Pre-defined Multiblock Transfers for MMC Data Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The open-ended mode of data transfer between a multimedia card (MMC) host controller and the MMC in electronic devices is prone to errors due to the reliance on a stop command within a specified window of time, leading to transfer delays, resource starvation, and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pre-defined mode of transfer that sets a specific number of blocks for transfer, eliminating the need for a stop command and trapping open-ended mode transfer requests to emulate a traditional open-ended mode, thereby ensuring reliable and efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open-ended mode of transfer is used, then flexibility in data transfer is maintained, but transfer reliability deteriorates due to potential stop command timing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the number of blocks to be transferred before the actual data transfer begins. The host controller sets a block count register with the predetermined number of blocks, and the MMC device automatically knows when to stop transferring based on this pre-set value, eliminating the need for real-time stop command timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the MMC device to autonomously determine transfer completion based on the pre-defined block count. The device automatically stops data reception or transmission after transferring the specified number of blocks without requiring external stop commands, making the system self-regulating.
2Productivity
If open-ended mode of transfer is used, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but transfer speed deteriorates due to potential retries and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves transfer speed by pre-defining the block count before transfer, which eliminates the need for stop commands during transmission. This preliminary configuration allows continuous data flow without interruptions for stop command processing or potential retry operations, directly enhancing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the stop command mechanism from the transfer process by using a pre-defined block count approach. The stop command is completely removed from the transfer sequence, and instead, the device autonomously terminates transfer after the predetermined block count, eliminating a source of timing errors and delays.
3Reliability
If pre-defined mode of transfer is implemented, then transfer reliability improves by eliminating stop command timing issues, but compatibility with existing device drivers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the pre-defined mode interface to work with existing device drivers and operating systems without requiring modifications. The host controller maintains the same command structure for initiating transfers, while the enhanced functionality of pre-defined block counting operates transparently in the background, making the solution adaptable to various existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the host controller as an intermediary that translates between the traditional open-ended mode interface and the new pre-defined mode implementation. The host controller sets the block count register and manages the transfer process, while presenting the same interface to device drivers, thus mediating between old and new approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
Transfer of data blocks between a host and a multi-media card (“MMC”) are performed in a pre-defined mode. In pre-defined mode, the host sets a pre-determined number of blocks, a “multiblock,” to be transferred. Use of pre-defined mode results in faster transfers than those performed using an open-ended mode incorporating a stop command. Furthermore, corruption errors resulting from delays in providing the stop command which may occur in an open-ended mode are avoided. Pre-defined multiblock transfers are supported by existing operating systems through trapping open-ended mode transfers in the MMC stack, leaving existing device drivers unaffected.