Power Control Logic Circuit for Data Storage Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage systems lack efficient power control mechanisms to manage power distribution based on the operational status of data storage devices, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and potential device faults.

Innovation Solution

A power control signal is generated by a data storage controller using status indicators, such as LEDs, to enable or disable power distribution to data storage devices, transitioning them into a power-down mode when not in use or experiencing faults, utilizing logic circuits to perform logical operations like AND or NOR functions to assert the POWER DISABLE signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power is continuously supplied to data storage devices, then device operational readiness is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operational readinessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic power cycling of data storage devices by asserting a power control signal to transition devices between powered-on and powered-off states. This periodic action allows devices to be powered down when not actively needed, reducing power consumption while maintaining operational readiness when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If power control signals are implemented for all data storage devices, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a mid-plane as an intermediary component between the data storage controller and data storage devices. The mid-plane contains logic circuits that generate power control signals based on device status indicators, thereby managing power distribution without requiring direct complex control logic in the main controller, thus reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If logic circuits are used to generate power control signals, then power management efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power control function by placing logic circuits on the mid-plane rather than integrating them into the main data storage controller. This segmentation allows the logic circuits to be manufactured as a separate, standardized component, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining power management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9430150B2Power control for data storage devices and method therefor

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A data storage system includes a data storage controller, a data storage device, and a logic circuit. The logic circuit receives hard drive status information from the data storage controller. The information is communicated by a first status signal and a second status signal. The logic circuit provides a power control signal to the data storage device based on a logic state of the first status signal and a logic state of the second status signal.