Storage Device Initialization via Interface Chip Reset and Boot Loader Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor storage devices often fail to initiate the initialization process due to unstable operating voltages during the transition from a power-off to a power-on state, leading to incomplete or failed initialization operations.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a method for initializing a storage device by first resetting the interface chip in response to a reset signal, followed by loading and executing a boot loader from nonvolatile memory devices to stabilize the initialization process, ensuring that critical operating voltages are not fully stable during the initialization operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the initialization process is started during power-up transition, then the storage device can begin operation, but voltage instability causes initialization failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitialization speedVSAvoidinitialization success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing a reset operation on the interface chip before initiating the initialization process. The memory controller sends a reset signal to the interface chip to ensure it is in a known good state before voltage stability checks are performed, preventing initialization failures due to residual states from power-off conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring voltage stability through multiple check operations. The memory controller performs first and second voltage stability checks, and based on the results, decides whether to proceed with initialization or perform additional reset operations, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual voltage conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If voltage stability checks are performed multiple times, then initialization reliability improves, but initialization time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitialization success rateVSAvoidinitialization time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing a limited number of voltage stability checks (first check, second check) rather than continuous monitoring. The reset operation is performed a specific number of times based on check results, providing just enough verification to ensure reliability without excessive delay

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the interface chip through reset operations that modify its internal state. By changing the chip's operational parameters via reset before initialization, the system ensures the chip is in a known good state without requiring extensive voltage monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10073643B2Method of initializing storage device including one or more interface chips and nonvolatile memory devices connected to the one or more interface chips

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of initializing a storage device includes; resetting an interface chip in response to a reset signal generated by the memory controller, loading a boot loader from a nonvolatile memory device via the interface chip in response to a nonvolatile memory initialization signal generated by the memory controller, and initializing a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices by executing the boot loader in the memory controller.