UFS Storage Controller Link Startup Sequence Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices prior to the 4th Generation UFS are unable to work with future generations due to the transition from pulse width modulation (PWM) link startup sequence (LSS) to high speed (HS) LSS, as they lack compatibility to automatically determine the correct startup sequence based on the host device's capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a controller that sets default UFS attributes to PWM LSS and uses the host reference clock signal frequency to determine whether to operate in PWM LSS or HS LSS, allowing it to adapt and maintain compatibility with older and future generation host devices by ignoring or changing the default attributes as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data storage devices use default PWM LSS attributes, then they are compatible with older generation host devices, but they cannot work with future generation host devices that require HS LSS
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage device dynamically adjusts its link startup sequence operation mode between PWM LSS and HS LSS based on the detected host device type. The controller changes operational parameters in real-time: using PWM LSS for legacy hosts and HS LSS for future-generation hosts, making the system adaptable rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the link startup sequence based on the host device generation. By detecting the host type and switching between different LSS modes (PWM vs HS), the system adapts its parameters to ensure both backward and forward compatibility while maintaining reliable operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If data storage devices support both PWM LSS and HS LSS, then they can work with current and future generation host devices, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage device performs self-detection of the host device type and automatically configures its own operational mode. The controller independently determines whether to use PWM LSS or HS LSS based on the host's capabilities, eliminating the need for complex external configuration or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the host device (through detection of host type and capabilities) to automatically adjust the link startup sequence mode. The controller receives information about the host generation and uses this feedback to select the appropriate LSS mode, simplifying the overall system complexity through intelligent automation
3Ease of operation
If the data storage device determines LSS type using host reference clock frequency, then it can automatically adapt to the correct startup sequence, but the detection and measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical or procedural detection methods with electrical signal-based frequency detection. By using the host reference clock signal frequency as the determination criterion, the system simplifies the detection process to measuring an electrical parameter rather than implementing complex protocol negotiations or mechanical handshaking
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to utilizing the host clock signal frequency to determine whether to operate in the default pulse width modulation (PWM) link startup sequence (LSS), be changed to high speed (HS) LSS by a host device capable of operating in either PWM LSS or HS LSS, or ignore the data storage device attributes of operating in PWM LSS and instead operate according to HS LSS. In so doing, the data storage device is adaptable to work with older generation UFS host devices as well as current and future generation UFS host devices.