SoC UFS Synchronization Architecture for Consistent Multi-Subsystem Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Concurrent access to universal flash storage (UFS) by multiple subsystems in in-vehicle SOCs leads to data inconsistency, necessitating a solution for secure and reliable access.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a synchronization client-server architecture within the SOC, where each subsystem is equipped with a synchronization client, and a central subsystem acts as a synchronization server to manage data operations on a preset memory, ensuring consistent and secure data access across multiple subsystems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subsystems concurrently access UFS for data storage, then storage capacity and accessibility are improved, but data consistency and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcurrent access capabilityVSAvoiddata consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a file system layer as an intermediary between multiple subsystems and the UFS storage. This file system implements a virtual file system (VFS) that abstracts the physical storage operations, allowing multiple subsystems to access storage concurrently through standardized interfaces while the file system manages actual I/O operations sequentially or with proper locking mechanisms, thus maintaining data consistency despite concurrent access requests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the storage access architecture into distinct layers: a presentation layer with multiple subsystems, a file system layer with process management and I/O scheduling, and a device layer with UFS controller. This segmentation allows concurrent access at the subsystem level while maintaining serialized, consistent access at the device level through the file system's process management and I/O scheduling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a centralized synchronization server is implemented to manage data operations, then data consistency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidsynchronization architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The file system layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a synchronization server managing concurrent access, implements a virtual file system for abstraction, handles process management and scheduling, and manages I/O operations. By consolidating these functions in a single layer, the patent avoids the need for separate complex synchronization mechanisms while maintaining data consistency through its inherent process management and I/O scheduling capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If concurrent access to storage is enabled for multiple subsystems, then productivity and data processing capability are improved, but the risk of data corruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoiddata corruption risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements protective mechanisms in advance through the file system layer, which establishes process management and I/O scheduling protocols before concurrent access occurs. The file system creates file locks, manages process queues, and coordinates I/O operations proactively, cushioning against potential data corruption from concurrent access by preventing conflicting operations before they can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The file system layer provides continuous feedback control for concurrent access management. It monitors I/O requests from multiple subsystems, manages process states, and coordinates access based on current system conditions. The feedback mechanism ensures that data operations are completed and consistent before allowing subsequent operations, maintaining data integrity while enabling concurrent access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260023507A1Method and apparatus for data storage in SOC, medium, device, and soc

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 XG TECHNOLOGIES PTE LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and apparatus for data storage in a system on chip (SOC), a medium, a device, and a SOC. The method includes: acquiring, by a first subsystem in the SOC through a synchronization client, a data operation request from a first application, and sending, through the synchronization client, the data operation request to a second subsystem in the SOC; and receiving, by the second subsystem through a synchronization server, the data operation request, and performing, through the synchronization server based on the data operation request, a data operation on a storage area in a preset memory corresponding to the data operation request.