Wireless SSD Debugging via Buffer Memory Dump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory devices, such as SSDs, face challenges in debugging due to the difficulty in obtaining real-time state information during errors, as they require physical disconnection and reconnection for dump data collection, which can lead to data loss and increased debugging complexity.
Innovation Solution
A storage device equipped with a buffer memory for dump data storage, a wireless module for transmission, and a storage controller to monitor and transmit dump data automatically or upon command, allowing for wireless data transfer without physical disconnection from the host.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the SSD is disconnected from the host to connect to a debugging tool for dump data collection, then debugging can be performed, but real-time state information is lost and debugging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a buffer memory that pre-stores dump data and system state information before debugging is initiated. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary real-time state information is captured and preserved in the buffer memory prior to any disconnection or debugging operations, eliminating information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a debugging interface that acts as an intermediary between the SSD and the debugging tool. This interface includes a buffer memory that mediates data transfer, allowing the SSD to maintain its connection to the host while simultaneously providing dump data to the debugging tool through the wireless communication module.
2Ease of repair
If the SSD is disconnected from the host for debugging, then dump data can be collected, but debugging complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer memory is configured to automatically capture and store dump data, error logs, and system state information as soon as an error occurs, before any debugging operations begin. This preliminary data collection eliminates the need for time-consuming manual data gathering during the debugging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The SSD performs self-diagnosis and automatically generates and stores dump data in the buffer memory when an error is detected. This self-service capability reduces the burden on external debugging tools and accelerates the debugging process by having the necessary information ready in advance.
3Reliability
If a wireless module is added for dump data transmission, then real-time debugging is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module is integrated into the existing SSD architecture and shares communication resources with other SSD functions. The buffer memory serves multiple purposes: storing user data, caching, and preserving dump data for debugging, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The debugging interface acts as an intermediary layer that manages the wireless communication module. This interface abstracts the complexity of wireless communication from the core SSD operations, allowing dump data transmission without requiring significant changes to the existing SSD architecture or control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a storage device which generates dump data at occurrence of an error. The storage device includes a buffer memory comprising a dump area for storing the dump data, a wireless module configured to transmit the dump data to a wireless channel, and a storage controller configured to monitor a generation of the dump data, to turn on the wireless module at the generation of the dump data, and to transmit the dump data to the wireless module.