SATA Bridge IC Log Recording for Failure Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses equipped with high independence ICs, such as those conforming to the SATA standard, face challenges in failure analysis due to the inability to control or record execution results from internal memory, as these ICs have limited or no external control interfaces and no additional recording areas can be added to their internal memory.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a controller with a storage device and processor to record and output execution results of event processes, specifying the scope of recorded data, allowing for failure analysis by serially outputting logs to a PC, even in ICs with high independence and limited internal memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bridge IC conforms to a predetermined certification standard such as IPS 140, then the bridge IC has a very high degree of independence as a chip, but it is impossible to perform control for analyzing an internal state of the bridge IC from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the recording unit within the bridge IC) that captures execution results internally, bridging the gap between the independent bridge IC and external analysis tools. This intermediary recording mechanism allows external devices to access internal execution information without compromising the bridge IC's independence or requiring additional external control interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If information is processed using only an internal memory installed in the bridge IC, then no external control interface is required, but no recording area can be added to the internal memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recording function from the processing function. The bridge IC's internal memory handles processing, while a separate recording unit within the same IC captures execution results. This segmentation allows the system to maintain self-contained processing while providing adequate recording capability through the dedicated recording unit that can store execution results without expanding the internal memory's primary processing capacity.
3Loss of information
If the first debugging method is used to record execution results, then some execution results can be recorded in the internal memory, but it is impossible to correctly analyze a failure due to insufficient recording area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service recording mechanism where the bridge IC automatically records its own execution results using its internal recording unit. This self-service approach ensures that execution results are captured without requiring external intervention or additional memory capacity, as the recording unit is integrated within the bridge IC's existing structure and operates autonomously to log relevant execution information.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus which is capable of analyzing a failure of an IC that has a high degree of independence and in which no recording area can be added to an internal memory. The image forming apparatus has a controller equipped with a storage device. Execution results of a plurality of event processes for events relating to the controller are recorded in the storage device. What is recorded in the storage device is output from the controller. A scope of what is recorded in the storage device is specified.