UFS Storage Packet Routing for Multi-Device Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices lack efficient methods for communication between multiple storage devices without requiring additional interface circuits, leading to inefficiencies in management and performance.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a memory controller that includes a packet management circuit to generate and process UFS protocol information units (UPIUs) for communication with a host, enabling communication between storage devices without additional interface circuits, using a UFS interface to transmit and receive packets with device ID values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If storage devices communicate via separate interface circuits, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinterface circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the communication interface functionality into the existing UFS host interface, allowing storage devices to communicate with each other through the host without requiring separate dedicated interface circuits. The packet management circuit in each storage device manages communication by encapsulating peer storage device messages within UFS protocol packets transmitted through the shared host interface, thereby eliminating the need for additional interface hardware while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The UFS host interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it enables communication between the host and storage devices, and simultaneously facilitates peer-to-peer communication between storage devices. The packet management circuit enables the storage device to function both as a UFS slave device communicating with the host and as a communication node for other storage devices, thereby achieving multi-functionality without additional interface circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If multiple storage devices communicate directly, then communication speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcommunication interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The host acts as an intermediary for communication between storage devices. The packet management circuit in each storage device encapsulates communication packets intended for peer storage devices within UFS protocol packets, which are then transmitted through the host. This intermediary approach enables communication between storage devices while utilizing the existing high-speed UFS interface infrastructure, avoiding the need for complex direct communication circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage devices use additional interface circuits for communication, then communication capability is improved, but implementation area and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The communication capability between storage devices is merged into the existing UFS interface infrastructure. The packet management circuit enables storage devices to utilize the existing UFS host interface for peer-to-peer communication, eliminating the need for additional interface circuits and reducing implementation area and manufacturing complexity while maintaining full communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If storage devices communicate through host interface, then device complexity is reduced, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface circuit complexityVSAvoidcommunication overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The packet management circuit performs preliminary actions by pre-formatting communication packets according to UFS protocol requirements and pre-managing packet transmission through the host interface. This includes encapsulating peer storage device messages within UFS protocol packets with appropriate formatting and addressing information, which streamlines the communication process and reduces overhead during actual data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12561088B2Storage device communicating with external storage device via host and operating method of the storage device

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided are a storage device performing communication with an external storage device via a host and an operating method of the storage device. The operating method includes: receiving a first packet from the host; transmitting a second packet to the host in response to the first packet, wherein the second packet includes first information to be provided to an external storage device and a device ID value that indicates the external storage device; and receiving a third packet from the host, wherein the third packet includes second information generated by the external storage device.