Link Startup Mode Pad Control for Stable Storage Interface Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices using non-volatile memory experience current leakage through pads receiving link startup mode signals, leading to unstable voltage levels and potential malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a pad level control circuit that automatically or manually controls the connection or disconnection of a pull-down resistor to a ground terminal based on link startup mode signals, stabilizing the voltage level of the pad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pad receives a link startup mode signal, then the storage device can determine the link startup mode, but current leakage occurs through the pad
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the pad's electrical state by switching between pull-up and pull-down configurations based on the detected link startup mode signal level. When a high-level signal is detected indicating USB 3.0 mode, the pad switches from pull-up to pull-down configuration, dynamically adapting its impedance characteristics to prevent current leakage while maintaining signal detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the pad by switching the pull-up/pull-down resistor configurations. This parameter change transforms the pad from a high-impedance state to a controlled low-impedance state, thereby eliminating current leakage paths while preserving the ability to detect the link startup mode signal
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pad receives a link startup mode signal, then the link startup mode can be determined, but voltage level instability occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the voltage level at the pad and automatically switching between pull-up and pull-down configurations based on the detected signal level. This feedback mechanism ensures that the pad maintains appropriate voltage levels and prevents instability, while simultaneously enabling accurate detection of the link startup mode
Solution Approach 2:
The pad's electrical configuration is dynamically adjusted in response to the incoming signal, switching between pull-up and pull-down states to maintain voltage stability. This dynamic adaptation prevents voltage level fluctuations that would otherwise cause instability while preserving the ability to determine the link startup mode
3Stability of the object's composition
If a pull-down resistor is connected to a pad, then voltage level control is improved, but current leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pull-down resistor connection dynamic rather than static. The pull-down resistor is connected only when needed (when high-level link startup mode signal is detected) and disconnected otherwise, thereby providing voltage level control when necessary while minimizing current leakage during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching of the pull-down resistor connection based on the link startup mode detection. The resistor is activated periodically when the high-speed mode is detected and deactivated when not needed, achieving voltage control only during specific operational states and reducing overall current leakage
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage device including a non-volatile memory device; a memory controller controlling data input to the non-volatile memory device and data output from the non-volatile memory device; and a device interconnect layer transmitting signals received from a host to the memory controller. The device interconnect layer includes a first pad that inputs first data to be stored in the non-volatile memory device and that outputs second data stored in the non-volatile memory device; a second pad that receives a link startup mode signal from the host that indicates a link startup mode of the memory controller; a pull-down resistor between the second pad and a ground terminal; and a pad level control circuit that controls a voltage level of the second pad by controlling connection or disconnection of the pull-down resistor to the ground terminal based on the link startup mode signal.