UFS Channel-Associated Data Transfer in a Single Write I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UFS protocols lack a mechanism for transferring channel-associated information, limiting the use and efficiency of UFS devices, particularly in applications requiring end-to-end data security.
Innovation Solution
A UFS protocol-based mechanism is introduced to transfer channel-associated information by incorporating control information in existing frames, allowing data and channel-associated information to be transferred in the same write I/O operation without increasing delay, using reserved fields in frame headers and trailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If channel-associated information is transferred using existing UFS protocol mechanisms, then data security is improved, but the protocol complexity increases and existing efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges channel-associated information transfer with the existing UFS data transfer mechanism by incorporating control information into the RTT frame and data frame structures. This allows channel-associated information to be transmitted alongside data without requiring separate transfer mechanisms, thereby improving data security while avoiding additional protocol complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing UFS frame structures (RTT frame and data frame) multi-functional by enabling them to carry both data and channel-associated information. The control information field in the RTT frame and the trailer structure in the data frame are utilized to transport channel-associated information, allowing a single mechanism to serve both data transfer and security functions
2Reliability
If channel-associated information is transferred using separate I/O operations, then data security is improved, but write operation delay increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data transfer and channel-associated information transfer into a single I/O operation. The host sends data frames containing both data and channel-associated information simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sequential operations and thereby maintaining write operation efficiency while ensuring data security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by incorporating channel-associated information control into the RTT frame before data transfer begins. The control information is prepared and transmitted in advance within the RTT frame structure, allowing the host to properly configure and transmit channel-associated information alongside data without causing delays
3Reliability
If additional signaling is used for channel-associated information transfer, then data security is improved, but system complexity increases and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges channel-associated information transfer with the existing UFS signaling mechanism by utilizing the RTT frame and data frame structures that are already part of the UFS protocol. This eliminates the need for additional separate signaling mechanisms, maintaining system operation simplicity while improving data security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the existing UFS protocol structures to serve dual purposes - data transfer and channel-associated information transfer. The RTT frame and data frame structures automatically accommodate channel-associated information without requiring external signaling or additional protocol layers, making the system self-sufficient
Data Source
AI summary
A channel-associated information transfer method and apparatus, and a device are related to the field of storage technologies and provide a transfer mechanism applied to channel-associated information of data of a universal flash storage (UFS). The method includes a UFS device sending a first ready-to-transfer (RTT) frame to a host, where the first RTT frame indicates to transfer first target data. The first RTT frame includes channel-associated control information. The channel-associated control information is used to control transfer of first channel-associated information of the first target data. When the host receives the first RTT frame, the host sends a first data frame to the UFS device, where the first data frame includes the first target data and the first channel-associated information. The UFS device receives the first data frame.