converting data for transfer between the USB compatible mode and the Mu mode, a USB physical layer circuit for transferring data compatible with the USB compatible mode, a USB compatible device controller for controlling data transfer in the USB compatible mode, and an MMC compatible device controller for controlling data transfer in the MMC compatible mode.