Portable SSD Protocol Conversion with Adaptive Power and Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Repurposed SSDs face challenges in managing power profiles and temperature monitoring, especially when converting from PCIe native devices to external portable devices, as existing systems lack efficient power configuration and temperature management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system with a protocol converter that includes a non-volatile memory for power profiles and a temperature sensor, enabling conversion between bus interface protocols and managing power and temperature settings based on interface type and thermal thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a repurposed SSD is converted from PCIe native device to external portable device using USB or Thunderbolt interface, then the SSD becomes portable and accessible externally, but the system lacks efficient power configuration and temperature management capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple power profiles in the power configuration table corresponding to different interface types (USB, Thunderbolt) and SSD capacities. The system prepares these power configurations in advance before the SSD is actually connected and used, allowing the protocol converter to quickly select the appropriate profile without complex real-time calculations or manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protocol converter as an intermediary device between the repurposed SSD and the host system. This intermediary handles the complexity of power configuration and temperature management by implementing the power profile selection logic and temperature monitoring mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and making the repurposed SSD compatible with different host interfaces.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power profiles are configured for different interface types and SSD capacities, then power management efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a power configuration table that serves multiple functions: it stores power profiles for different interface types (USB, Thunderbolt), accommodates various SSD capacities (256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB), and provides a standardized structure that can be used across different repurposed SSD configurations. This multi-functional approach improves power management efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by organizing the power configuration table with structured parameters including interface type identifiers, SSD capacity ranges, and corresponding power profile settings. The protocol converter changes these parameters dynamically based on the detected interface type and SSD capacity, allowing efficient power management through parameter-based configuration rather than hard-coded logic.
3Temperature
If temperature monitoring is implemented to prevent overheating, then thermal control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the temperature of the repurposed SSD through the protocol converter and using this temperature information to adjust power profiles dynamically. When the temperature exceeds predefined thresholds, the system automatically selects power profiles with lower power consumption, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that prevents overheating while maintaining optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power profile selection dynamic rather than static. The system can switch between different power profiles based on real-time temperature conditions, allowing the repurposed SSD to adapt its power consumption characteristics dynamically. This dynamic approach enables effective thermal control without requiring complex active cooling mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system for managing an operation of a solid-state device (SSD) includes the SSD, an adaptor coupled to the SSD via a first bus protocol and including a non-volatile memory storing a power configuration table. The protocol converter is configured to: couple to the adaptor using the first bus protocol, convert first signals of the first bus protocol to second signals for a second bus protocol, and couple to a host using the second bus protocol. The power configuration table includes power profiles for the SSD each corresponding to an interface type for the second bus protocol. The protocol converter is further configured to: determine an interface type of the second bus protocol, read the power configuration table from the non-volatile memory to determine a power profile corresponding to the determined interface type, and cause the SSD to operate using the determined power profile.