MMC/SD Interface Dual Function Storage and Ethernet
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Solution Overview
Problem
MMC/SD interface-based embedded terminal apparatuses either solely support bulk storage or Ethernet communication, requiring multiple interfaces and increasing manufacturing costs and user inconvenience, as they cannot simultaneously perform both functions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrate a master MMC/SD apparatus with a master bulk storage device and a master communication protocol stack device, allowing simultaneous bulk storage and Ethernet communication via a single MMC/SD interface, with independent access and atomic operations to manage both functions efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single MMC/SD interface is used to support both bulk storage and Ethernet communication, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but functional versatility is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The slave MMC/SD apparatus is designed to support multiple functions through a single interface. By incorporating both bulk storage capability (via file system service) and Ethernet communication capability (via communication protocol stack) into one slave apparatus, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges previously separate bulk storage and Ethernet communication functions into a single integrated slave MMC/SD apparatus. The slave controller manages both the bulk storage device and communication protocol stack, allowing both functions to operate through one MMC/SD interface connection to the master apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If a single MMC/SD interface is used for both bulk storage and Ethernet communication, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but operational convenience is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The slave MMC/SD apparatus provides universal support for both bulk storage and Ethernet communication through a single device. Users only need to connect one slave apparatus to the master to access both storage and network functions, simplifying user operation while reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining bulk storage and Ethernet communication capabilities into one slave apparatus, the invention reduces the total number of components required in the system. This merging approach lowers manufacturing costs by reducing component count, assembly complexity, and inventory requirements, while simultaneously improving ease of operation for end users.
3Reliability
If independent access methods are used for bulk storage and Ethernet communication, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slave MMC/SD apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a bulk storage module (with file system service) and a communication module (with Ethernet protocol stack). Each module operates independently with its own access methods, ensuring that bulk storage operations do not interfere with Ethernet communication and vice versa, thereby maintaining functional reliability while keeping the overall device structure manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a master MMC/SD apparatus for simultaneously supporting bulk storage and Ethernet communication, a slave MMC/SD apparatus for simultaneously supporting bulk storage and Ethernet communication, a system composed of these two apparatuses as well as a method of operating the system. The apparatuses, system and method which simultaneously support bulk storage and Ethernet communication and which are based on MMC/SD interface enable a master apparatus with MMC/SD interface to support network function while maintaining bulk storage function as well, thus greatly expanding applicable areas of such embedded terminal apparatus with the MMC/SD interface that has bulk storage function.