Storage Device Assembly with Power-Gated Add-On Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage devices, such as solid state drives, face challenges in expanding storage space due to their design limitations.
Innovation Solution
A storage device assembly is proposed, comprising a module substrate with connectors and a power management integrated circuit, allowing for the connection and power control of multiple storage devices to expand storage capacity, with one device acting as a main unit and another as a sub-unit, operating in an add-on mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple storage devices are connected to expand storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into a main storage device and a sub storage device that can be independently connected. The sub storage device contains its own controller and non-volatile memory device, allowing it to function as an independent unit that can be attached to expand the main device's capacity without requiring internal reconfiguration of the main device.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub storage device is designed to be physically attached to the main storage device, with the sub device's controller connecting to the main device's connector. This nested configuration allows the smaller sub device to be integrated with the main device, creating an expanded storage system while maintaining the independence of each component.
2Speed
If the controller remains active continuously, then data access speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller of the sub storage device operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It activates to receive data from the main storage device, processes and stores the data in its non-volatile memory, then enters a deactivated state. This periodic operation maintains data access functionality while significantly reducing overall power consumption of the expanded storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub storage device controller autonomously manages its own power state, activating only when data transfer is required and deactivating when idle. This self-service approach allows the controller to maintain readiness for data access while minimizing power consumption during non-operational periods, eliminating the need for continuous power supply.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sub storage device is fully functional with active controller, then storage expandability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller functionality is extracted from the main storage device and placed into a separate, independent sub storage device. This extraction allows the sub device to be manufactured as a standardized module with its own controller and memory, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining full storage expandability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub storage device is designed as a universal module that can be attached to compatible main storage devices. The controller in the sub device can communicate with the main device through standardized connectors and protocols, allowing the same sub device design to work with multiple different main device configurations, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a module substrate extending in one direction, a non-volatile memory device mounted on the module substrate, a controller mounted on the module substrate, a first connector disposed at a first end of the module substrate and through which data stored in the non-volatile memory device is input/output, and a power management integrated circuit configured to control supplying of power to the controller and the non-volatile memory device. The controller is configured such that in response to a first level signal received from the first connector, the controller connects the non-volatile memory device to the first connector, and then control, after connecting the non-volatile memory device to the first connector, the power management integrated circuit to cut off supplying of the power to the controller.