Non-Volatile Memory Interface with Asynchronous Status Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional addressing schemes, command protocols, and electrical interfaces for non-volatile memory modules in devices like imaging and printing devices are inefficient, leading to long wait times and increased costs due to numerous electrical connections, which hinder timely updates and reliability in high-speed devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of concurrent processing and confirmation methods for memory module commands, along with reduced electrical connections through asynchronous modulation techniques and status channel management, allows for faster and more reliable updates of non-volatile memory modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional addressing schemes and command protocols are used for non-volatile memory modules, then the electrical connections between the computing device and removable components can be established, but the wait times for updating memory modules are long and the number of electrical connections increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by having the memory module transmit a ready indication before the actual data transfer begins. This allows the host to initiate the update command in advance, and the memory module to be pre-positioned to receive it, thereby reducing the overall wait time for memory updates while maintaining reliable data integrity through the confirmation protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing a continuous status monitoring mechanism where the memory module continuously transmits its ready status to the host. This allows the host to continuously issue update commands without idle wait periods, keeping the system in a state of continuous productive operation rather than alternating between active updates and idle waiting.
2Reliability
If multiple electrical connections are used between computing device and removable components, then reliable data transmission can be achieved, but the cost increases due to the number of connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional electrical interface where a single shared connection serves multiple purposes: it carries both the ready status signals from the memory module and the update commands from the host. This consolidation of functions into a single connection reduces the overall number of electrical connections required while maintaining reliable bidirectional communication between the host and memory module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary protocol layer that mediates communication between the host and memory module through the shared connection. This intermediary mechanism uses asynchronous modulation techniques to encode multiple types of information (status, commands, acknowledgments) into a single communication channel, effectively acting as a mediator that enables reliable multi-directional communication without requiring separate dedicated connections for each function.
3Productivity
If conventional command protocols are used for memory updates, then simple implementation can be achieved, but the speed of updating memory modules cannot keep up with faster page rates in high-speed devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the command protocol adaptive and event-driven rather than static and fixed. The protocol dynamically adjusts its operation based on the real-time ready status of the memory module, allowing the host to issue commands at the optimal moment when the memory is prepared to receive them. This dynamic timing mechanism enables faster memory updates by eliminating fixed wait cycles and adapting to the actual operational state of the memory module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback by implementing a status confirmation mechanism where the memory module continuously provides ready status information to the host. This feedback loop enables the host to make informed decisions about when to issue update commands, ensuring that commands are sent only when the memory module is prepared to receive them. The feedback mechanism synchronizes the host and memory module operations, eliminating timing conflicts and enabling faster, more efficient memory updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical interfaces, addressing schemes, and command protocols allow for communications with memory modules in computing devices such as imaging and printing devices. Memory modules may be assigned an address through a set of discrete voltages. One, multiple, or all of the memory modules may be addressed with a single command, which may be an increment counter command, a write command, a punch out bit field, or a cryptographic command. The commands may be transmitted using a broadcast scheme or a split transaction scheme. The status of the memory modules may be determined by sampling a single signal that may be at a low, high, or intermediate voltage level.