Optical UART Telemetry Links for EMI-Safe Enclosed Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face issues with electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to wired connections, which expose internal electronics to strong electromagnetic interference, particularly from electrostatic discharge (ESD) events, and require physical features that occupy valuable space and cause EMI.
Innovation Solution
Implementing light emitting diodes (LEDs) for optical communication to transmit and receive encoded UART information, using an optical transceiver device to communicate with memory systems via visible light, eliminating the need for wired connectors and protecting the memory system from EMI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wired connections are used for data communication, then mechanical robustness is provided, but electromagnetic interference (EMI) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with optical communication using LEDs. The LEDs emit visible light that can be detected by an optical detector, enabling data transmission without physical connectors. This substitution eliminates the EMI problems associated with wired connections while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of direct electrical contact through wired connectors, data is transmitted by modulating the light emitted by LEDs, which is then detected by an optical detector. This intermediary approach prevents direct electromagnetic coupling between the memory device and external equipment.
2Ease of operation
If wired UART connector is used, then data communication is enabled, but valuable space along edge is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical wired UART connector with an optical communication system using LEDs. This eliminates the need for large cutouts and physical connection interfaces along the edge of the memory device, freeing up valuable space for other components or smaller enclosure openings.
3Ease of operation
If cutouts are made on enclosure for wired connection, then data communication is possible, but EMI protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired connections requiring enclosure cutouts with optical communication through LEDs. This allows data communication to occur through smaller openings or even through the enclosure material itself, maintaining EMI shielding integrity while enabling communication functionality.
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 optical communication mechanism provides secure, efficient, and reliable data transfer without additional power requirements or EMI, while minimizing enclosure cutouts, thus safeguarding the memory system from electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
light emitting diodes (LEDs) are applied in SSDs to communicate encoded universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) information
Implementation Method 2
The data is encoded in an optical signal generated by an LED
Implementation Method 3
the optical signal is detected by an optical detector
Data Source
AI summary
This application is directed to communicating telemetry and debugging data of a memory system using optical signals. An enclosed memory device has an optical indicator and receives a data request. In response to the data request, the enclosed memory device obtains internal activity data stored in the memory device, encodes the internal activity data into an electrical signal, and drives the optical indicator with the electrical signal to generate a visible light signal carrying the internal activity data. In some embodiments, the enclosed memory device includes a solid-state drive. In some embodiments, the internal activity data includes telemetry data stored by the enclosed memory device while the memory device is processing a sequence of memory access requests including at least one of a read request and a write request.