Memory Interface Detection Signal Line Switch Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory devices with different shapes often fail to be recognized properly by electronic devices, leading to compatibility issues and improper functionality.

Innovation Solution

An interface with a receptacle and detection signal lines that include switch units to identify the type of memory device inserted, allowing the host controller to adjust data communication methods and power levels accordingly, ensuring proper recognition and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional memory devices with different shapes are used, then memory capacity and variety are improved, but compatibility and recognition reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory device varietyVSAvoidrecognition reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the memory device type through switch unit states before data communication begins. The host controller reads the detection signal line to determine device type in advance, then configures appropriate communication parameters and power levels, ensuring reliable operation across different memory device shapes and types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a universal receptacle design is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of device type deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion easeVSAvoiddevice type detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by placing specific detection elements (switch units) at particular locations within the universal receptacle. The first switch unit detects insertion presence while the second switch unit detects device type through contact with specific portions of the inserted memory device, enabling precise type identification despite the universal receptacle design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If detection signal lines with switch units are added, then device type detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the detection function into the existing receptacle structure. The switch units are incorporated within the receptacle body, and the detection signal line is combined with the power/data signal line, allowing dual functionality (power supply and type detection) through a single integrated structure rather than separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The interface effectively recognizes and manages different types of memory devices, ensuring normal operation and data transmission, regardless of their shape or type.

Implementation Method 1

the second switch unit is arranged to be in contact with at least a portion of a to-be-inserted memory device with a first shape representing a first-type memory device, or in non-contact with another to-be-inserted memory device with a second shape representing a second-type memory device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical contact detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2955636B1Interface for connecting hardware components
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2955636B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2955636B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2955636B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An interface is provided comprising: a receptacle arranged to receive a memory device; and a detection signal line arranged to transmit an electrical signal identifying a type of the memory device.