UART and JTAG Aggregation Circuitry for Multi-SSD Debug Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for debugging and monitoring solid-state drives (SSDs) require disconnecting devices from testing environments and connecting them to external instruments, limiting simultaneous debugging of multiple SSDs and increasing testing time.
Innovation Solution
An adapter device that aggregates UART and JTAG channels into a serial bus output, allowing standard computer systems to interface, log, and debug multiple SSDs concurrently using a USB connection, with integrated circuits and multiplexer logic for simultaneous access and power conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional monitoring methods are used with external instruments, then debugging capability is achieved, but testing time increases and multiple SSDs cannot be debugged simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UART and JTAG channels into a single USB interface, allowing multiple SSDs to be monitored simultaneously through one connection point. The aggregation device merges separate communication channels (UART0, UART1, JTAG0, JTAG1) into unified USB communications, enabling parallel debugging of multiple drives without requiring separate external instruments for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device provides multi-functional capability by supporting both UART and JTAG protocols through a single USB interface. It can simultaneously handle asynchronous serial communications (UART) for logging and synchronous boundary-scan testing (JTAG) for debugging, making one device replace multiple specialized instruments.
2Ease of operation
If external instruments are connected to each SSD for monitoring, then individual device debugging is possible, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it aggregates UART channels for logging, handles JTAG channels for boundary-scan testing, provides USB interface for standard computer connectivity, and enables simultaneous monitoring of multiple SSDs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external instruments for each protocol and device.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary device between the SSDs and the host computer's USB interface. It mediates the communication by receiving multiple UART/JTAG channels from different SSDs and converting them into standardized USB communications that the host computer can process, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If multiple SSDs are connected to standard computer USB interface, then ease of interfacing is improved, but the ability to aggregate multiple UART and JTAG channels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter merges multiple UART channels (UART0, UART1) and multiple JTAG channels (JTAG0, JTAG1) into a single USB interface connection. This consolidation allows the host computer to access all communication channels through one standardized USB connection, maintaining interface compatibility while preserving channel aggregation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter creates virtual USB device instances for each aggregated channel, allowing the host computer to interact with multiple SSDs through standard USB protocols. Each SSD's UART and JTAG channels are copied and presented as separate USB logical devices, maintaining compatibility with standard computer USB interfaces while enabling multi-channel access.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient debugging and logging of multiple SSDs simultaneously, reducing testing and debug time, and eliminating the need for additional test hardware by using a single hardware adapter for multiple drives.
Implementation Method 1
a multiplexer circuit coupled to the JTAG connector and the plurality of dual-purpose connectors. The multiplexer circuit is configured to couple the JTAG connector to one of the plurality of dual-purpose connectors in response to a selection signal
Implementation Method 2
The outputs of multiple ICs' serial outputs are then aggregated using a USB hub IC
Implementation Method 3
Buck convertors can be used to convert USB power into Vcc power for the IC's on the adapter
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor device includes a first interface for coupling to a first processor, a second interface for coupling to a second processor, the second interface being different than the first interface, and a plurality of third interfaces, which are different than either the first interface or the second interface. The plurality of third interfaces are configured for coupling to a corresponding plurality of external devices. The adaptor device is configured to receive, at the first interface, a first signal from the first processor. In response to the first signal, the adaptor device couples through the plurality of third interfaces to the plurality of external devices to enable the first processor substantially concurrent access to the plurality of external devices. The adaptor device is also configured to receive, at the first interface, a second signal from the first processor. In response to the second signal, the adaptor device couples the second processor with a selected one of the plurality of external devices.