SSD Controller Interface Activation and Capacity Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid state drive (SSD) interface controllers face inefficiencies in managing data communication, particularly due to inconsistent read/write times and high power consumption, which are not addressed by traditional hard disk technologies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an SSD interface controller with multiple command interfaces and an interface information storage unit that determines the activation and capacity allocation for each interface, allowing for efficient data communication between a host device and an SSD, and includes an interface power management unit to conserve power by deactivating unused interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple command interfaces are provided for data communication between host and SSD, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidinterface management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SSD controller is divided into multiple independent command interfaces (first command interface, second command interface), each capable of handling data communication separately. This segmentation allows parallel data transmission through different interfaces simultaneously, improving overall data transmission efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each command interface is designed with universal functionality to handle various data communication tasks independently. The interfaces can be selectively activated based on system needs, and each interface is equipped with its own capacity allocation mechanism, making them multi-functional units that can adapt to different operational requirements without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If interface activation status and capacity allocation are dynamically managed, then power consumption is reduced, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinterface control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The command interfaces are designed with dynamic activation and deactivation capabilities. The controller can change the operational state of each interface based on real-time data transmission requirements, activating only the necessary interfaces and deactivating others to reduce power consumption. This dynamic management is implemented through programmable control logic that adapts to varying system conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the activation status parameter of each command interface and adjusts the capacity allocation parameter based on data transmission needs. By modifying these parameters selectively, the controller optimizes power consumption while maintaining the necessary data transmission capacity, with each interface having its own independently controllable parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If capacity is allocated to each command interface, then data communication efficiency is improved, but measurement and management difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication efficiencyVSAvoidcapacity allocation management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the usage and performance of each command interface. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts capacity allocation to optimize data communication efficiency. The feedback loop provides real-time information about interface performance, allowing dynamic reallocation of capacity without requiring complex manual measurement and management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9164703B2Solid state drive interface controller and method selectively activating and deactivating interfaces and allocating storage capacity to the interfaces

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A solid state drive (SSD) interface controller includes a host interface, first and second command interfaces, and an interface information storage unit. The interface information storage unit is configured to store information for determining activation or deactivation of each of the first and second command interfaces, and a capacity allocated to each of the first and second command interfaces. The interface information storage unit may comprise first and second registers storing interface information, which may be changed in response to an extension ROM BIOS executed during a booting operation. The command interfaces may be configured to communicate using interface protocols such as SATA, SATA express, or nonvolatile express. An interface power management unit may cut power to an interface when deactivated based on the stored interface information.