Storage Device Autonomous Link Training Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
The communication speed between a processor and a storage device in computing devices is limited, hindering the overall performance of the system, despite advancements in semiconductor technologies.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with data buffers, a device controller, and nonvolatile memories is introduced, allowing for improved communication speed and flexibility through link training sequences that support both RDIMM and LRDIMM specifications, enabling the storage device to operate independently of external control for certain link training operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the storage device operates with improved communication speed using nonvolatile memories, then the operating speed of the computing device is improved, but the communication speed between the processor and the storage device becomes the limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device performs link training autonomously without requiring external device control. The device controller independently manages the link training process between data buffers and the external device, enabling the storage device to self-configure and optimize its communication interface, thereby improving communication speed and reducing dependency on external control sequences
2Speed
If the device controller performs link training without external control, then the communication speed and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link training functionality is extracted as a separate, dedicated function within the device controller. By isolating the link training operations into specific circuitry and control logic within the device controller, the patent enables autonomous link training without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the function is modular and self-contained
3Adaptability or versatility
If the storage device supports both RDIMM and LRDIMM specifications, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device controller is designed with multi-functionality to support both RDIMM and LRDIMM specifications. By integrating universal control logic that can handle multiple memory interface standards, the patent enables the storage device to adapt to different system configurations without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each standard, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity
4Ease of operation
If the device controller autonomously performs link training, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time during initialization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device controller performs link training as a preliminary action during system initialization, configuring the communication interface before normal data operations begin. By completing the link training process in advance and caching the trained parameters, the patent enables autonomous operation while minimizing the time impact on subsequent operations, as the initialization overhead occurs only once during system startup
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a data buffer, a device controller, and nonvolatile memories. The data buffer is configured to transact data from an external device. The device controller is configured to receive a command and an address from an external device, to control the data buffers, and to transact data with the data buffers. The nonvolatile memories are configured to perform write, read, and erase operations under control of the device controller. When a first link training between an external device and the data buffers is performed by the external device, the device controller performs a second link training between the device controller and a data buffer internally without control of the external device.