SD Memory Card Pin Sharing for PCIe Mode Voltage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Memory card devices, such as SD cards, face circuit damage and inefficient data transmission due to differences in signal pin numbers and voltage levels between various data transmission modes, leading to compatibility issues when connected to hosts.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling data transmission modes in SD memory card devices, where an electronic device sends specific power signals through designated pins to transition the card between SD and PCIe modes, sharing pins for UHS-I and PCIe/NVMe protocols to prevent damage and enhance data transfer rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different memory card devices use different data transmission modes with different voltage levels, then device versatility is improved, but circuit damage risk increases due to voltage incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the memory card device type and determining the appropriate data transmission mode before actually transmitting data. The host device identifies whether the connected device supports SD mode or PCIe mode in advance, and only then configures the corresponding voltage levels and transmission parameters, thereby preventing voltage incompatibility and circuit damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting voltage levels based on the detected transmission mode. When SD mode is detected, the host sets voltage to 3.3V; when PCIe mode is detected, it adjusts to 1.2V. This parameter adaptation allows the system to support multiple transmission modes while maintaining voltage compatibility and preventing circuit damage
2Device complexity
If shared pins are used for both SD mode and PCIe mode, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference may occur between different protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pin function dynamic rather than static. The same physical pins can serve different logical functions depending on the active transmission mode. When SD mode is active, pins are configured for SD signaling; when PCIe mode is active, the same pins are reconfigured for PCIe differential signaling. This dynamic reconfiguration reduces physical pin count while maintaining signal integrity through mode-specific timing and voltage control
3Reliability
If voltage level detection is performed before data transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but initialization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs voltage level detection and transmission mode determination as preliminary actions during the card insertion detection phase, before any actual data transmission begins. By detecting the memory card type and determining the appropriate mode during the initialization handshake, the system ensures transmission reliability is established upfront without significantly extending user-perceptible initialization time
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling data transmission mode of an SD memory card device, which at least operates under an SD mode, includes: sending a first power signal from an electronic device to the SD memory card device via pin VDD1 to control and make the SD memory card device enter an initial state; and, sending a second power signal via one of a pin VDD2 and a pin VDD3 to the SD memory card device, to control and make the SD memory card device enter an Linkup state of a PCIe mode wherein a voltage level of the second power signal is lower than a voltage level of the first power signal.