Shared Detection Line for Multi-Port Storage Device Port Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices with multiple ports face challenges in identifying which port is connected to a host system, affecting performance and requiring additional hardware for separate detection mechanisms, which increases costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a shared voltage or detection line to identify the connected port using a combination of hardware and software, reducing the need for separate detection mechanisms and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate detection mechanisms are used for each port, then port identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single shared detection line that can detect connections across multiple ports. Instead of having separate detection mechanisms for each port, the system uses one detection line that can identify which port is connected by detecting voltage presence and using software logic to determine the active port.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared detection line serves multiple functions: it can detect connections on different ports, work with various port types (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, micro USB), and operate in different connection scenarios (single port connected, multiple ports connected). This universal detection approach eliminates the need for port-specific detection hardware.
2Reliability
If separate detection mechanisms are used for each port, then port identification reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the detection functionality into a single shared detection line, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable connection detection through the use of voltage sensing and software-based port identification.
3Device complexity
If a shared detection line is used, then device complexity is reduced, but port identification capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces software logic and voltage detection as intermediaries between the shared detection line and the port identification function. The detection line senses voltage presence, and the software processes this information along with data channel testing to accurately identify which port is connected, bridging the gap between simple hardware and precise identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based separate detection mechanisms with an electrical voltage detection system combined with software logic. This substitution uses electrical signals and algorithmic processing instead of physical separate detectors for each port, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective identification of the connected port, improving data transfer speeds by determining the correct port for higher throughput without additional hardware, beneficial for mass-produced data storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
When the host system is connected to a data port, the storage device recognizes that the host system is connected by detecting voltage on a detection line connected to the data port of the storage device
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are disclosed for detecting which of a multiple ports of a storage device is connected to a host system using a shared detection line. In certain embodiments, a storage device includes non-volatile memory, a first data port, a second data port having a faster data transfer speed, a shared detection line, and control circuitry. The control circuitry can be configured to detect voltage on the shared detection line in response to a connection of at least one of the first data port and the second data port to the host system, determine which of the first data port or the second data port is connected to the host system, and establish a data connection with the host system at the first data transfer speed or the second data transfer speed based on the port connected to the host system.