Multi-Bus Storage Device with Arbitration Circuitry for External Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal storage components in electronic devices have limited accessibility, making it difficult to transfer data when the device is powered down or not functioning, and existing methods require specialized software and hardware for data transfer, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A multi-bus storage device with arbitration and isolation circuitry that allows access via both internal and external buses, enabling data transfer even when the primary device is powered off, using external power and data buses like USB, and supporting multiple protocols for connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If internal storage components are accessed only by internal processing circuitry, then the storage component remains simple and integrated, but data transfer becomes difficult when the device is powered down or not functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The storage component is designed with multiple bus interfaces (first bus for internal access, second bus for external access) that can be selectively activated. This allows the storage component to serve both internal processing circuitry and external devices, enabling data transfer functionality while maintaining integration. The arbitration circuitry manages access to the storage component from different buses, providing universal accessibility without requiring separate independent storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
An arbitration circuitry is introduced as an intermediary component between the first bus (internal) and second bus (external) connections to the storage component. This arbitration circuitry mediates access requests from different buses, controlling which bus can access the storage component at any given time. This resolves the complexity by providing a centralized management mechanism that coordinates multiple access paths without requiring complex concurrent access handling.
2Productivity
If specialized software and hardware are used for data transfer, then data transfer capability is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The data transfer capability is extracted from the host computer system and embedded directly into the storage component itself. By incorporating the second bus interface and arbitration circuitry within the storage component, the system eliminates the need for external specialized software and hardware for data transfer. The storage component can be directly accessed by external devices through the second bus, enabling simple plug-and-play data transfer without requiring complex host system involvement.
3Reliability
If the primary device is powered off, then energy consumption is reduced, but data access becomes impossible with conventional internal storage
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply architecture is segmented into two independent paths: an internal power path for the host computer and an external power path for the storage component. The storage component can be powered independently through the second bus interface from external power sources or powered devices. This segmentation allows the storage component to remain operational and accessible even when the primary host device is powered down, as the storage component can draw power separately through the external interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A primary computing device and a secondary computing device couple with an internal storage component of the primary device powered by, and data accessed by either the first or secondary computing device. The internal storage component includes multiple connectors for connecting internal buses and external buses over which data can be accessed, internally or externally. It includes an internal storage unit (in general, at least one storage unit, and multiple storage units are supported) to which data can be written and from which data can be read. It also includes arbitration and isolation circuitry that makes it possible to access the internal storage unit (for read/write data access, etc.) over one of the buses. The arbitration and an isolation circuitry also facilitates powering the internal storage component employing power supplied by an internal power source, or via an external power source, such as power from an USB connection.