Storage Interface Control for SYNC Escape State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling interface operations between storage devices and host devices are prone to malfunctions due to differences in response speed during exceptional situations like SYNC Escape in command processing, leading to premature switching to an idle state before firmware recovery is complete.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the interface control unit stops ongoing operations and switches the storage device to a SYNC Escape state when a synchronization signal is received, performing a firmware error recovery process that deletes previous command information before allowing the state to be switched to idle, ensuring complete recovery before proceeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the storage device switches to idle state quickly upon receiving a synchronization signal, then the response speed is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to premature switching before firmware recovery is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a intermediate SYNC Escape state before transitioning to the idle state. When a synchronization signal is received during command processing, the system first enters the SYNC Escape state to perform firmware recovery operations (including deleting previous command information from hardware) before allowing the transition to idle. This preliminary recovery action ensures that the firmware is ready to handle the idle state properly, preventing malfunctions while maintaining reasonable response speed.
2Reliability
If the firmware recovery process is completed before switching to idle state, then the reliability is improved, but the response speed deteriorates due to additional processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the state transition process into distinct phases: the SYNC Escape state (for firmware recovery) and the idle state (for normal operation). This segmentation allows the system to separate the recovery operations from the state switching, ensuring that firmware recovery is completed before entering idle while maintaining clear state boundaries. The interface control unit manages this segmented process, preventing command collisions by ensuring proper sequencing of recovery and state transition.
3Productivity
If the storage device processes commands continuously without state interruptions, then the productivity is improved, but the stability deteriorates when exceptional situations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing the SYNC Escape state as a protective intermediate state before allowing transitions to idle. This intermediate state acts as a cushion that absorbs exceptional situations (like receiving synchronization signals during command processing) and provides a safe environment for firmware recovery. This cushioning mechanism prevents direct transitions that could cause instability, while the system maintains high productivity by quickly recovering and returning to command processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for controlling an interface operation, the method including stopping an operation being processed in a storage device and switching the state of the storage device to a first state, when a condition for switching the state of the storage device to an idle state occurs in a command processing process according to a communication protocol; performing an operation of deleting information from a previous command stored in hardware of the storage device when the state of the storage device is switched to the first state; and switching the state of the storage device to the idle state after the operation of deleting the information on the previous command is completed, wherein in the first state, the storage device cannot be switched to the first state before the information from the previous command is deleted.