External Storage Bridge Controller Idle Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
External storage devices connected to host devices for extended periods consume significant power, particularly in battery-operated devices like laptops and tablets, leading to reduced battery life, as they typically operate in higher idle power modes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a very low power mode in external storage devices by idling and shutting down the media controller when no data operations are occurring, utilizing additional functionality in the bridge controller to manage power, allowing the device to enter a lower power state than typical idle modes, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the external storage device operates in normal idle mode, then data operations can be performed quickly when needed, but power consumption remains high reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between operational mode and very low power mode based on activity detection. The bridge controller monitors for data operations and automatically adjusts the power state of the media controller, creating a dynamic power management system that adapts to usage patterns rather than remaining in a static idle state
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge controller performs preliminary detection of data operation requirements before fully activating the media controller. By monitoring for upcoming data operations and preparing the system in advance, the device can transition from very low power mode to operational mode with minimal delay, preempting the need for full activation
2Speed
If the media controller remains active in idle mode, then data operations can start immediately, but power consumption increases reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The media controller's power state is dynamically adjusted based on the bridge controller's detection of data operations. When no operations are detected, the media controller enters very low power mode; when operations are detected, it activates to full power, creating a dynamic response that balances speed requirements with power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge controller serves as an intermediary between the host device and the media controller. It monitors for data operations and mediates the power state transitions of the media controller, acting as a gateway that determines when the power-hungry media controller should be activated based on actual data transfer needs
3Duration of action of moving object
If the external storage device uses very low power mode, then battery life is extended, but the device must exit the mode before data operations can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge controller performs preliminary monitoring for data operations while the media controller is in very low power mode. By detecting the need for data operations before fully activating the media controller, the system minimizes the time spent in transition and avoids unnecessary activation cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge controller continuously monitors for data operations and provides feedback that triggers media controller activation. This feedback mechanism ensures the media controller is activated only when actually needed, optimizing the balance between power savings and operational readiness
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for reducing idle power usage of a storage device. The storage device can include a storage media configured, a data interface configured to connect to the host device, a media controller, and a bridge controller. The bridge controller can be further configured to, in response to receiving an idle status message from the media controller, save state data of the media controller, send a shutdown command to the media controller to stop it from using power. The bridge controller can be further configured to, in response to receiving a read operation or a write operation from the host device, start power to the media controller, provide the media controller with the saved state data, receive data responsive to the read operation or the write operation from the media controller, and transmit the responsive data to the host device.