Storage Controller Merging for Mobile Terminal Hardware Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hybrid systems of ARM and X86 processors in mobile terminals require additional hardware elements and complex logic for storage sharing, leading to increased hardware costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method where the first processor controls the storage device to enter different states based on switch instructions, allowing it to switch between using the storage device itself and establishing or disconnecting a direct connection with the second processor, thereby simplifying the physical connection and logic control, reducing hardware elements, and saving costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage access controller and multiplexer are setup between ARM processor and X86 processor for sharing storage, then storage sharing function is achieved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage access controller and multiplexer functions into a single integrated controller that handles both storage access and processor selection. This consolidation reduces the number of separate hardware elements while maintaining the storage sharing capability between ARM and X86 processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to perform both storage access control and processor selection tasks. By making the controller universal, it eliminates the need for separate dedicated multiplexer hardware, thereby reducing hardware cost while achieving storage sharing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage access controller generates selection signal according to access requests from two processors, then storage sharing is controlled, but internal logic control process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex selection signal generation logic from the storage access controller and implements it in the operating system kernel. This separation removes the complicated internal logic from the hardware controller, simplifying its design while maintaining storage sharing control through software-based processor identification and state management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hardware-based complex logic control system with a software-based control mechanism. By using operating system kernel functions to manage processor states and generate control signals, the system eliminates complicated hardware logic circuits while achieving the same storage sharing control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a method of sharing a storage device and a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal comprises a first processor, a second processor and a readable and writable nonvolatile storage device. A processing capacity of the first processor is different from that of the second processor. A state in which the first processor is operating and using the storage device is a second state. A state in which the second processor is operating and using the storage device is a third state. The method comprising: the first processor receiving a switch instruction; the first processor controlling the storage device to enter the second state or the third state according to the switch instruction. As compared with the prior art, by controlling the sharing of the storage device by the first processor, the invention reduces the elements in the mobile terminal and saves the hardware cost of the mobile terminal; moreover, the physical connection between the components in the mobile terminal is simple and easily controlled.