Wireless Interface for Data Storage Debugging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Data storage devices face challenges in accessing and retrieving operating state data for debugging, especially in large enterprise storage systems where physical access is difficult or impractical.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a wireless interface in data storage devices to enable real-time or near real-time data transfer to a testing device for failure analysis and failover operations, allowing for remote access and offloading of tasks without repeating failure events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If physical access methods are used to retrieve data from data storage devices, then data can be obtained for debugging, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming in large enterprise storage systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging data accessVSAvoidphysical access difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical/mechanical access methods with wireless communication technology. A wireless interface is integrated into the data storage device to enable transmission of operating state data and debug information wirelessly to external testing devices, eliminating the need for physical disassembly or direct connection of the storage device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If data storage devices are integrated into large enterprise storage systems, then storage capacity and functionality are improved, but physical access for debugging becomes impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage system capacityVSAvoiddebuggability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless interface acts as an intermediary communication channel between the integrated data storage device and external testing devices. This intermediary enables debug information to be transmitted through the wireless medium without requiring physical extraction or direct access to the storage device within the enterprise storage system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional wired interfaces are used for data transfer, then reliable communication is achieved, but latency and interruption of primary functions occur during debugging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddebugging latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless interface enables continuous transmission of operating state data during normal storage operations without interrupting primary functions. The system can maintain data transfer continuity while performing read/write operations, allowing real-time monitoring and debugging without stopping the storage device's main workload.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10289333B2Data storage device configured to perform operations using a wireless interface

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

An apparatus includes a non-volatile memory and a memory controller coupled to the non-volatile memory. The memory controller includes a processor configured to perform a first operation and a second operation and further includes an access device interface configured to communicate with a first device. The memory controller further includes a wireless interface configured to communicate with a second device to transfer data associated with the second operation to the second device to enable performance at the second device of one or more tasks of the second operation.