Memory Controller Extension Register for Plug-and-Play Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory devices lack the ability to easily implement additional functions and provide plug-and-play compatibility without requiring changes to host software, limiting their versatility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A memory system with a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, a controller, and an extension register that allows for the definition and management of extended functions, enabling plug-and-play functionality by using a mechanism to transfer control to a function driver and supporting multi-function cards/devices through dedicated commands and data port operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional memory devices are used without extended function mechanisms, then device simplicity is maintained, but functionality and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory device into distinct functional components: a standard memory region and an extended function region with dedicated command processing. This segmentation allows the device to maintain its simple memory core while adding specialized function blocks that can be independently activated, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal extended function mechanism that enables the memory device to perform multiple functions beyond basic storage. By introducing a standardized extension register interface and command set, the device can accommodate various additional functions (such as I/O operations, cryptographic processing, or sensor integration) through a unified architecture, making the device adaptable to diverse applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional functions are added to memory devices, then versatility is improved, but compatibility with existing host software deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-function capabilityVSAvoidplug-and-play compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary extended function interface layer between the host controller and the additional functional components. This intermediary layer provides a standardized command set and register interface that abstracts the complexity of additional functions, allowing existing host software to interact with new functionalities through a familiar, consistent protocol without requiring modifications to existing drivers or applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary configuration mechanisms where the extended function capabilities are pre-defined and registered in standardized extension registers before host software execution. This preliminary setup allows the host system to discover and configure additional functions during initialization using existing standardized procedures, ensuring plug-and-play compatibility without requiring subsequent software modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If standardized register addressing is required for extended functions, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity and standardization requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehost controller compatibilityVSAvoidregister addressing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the extended function register addressing with the existing memory address space using a unified addressing scheme. By combining the base memory address with an offset into the extension register region, the system creates a seamless addressing structure that leverages existing host controller addressing capabilities. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate complex addressing mechanisms while maintaining full compatibility with standard memory access protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8930613B2Memory system in which extended function can easily be set

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, a controller, an extended function section, and an extension register. The controller controls the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device. The extended function section is controlled by the controller. The extension register which is provided with a certain block length capable of defining an extended function of the extended function section. The controller processes a first command to write header data of a command to operate the extended function section to the extended function section through the extension register, and a second command to read header data of a response from the extended function section through the extension register.