Standard Interface Device Non-Standard Register Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reading and writing non-standard registers in standard interface devices are limited by their flexibility, as they primarily rely on UART or I2C interfaces and vendor-specific commands, which are not sufficient for all applications, especially when there are insufficient vendor-specific commands available in standard specifications like ATA/ATAPI.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses standard commands with input no-available parameters to drive standard interface devices to read or write non-standard registers, utilizing output registers corresponding to output no-available parameters to ensure accurate and flexible operation, thereby enabling the detection and modification of non-standard register values without unexpected actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UART or I2C interfaces are used to read and write non-standard registers, then the operation is simple with only two pins required, but the application flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the standard ATA/ATAPI interface to perform multiple functions: it can read and write both standard registers and non-standard registers through the same interface. The host computer uses standard ATA/ATAPI commands with specific parameter settings to access non-standard registers, eliminating the need for separate UART or I2C interfaces and thereby improving application flexibility while maintaining operational simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific commands are used to read and write non-standard registers, then the commands can be customized for specific functions, but the number of available commands becomes insufficient when most vendor-specific commands are already reserved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing unused or reserved parameters within existing standard ATA/ATAPI commands. Instead of requiring new vendor-specific command codes, the invention modifies the parameter values (such as feature registers, sector counts, or LBA values) of standard commands to encode operations for reading and writing non-standard registers. This approach preserves the full set of available commands while enabling customized functionality through parameter variation
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard commands with input no-available parameters are used to drive standard interface devices, then the flexibility and accuracy of reading and writing non-standard registers is enhanced, but the command structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a mapping mechanism between standard ATA/ATAPI command parameters and non-standard register addresses. The host computer acts as an intermediary that translates high-level read/write operations on non-standard registers into standard command structures with appropriately set parameters. This abstraction layer manages the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to the user, thereby enhancing flexibility without significantly increasing perceived command structure complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reading and writing non-standard register of standard interface device is disclosed. An input no-available parameter of standard command is set as an executive parameter. While receiving the standard command the standard interface device detects executive parameter for reading corresponding value of non-standard register and saving the value into an output register corresponding to output no-available parameter in response to the standard command. Then users can read the value of the output register to learn value of non-standard register. Moreover, by setting the input no-available parameters of standard command as executive parameter and data parameter, standard command with executive parameter and data parameter is sent into the standard interface device. Thus the standard interface device detects the executive parameter so as to write the data parameter into the non-standard register corresponding to the executive parameter.