SATA OOB Signaling Self-Test Using Internal Feedback Loops

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing SATA devices require external test equipment for OOB-signaling tests, which is costly and limits reliability in determining the successful completion of OOB-signaling operations.

Innovation Solution

A SATA device with a self-test function that includes an analogue signal processor, a SATA controller with a target OOB-signaling controller, a test flow controller, and a test-signaling controller, allowing for embedded OOB-signaling tests without external equipment by generating and processing control signals through feedback loops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external test equipment is used for OOB-signaling tests, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOOB-signaling test capabilityVSAvoidtest equipment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SATA device performs self-testing of OOB-signaling functions using its own internal controllers and signal processing capabilities. The device controller and host controller work together to generate, transmit, and detect test signals without requiring external test equipment, enabling the system to test itself autonomously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The existing SATA controllers and signal processing circuits are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both normal data transmission operations and OOB-signaling test operations. The same hardware components used for regular SATA communication are repurposed to generate and detect test signals, eliminating the need for dedicated external test equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If external test equipment is used for OOB-signaling tests, then signaling operation verification is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOOB-signaling operation verificationVSAvoidtest cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The SATA device autonomously verifies OOB-signaling operations using its own internal test signal generation and detection capabilities. The device controller generates test signals and the host controller detects them, allowing the system to self-verify signaling reliability without incurring additional costs for external test equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using expensive external test equipment to generate and detect signals, the invention creates virtual copies of the signaling process using the SATA device's own controllers. The test signals are generated and detected through software-controlled operations within the existing hardware, providing verification capability at minimal cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7587294B2SATA device having self-test function for OOB-signaling

Publication Date: 2009.09.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a SATA device having self-testing function with an OOB-signaling operation and a method of testing the same. The SATA device includes target and test-signaling controllers that sequentially generate and transceive control signals for the OOB-signaling operation. The SATA device also includes a test flow controller regulating the flow of the OOB-signaling control signals, and an analogue signal processor generating and transceiving analogue signals in correspondence with the OOB-signaling control signals. The analogue signals transmitted from the analogue signal processor return to the input terminal through a feedback loop.