Data Storage Device Controller Shared Signal Line Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices face challenges in efficiently managing shared signal lines between multiple memory devices, leading to simultaneous enablement and operation issues, which affect data transfer timing and speed.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a controller that enables simultaneous operation of first and second memory devices by sharing input and output clock signal lines and I/O signal lines, allowing selective signal reception and transmission based on clock signal edges, thereby improving data transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple memory devices share common signal lines, then device complexity and signal line count are reduced, but signal interference and timing conflicts occur when devices operate simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by assigning different memory devices to operate on different clock edges (rising edge vs. falling edge). This creates a periodic, alternating operation pattern where memory devices are enabled at different time intervals within each clock cycle, preventing simultaneous signal conflicts while maintaining shared signal lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the enable signal dynamic and time-dependent for each memory device. Rather than static simultaneous enabling, the enable signals are dynamically controlled to activate at different phases of the clock cycle, allowing the system to adapt timing relationships and avoid signal interference.
2Productivity
If memory devices are enabled simultaneously, then data processing throughput is improved, but signal timing conflicts and interference occur on shared lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to stagger the operation of memory devices by utilizing different clock edges. This allows continuous data processing throughput while preventing timing conflicts by ensuring that write operations to one device and read operations from another occur at different periodic intervals within each clock cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock signal serves as an intermediary that mediates the timing relationship between multiple memory devices. By using the clock's rising and falling edges as intermediate timing references, the system coordinates operations to avoid conflicts while maintaining high throughput.
3Ease of manufacture
If signal lines are shared between memory devices, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but data transfer speed and timing precision deteriorate due to simultaneous access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains shared signal lines for cost efficiency while preserving data transfer speed by implementing periodic, alternating access patterns. Different memory devices access the shared lines at different phases of the clock cycle, ensuring that data transfer operations proceed at full speed without simultaneous access conflicts that would slow down transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device may include: first and second memory devices suitable for sharing an input clock signal line and at least one I/O signal line; and a controller suitable for enabling the first and second memory devices at the same time, and controlling the first and second memory devices by transmitting an input clock signal to the input clock signal line and transmitting an input signal synchronized with the input clock signal to the I/O signal line.