Storage Controller Watchdog Timer for Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature measurement in storage devices can lead to measurement errors due to the distance between heat sources and temperature sensors, potentially blocking data access during temperature measurement.
Innovation Solution
A storage controller is configured with a timer to issue a command for updating temperature measurement values, ensuring that temperature data is updated without blocking data access by using a watchdog timer unit to manage the timing of temperature sensor updates, allowing for continuous data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is provided on the substrate to measure temperature, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but measurement error occurs due to distance from heat sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (temperature measurement control unit and timer) that coordinates between the temperature sensor and data access operations. This intermediary manages the timing and triggering of temperature measurements, allowing the system to obtain accurate temperature data without requiring the sensor to be physically close to heat sources, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and sensor placement distance.
2Measurement precision
If temperature measurement is performed using a temperature sensor in the memory chip, then temperature data is obtained, but data access is blocked during temperature measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic temperature measurement through a timer that triggers temperature measurement commands at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action allows the system to maintain temperature monitoring capability while ensuring that data access operations are not continuously blocked, thus resolving the contradiction between temperature measurement capability and data access continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the temperature measurement control unit and timer before data access operations begin. The timer is set in advance to trigger measurements at appropriate intervals, and the control unit is prepared to manage measurement commands without interfering with ongoing data access, thus preventing blockages before they occur.
3Reliability
If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented, then temperature reliability is maintained, but data access operations are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing temperature measurement at selective intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The timer triggers measurements at predetermined intervals that are sufficient to maintain temperature data reliability for the storage device's operational requirements, while avoiding excessive measurements that would cause data access blocking. This partial action approach maintains necessary reliability without incurring excessive time loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures reliable temperature measurement without interrupting data access, maintaining the reliability of temperature data by updating it at predetermined intervals even when access commands are not received, thus preventing data access blockages.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor is provided on a substrate of the storage device to measure the temperature
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a storage controller is configured to control a storage device capable of, upon issuance of a predetermined command, causing a storage including a temperature sensor to perform a temperature measurement to update a temperature measurement value. The storage controller includes a timer configured to notify a timeout when an elapsed time from a last issuance of the predetermined command reaches a predetermined time, and a controller configured to, when the timeout is notified, issue to the storage a command for updating the temperature measurement value.