UFS Controller Power Mode Configuration via Firmware Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing interconnection interface technologies, such as MIPI M-PHY and MIPI UniPro, face difficulties in power mode change management due to the need for standard management information database configuration, which requires hardware circuit redesign, complicating research, development, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and controller architecture that utilize a hardware protocol engine to generate a non-standard configuration indication signal to trigger external firmware for information configuration of the physical layer, allowing for vendor-specific and standard management information base updates during power mode changes, facilitating flexible circuit design and adaptation across different vendors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UniPro specification is implemented with standard management information database, then the interconnection protocol meets the specification requirements, but hardware circuit redesign is required for vendor-specific parameters, causing difficulties in research and development and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration management into two parts: standard management information database (for specification compliance) and vendor-specific parameter configuration (for customization). This allows the hardware protocol engine to handle standard requirements while external firmware handles vendor-specific parameters, avoiding hardware redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts vendor-specific parameter configuration from the hardware circuit and places it in external firmware. The hardware protocol engine generates configuration indication signals that trigger the external firmware to read and apply vendor-specific parameters from the extended management information database, separating hardware responsibilities from vendor customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware circuits are redesigned to support vendor-specific parameters, then product customization is enabled, but research and development and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware protocol engine is designed with universal functionality to work with both standard and vendor-specific parameters. It can generate configuration indication signals for any power mode change scenario, while the actual parameter values are provided by external firmware, making the hardware agnostic to vendor-specific implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism: the configuration indication signal generated by the hardware protocol engine that triggers external firmware to apply vendor-specific parameters. This intermediary allows the hardware to communicate power mode change requirements without being coupled to specific vendor parameters, enabling customization without hardware redesign.
3Device complexity
If external firmware is used for vendor-specific parameter configuration, then hardware redesign is avoided, but coordination between hardware protocol engine and firmware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the hardware protocol engine generates configuration indication signals in response to power mode change events, which trigger external firmware to apply the appropriate vendor-specific parameters. This feedback loop ensures that the firmware is activated at the correct moment and receives clear instructions from the hardware about what configuration is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for information configuration in power mode change for an interconnection protocol, a controller, and a storage device. The method can be used in a first device capable of linking to a second device according to the interconnection protocol. The method includes: while a hardware protocol engine of the first device for implementing a protocol layer of the interconnection protocol performs power mode change according to the protocol layer, generating a configuration indication signal to trigger a piece of firmware of the first device for performing information configuration for a physical layer of the interconnection protocol; in response to the configuration indication signal, performing the information configuration for the physical layer by the piece of firmware; and upon completion of the information configuration for the physical layer, informing, by the piece of firmware, the hardware protocol engine of the completion of the information configuration.