Single Pin Storage Controller Presence Detect SMBus Reset Power Disable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for connecting storage devices with a storage controller, such as SSDs, face challenges in efficiently utilizing signal pins for multiple functions like presence detect, SMBus reset, and power disable, leading to increased costs and routing complexity due to the need for multiple pins.
Innovation Solution
Combining the presence detect, SMBus reset, and power disable functions into a single connector pin by using a pull-down resistor on the SSD and a weaker pull-up resistor on the host, allowing for reduced pin usage and simplified routing through appropriate logic levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pins are used for presence detect, SMBus reset, and power disable functions, then each function can be implemented independently, but the number of pins increases leading to higher costs and routing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines presence detect, SMBus reset, and power disable functions into a single shared pin. The host controller distinguishes between different functions by detecting the duration and pattern of the signal assertion, allowing one pin to perform multiple roles that would traditionally require separate pins
Solution Approach 2:
The shared pin is designed to serve multiple functions: presence detection when asserted briefly, SMBus reset when asserted for a specific duration, and power disable when asserted for a longer duration. This universal pin replaces what would traditionally be three separate dedicated pins
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple pins are used for presence detect, SMBus reset, and power disable, then routing can be simplified for each individual function, but overall routing congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the routing paths for presence detect, SMBus reset, and power disable into a single shared physical route. By combining these functions on one pin, the patent reduces the total number of routing traces required on the PCB, thereby reducing routing congestion and manufacturing complexity
3Device complexity
If a single pin is used for multiple functions, then pin quantity and routing complexity are reduced, but signal differentiation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The host controller uses periodic sampling and duration-based detection to distinguish between different functions on the shared pin. By monitoring how long the signal remains asserted and analyzing the temporal pattern, the controller can reliably identify whether the pin is being used for presence detection, SMBus reset, or power disable
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the host controller monitors the shared pin signal duration and uses this information to determine the intended function. The controller adjusts its response based on the detected signal pattern, creating a feedback loop that enables reliable function differentiation despite using a single shared pin
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are devices, systems and methods relating to controller interactions with storage. One embodiment includes an apparatus comprising a controller for communication with a storage device through a signal line, wherein the controller is configured to detect a first signal on the signal line indicating the presence of the storage device on the signal line, and provide a second signal on the signal line to reset the storage device after a detection that the first signal indicates the presence of the storage device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.