Multifunctional Memory Card Router Command Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of memory card controllers are increased when configuring them to support additional functionalities, such as security operations, due to the need to parse extended commands and execute processes directly on the card.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional memory card configuration with a router that can switch between interoperating with a low-cost controller and an application processor, routing extended commands to the application processor while keeping standard commands with the controller, thus shifting the burden of complex operations from the controller to the application processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the controller is configured to support additional functionalities and parse extended commands, then the memory card can execute processes directly on the card, but the complexity and cost of the card controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments command processing responsibilities between the controller and application processor. The controller handles standard commands while extended commands are routed to the application processor, dividing the complex processing task into manageable segments that reduce controller complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The router acts as an intermediary component that receives commands from the host and directs them to the appropriate processing unit. This mediator enables the low-cost controller to support extended functionalities by forwarding complex commands to the application processor without requiring the controller itself to be complex
2Adaptability or versatility
If the controller supports extended command sets, then additional functionalities are enabled, but the cost of the memory card increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a low-cost controller that does not need to be expensive or complex. By offloading extended command processing to the application processor, the controller can be manufactured at a lower cost while still enabling multifunctionality through the router's command routing capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the router switches between interoperating with the controller and application processor, then extended commands can be routed to the application processor, but the routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The router dynamically switches its operational state based on the command type. It can interoperate with either the controller or application processor as needed, adapting its behavior to route standard commands to the controller and extended commands to the application processor, providing flexibility without permanent complex interconnections
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising a router, a controller and an application processor, the controller configured to interoperate at any given time either with the controller or the application processor. When the device is coupled to a host device and the router is set for interoperating with the controller in which it routes host commands (SD commands) to the controller, the router receives a host command from the host device; and in response to the received host command and based on determining that it prompts interoperating with the application processor, to interoperate with the application processor in which it routes host commands (ASSD commands) to the application processor. The router continues to interoperate with the application processor until it receives an indication from the application processor to interoperate with the controller.