Protocol-Independent Interface for Multi-Protocol Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems face interoperability challenges due to the variety of interfaces and protocols, lacking a coherent method for effective deployment and use across multiple protocols.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state storage device with a protocol-independent interface that can couple to various network adapters and communication ports, enabling data transmission through different target protocols by enabling or disabling signal lines and contacts, and including a switch for protocol selection and training instructions for data reformatted according to specific formatting parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a storage system supports multiple protocols through separate dedicated interfaces, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal protocol-independent interface that can operate with multiple target protocols (PCIe, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, SAS, SATA) through a single physical connector. The interface includes multiple signal lines that can be selectively enabled or disabled based on the detected target protocol, allowing one interface to perform multiple protocol functions without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface employs dynamic configuration where signal lines are selectively activated or deactivated based on the detected target protocol. The system includes a trainer module that dynamically trains the interface to operate with the specific target protocol detected during operation, allowing the interface characteristics to change adaptively rather than being fixed for a single protocol.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a protocol-independent interface uses multiple signal lines for different protocols, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface includes an automatic detection mechanism that identifies the target protocol without requiring manual configuration by the user. The trainer module automatically trains the interface to operate with the detected target protocol, and the system self-configures which signal lines to activate based on the protocol type, eliminating the need for user intervention in the complex process of protocol selection and interface configuration.
3Productivity
If signal lines are selectively enabled or disabled for different protocols, then protocol efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trainer module as an intermediary component that manages the complexity of selective signal line activation. This trainer module acts as a mediator between the protocol-independent interface and the controller, automatically configuring which signal lines should be active based on the detected target protocol. This intermediary handles the complex configuration logic, keeping the overall system design manageable while still enabling optimized protocol-specific performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state storage device is provided that includes: a controller; non-volatile memory; a device interface; and a protocol-independent interface configured to couple to any one of a plurality of network adapters and communication ports so as to enable the controller to transmit data from the any one of the plurality of network adapters and communication ports. The controller is configured to receive data formatted according to a first protocol from an accessing device via the device interface. The protocol-independent interface includes a plurality of contacts coupled to the controller by a plurality of signal lines that enable data transmission from the controller to the protocol-independent interface. Each of the signal lines of the plurality of signal lines and each of the contacts of the plurality of contacts are configured to be enabled or disabled to form different channels through the protocol-independent interface to accommodate various target protocols.