Storage Interface Flit Order Flags for Reliable Remote Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data processing performance deterioration and errors occur when a host device communicates with a remotely located storage device due to out-of-order processing of flits.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating processing order flags in flits transmitted and received between a host device and a data storage device to control in-order or out-of-order processing, inhibiting out-of-order operations based on flag settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the host device transmits and receives commands and data to and from the remotely located storage device through communication, then data processing capability is extended, but data processing performance deteriorates or errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoiddata processing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device acts as an intermediary between the host device and the processing device, managing flit transmission and reception. It processes flits according to protocol rules and controls the timing of command and data transmission, thereby mediating the communication between host and storage device to maintain reliability while enabling remote access capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface device performs preliminary actions by preparing and ordering flits before transmission. It ensures that commands are transmitted before data, and maintains proper sequencing of operations. This preliminary organization of data flow prevents errors and maintains processing performance by establishing correct operation sequences in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If flits are processed out of order to improve processing speed, then data processing performance improves, but errors in data processing occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing speedVSAvoiddata processing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device dynamically adjusts flit processing behavior based on the type of flit and communication state. It can allow out-of-order processing for certain flits while maintaining order for others, adapting the processing strategy to maximize both speed and accuracy in different operational contexts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interface device uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the communication state and adjust flit transmission timing accordingly. It receives status information about command completion and data reception, using this feedback to determine when it is safe to proceed with subsequent operations, thereby preventing errors while maintaining processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4579468A1Control unit, data storage device, host device and computing system
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 SK HYNIX INC
  • EP4579468A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4579468A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4579468A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, processing order flags are set in flits transmitted and received between a host device and a data storage device, and in-order processing or out-of-order processing is controlled based on the processing order flags. Therefore, it is possible to provide measures capable of easily preventing occurrence of an error due to out-of-order processing of a flit while not degrading the efficiency of processing the flits transmitted and received.