SSD Controller Integrating Wireless Network Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid HDDs face challenges in determining whether data should be cached in flash memory or stored on the HDD due to the same interface being used for both, leading to inefficient caching. External SSDs can cache frequently used data but lack integrated wireless network capabilities, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state disk (SSD) controller with an integrated circuit that includes an interface module, memory control module, and wireless network interface module, allowing the SSD to cache data and connect to wireless networks, featuring a SDIO interface module for wireless communication and a crossbar module for inter-module communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless network adapters are integrated into the SSD controller, then the SSD can provide wireless network connectivity and reduce computer cost/weight, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wireless network adapter functionality directly into the SSD controller by integrating a wireless network interface module with the existing controller architecture. This merging allows the SSD to provide wireless network connectivity while reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate wireless adapters in the computer.
Solution Approach 2:
The SSD controller is designed to perform multiple functions: data storage, caching, and wireless network communication. By making the SSD controller multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated wireless network adapters in the computer, thereby reducing cost and weight while maintaining versatility.
2Productivity
If external SSDs are used to cache frequently used data, then data caching performance improves and power consumption reduces, but the SSD lacks integrated wireless network capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless network interface module with the SSD controller that handles data caching operations. This integration allows the SSD to simultaneously provide efficient data caching performance and wireless network connectivity, eliminating the trade-off between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The SSD controller is designed as a universal device that performs both data caching and wireless network communication functions. This multi-functionality allows the SSD to serve as both a performance optimization tool and a wireless connectivity solution, addressing both requirements simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If hybrid HDDs use the same interface for both flash memory and HDD data reception, then device simplicity is maintained, but the interface cannot differentiate data for proper caching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data reception and processing functions within the SSD controller by implementing separate modules: a memory control module for managing flash memory caching operations and a wireless network interface module for handling network data. This segmentation allows proper differentiation and routing of data even though a single interface is used for data reception.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an interface module to interface a solid-state disk controller to a computing device. A memory control module exchanges data with the computing device via the interface module and caches the data in a solid-state memory controlled by the solid-state disk controller. A network interface module communicates with the computing device via the interface module and interfaces the computing device to a wireless network. A crossbar module has a master bus (Mbus) interface bridged to an advanced high-performance bus (AHB). A memory communicates with one or more of the network interface module and the crossbar module via one or more of the Mbus interface and the AHB. In response to data being cached from the computing device to the solid-state memory or data cached in the solid-state memory being output to the computing device, the network interface module buffers data received from the wireless network in the memory.