Hierarchical Storage Modules with Dual Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices have a predetermined capacity limit, making it challenging to expand storage capacity simply based on their design.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical structure is implemented using multiple storage modules, each comprising a memory device and two memory controllers, where the controllers communicate through dedicated interfaces to access and manage storage, allowing for increased capacity by linking multiple modules together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a predetermined storage capacity design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into multiple storage modules, where each module contains a memory device and a memory controller. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher total storage capacity by combining multiple modules while keeping each individual module relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical nested structure where storage modules are nested within the overall storage device, and each storage module contains nested components (memory device and memory controller). This nesting approach enables capacity expansion while maintaining organized device architecture.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple storage modules are linked together, then storage capacity is expanded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controllers are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple operations including data transmission between memory devices and host devices, address translation, and coordination of multiple storage modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each module, thereby controlling overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller acts as an intermediary between the memory device and the host device, managing data flow and addressing. This intermediary role simplifies the interconnection complexity by providing a standardized interface that abstracts the underlying module structure from the host system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different memory controllers are used for different modes, then operational flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller is designed as a universal component capable of operating in different modes (device mode and host mode) depending on configuration. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to manufacture separate specialized controllers for different operational scenarios, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller's operational mode is dynamically configurable rather than fixed during manufacturing. The controller can adapt its function based on system requirements, allowing a single hardware design to serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes multiple storage modules. Each storage module includes a storage which having a memory device and a first memory controller and a second memory controller. The first memory controller is coupled to the memory device for accessing the memory device. The second memory controller is coupled to the storage for accessing the storage. The first memory controller includes a first transmission interface. The second memory controller includes a second transmission interface. The first memory controller and the second memory controller communicate with each other through the first transmission interface and the second transmission interface.