Multi-Channel UFS Storage Controller for Parallel Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor memory devices, particularly flash memory devices, face challenges in achieving high-speed operation and efficient storage management, especially in supporting variable storage capacity as removable UFS devices are added or removed.
Innovation Solution
A storage device configuration that includes multiple UFS devices connected through separate channels, allowing for parallel communication and efficient control by a storage controller, which also performs initialization, status storage, and notification of external hosts about changes in storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple UFS devices are connected through separate channels, then storage performance and high-speed operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into multiple independent channels, with each channel capable of connecting to UFS devices. This segmentation allows parallel data transmission across different channels, improving overall storage performance and speed while maintaining manageable complexity through modular channel design
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable UFS devices are added to increase storage capacity, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of storage management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage controller continuously monitors the status of all UFS devices and maintains updated information about storage capacity and device states. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable storage management by providing real-time awareness of the storage configuration to the host device, enabling proper resource allocation and error handling
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller performs preliminary initialization and status registration operations when new UFS devices are detected. By pre-establishing proper communication protocols and registering device information before data operations begin, the system ensures reliable management of removable storage devices
3Reliability
If initialization operations are performed for each new UFS device, then reliability of storage management is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage controller performs initialization operations in advance when new UFS devices are detected, establishing proper communication protocols and registering device information before data operations begin. This preliminary action ensures reliable management while minimizing the time impact during actual data operations
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device, including a printed circuit board including a connector including a plurality of pins capable of being coupled to an external host device, a controller socket, a first slot, a second slot, a third slot, and a fourth slot; a first universal flash storage (UFS) device, a second UFS device, a third UFS device, and a fourth UFS device, wherein each UFS device of the first to fourth UFS devices is removably installed in a corresponding slot of the first to fourth slots; and a storage controller mounted in the controller socket, and configured to control the first to fourth UFS devices, wherein the first UFS device and the second UFS device are configured to communicate with the storage controller through a first channel, and the third UFS device and the fourth UFS device are configured to communicate with the storage controller through a second channel.