Storage Link Startup Using High-Speed Lane Handshake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face challenges in achieving quick link startup between a host and a storage device, particularly in mobile devices, due to the time-consuming nature of low-speed link startup operations, which prolongs the initialization process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a high-speed link startup method involving initialization operations in both the storage device and host, with the storage device transmitting a high-speed link up message through connected lanes, and performing link startup in a high-speed mode based on this message, while the host determines and responds to the message reception to initiate a synchronized high-speed link operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low-speed link startup operation is used, then compatibility and stability are ensured, but link startup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device performs preliminary actions by transmitting the high speed link up message before the host completes its initialization. This allows the host to prepare for high-speed operation in advance, reducing the overall link startup time while maintaining stability through proper message sequencing and timing controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between low-speed and high-speed link startup modes based on real-time conditions. The storage device can initiate high-speed mode when conditions permit, while falling back to low-speed mode if necessary, optimizing both speed and reliability.
2Loss of time
If high-speed link startup is implemented, then link startup time is reduced, but complexity of the initialization process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The host receives feedback through the high speed link up message from the storage device, allowing it to adjust its initialization sequence accordingly. This feedback mechanism simplifies the complexity by providing clear directional guidance on which initialization steps to perform and in what order, reducing confusion despite the high-speed mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The initialization process is segmented into distinct phases: low-speed initialization phase followed by high-speed mode activation. This segmentation makes the complex high-speed initialization more manageable by breaking it down into smaller, controlled steps with clear transition points.
3Speed
If synchronized high-speed link operation is performed, then data communication speed increases, but coordination between host and storage device becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The high speed link up message serves as a coordination feedback signal that synchronizes the host and storage device actions. This feedback mechanism simplifies coordination by providing a clear reference point for both devices to align their high-speed operation, reducing the difficulty of synchronized coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A link startup method of a storage device connected to a host through a plurality of lanes includes performing an initialization operation in the storage device; establishing data communication through a connected transmission lane and a connected reception lane among the plurality of lanes; transmitting a high speed link up message to the host through the connected transmission lane of the storage device; and performing a link startup operation in a high speed mode through the connected transmission lane of the storage device and the connected reception lane of the host, based on the high speed link up message transmitted by the storage device.