Retimer Card for SSD Hot Plug Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for solid-state drive (SSD) hot-plug functions either fail to support hardware managed hot plug or are costly, with existing technologies either lacking support for surprise hot plug or incurring high expenses.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a master controller, detector, and retimer coupled between an SSD and a CPU, performing signal enhancement processing and monitoring connection status to support both software and hardware managed hot plug, while maintaining a low cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a retimer card is applied to enhance PCI Express signal, then signal transmission is improved, but hardware managed hot plug support is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retimer card's signal enhancement function with hot plug support capabilities into a single integrated device. The retimer card includes both signal processing units and hot plug management circuitry, allowing it to simultaneously provide signal enhancement and support both software and hardware managed hot plug operations, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal transmission quality and hot plug adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retimer card is designed with multi-functionality to perform not only signal enhancement but also to manage hot plug operations. It includes detection circuits to monitor connection status, processing units to handle hot plug requests, and signal processing units to enhance PCI Express signals, making it a universal solution that addresses both signal transmission and hot plug support requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NVMe Switch developed by Avago is used to support both software and hardware managed hot plug, then hot plug functionality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective retimer card design that replaces expensive specialized switches like the Avago NVMe Switch. The retimer card uses standard PCI Express components and circuitry to achieve hot plug functionality, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the capability to support both software and hardware managed hot plug operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retimer card acts as an intermediary device between the SSD and the host system, providing hot plug management functions that would otherwise require expensive dedicated switches. By using the retimer card as a mediator, the system achieves cost-effective hot plug support without needing expensive specialized hardware components.
3Speed
If a retimer card is used for signal enhancement, then signal quality is improved, but connection status monitoring capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges signal processing functions with connection status monitoring capabilities in the retimer card. The retimer card includes detection circuits that monitor connection status, processing units that handle hot plug requests, and signal processing units that enhance signals, providing comprehensive functionality that addresses both signal quality and monitoring requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The retimer card incorporates feedback mechanisms through detection circuits that continuously monitor the connection status between the SSD and the host system. These detection circuits provide real-time feedback about connection states to the processing units, enabling the system to respond appropriately to hot plug events while maintaining signal quality through coordinated signal processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a method, and an electronic device for implementing SSD (solid-state drive) data interactions are provided. The apparatus for implementing the SSD data interactions comprising a master controller, a detector, and a retimer coupled between an SSD and a CPU (central processing unit) for: performing signal enhancement processing on information transmitted between the SSD and the CPU; and monitoring a connection status of a data port corresponding to the SSD and send a monitoring result to the CPU.