WO2010032947A2 - Disk module - Google Patents

Disk module Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010032947A2
WO2010032947A2 PCT/KR2009/005249 KR2009005249W WO2010032947A2 WO 2010032947 A2 WO2010032947 A2 WO 2010032947A2 KR 2009005249 W KR2009005249 W KR 2009005249W WO 2010032947 A2 WO2010032947 A2 WO 2010032947A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
microsd
disk
slot
memory
disk module
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Application number
PCT/KR2009/005249
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French (fr)
Korean (ko)
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WO2010032947A3 (en
Inventor
조진영
Original Assignee
Cho Jin Young
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Publication date
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Publication of WO2010032947A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010032947A2/en
Publication of WO2010032947A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010032947A3/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/06—Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers, e.g. RAID, emulated record carriers or networked record carriers
    • G06F3/0601—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems
    • G06F3/0628—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems making use of a particular technique
    • G06F3/0655—Vertical data movement, i.e. input-output transfer; data movement between one or more hosts and one or more storage devices
    • G06F3/0658—Controller construction arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/06—Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers, e.g. RAID, emulated record carriers or networked record carriers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/06—Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers, e.g. RAID, emulated record carriers or networked record carriers
    • G06F3/0601—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems
    • G06F3/0602—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
    • G06F3/0626—Reducing size or complexity of storage systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/06—Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers, e.g. RAID, emulated record carriers or networked record carriers
    • G06F3/0601—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems
    • G06F3/0668—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems adopting a particular infrastructure
    • G06F3/0671—In-line storage system
    • G06F3/0673—Single storage device
    • G06F3/0679—Non-volatile semiconductor memory device, e.g. flash memory, one time programmable memory [OTP]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K1/00—Printed circuits
    • H05K1/18—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
    • H05K1/181—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components associated with surface mounted components

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a technique for constructing a disk using a flash memory.
  • HDDs Hard Disk Drives
  • SSD Solid State Drive
  • SSD is a non-volatile memory-based storage device that eliminates the motor and mechanical drive used in the conventional HDD. Since it is a solid state drive without moving parts, seek time, latency, and other mechanical drive By reducing the time, high read / write speeds are possible, and errors due to delay time and mechanical friction can be reduced to improve reliability. In addition, since heat and noise are hardly generated during data operation and are resistant to external shocks, they are evaluated as a storage device that is particularly suitable for notebook PCs compared to conventional HDDs. On the other hand, despite the advantages of the SSD, it has been shown a disadvantage in terms of storage capacity and price compared to the conventional HDD.
  • the capacity of the disk is determined by the manufacturer, and the user merely connects to the host for use, and it is difficult to increase the disk capacity at the convenience of the user.
  • a device that connects two or more HDDs to a host is known, but this has the advantage of increasing storage capacity, but it is not practical because it retains the noted disadvantages of HDDs.
  • the manufacturer decides to sell the capacity of a single SSD and simply connects it to a host to use the SSD. Therefore, it is almost impossible for a user to increase capacity or configure RAID in an active location.
  • microSD or T-flash is in the spotlight as an external memory of a mobile phone.
  • the microSD is an 8-pin flash-based memory that offers high reliability, performance, and storage capacity of several gigabytes to several tens of gigabytes, even at a very small size (11mm x 15mm), and its price is much lower than that of SSD.
  • a microSD is purchased and connected to a mobile phone, or connected to an electronic device directly or through a separate adapter and used as an external auxiliary memory. In other words, despite the advantages of the microSD in the price, performance, size, etc., the utilization is not actively made.
  • the present invention was completed after a thorough research effort to solve the above problems, in particular focused on the breakthrough innovation of microSD use environment.
  • An object of the present invention is to configure a single disk using a plurality of MicroSD.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having an environment capable of arbitrarily configuring the capacity of a disk made of a plurality of MicroSD according to the user's convenience.
  • Another object of the present invention is to build an environment capable of configuring a RAID while configuring a disk using a plurality of MicroSD.
  • Another object of the present invention is to improve the I / O speed between the host interface and the MicroSD using a buffer memory.
  • a first slot group formed at one side of the printed circuit board and having at least one slot for mounting a microSD
  • One or more MicroSDs each independently mounted in slots constituting the first slot group and the second slot group;
  • It includes a host interface for connecting to the host, it is characterized in that the disk can be expanded and reconfigured.
  • a plurality of first slot groups formed on the first printed circuit board and capable of mounting a microSD
  • a plurality of second slot groups formed on the second printed circuit board and capable of mounting a microSD
  • One or more MicroSDs each independently mounted in slots constituting the first slot group and the second slot group;
  • It includes a host interface for connecting to the host, it is characterized in that the disk can be expanded and reconfigured.
  • the controller of the present invention may include firmware to support a RAID configuration according to the number of MicroSD mounted in the slot.
  • the disk module of the present invention preferably configures two or more MicroSDs mounted in a slot in series and / or in parallel according to a RAID configuration.
  • controller of the present invention may include a multitasking interface connected to the slots to automatically recognize the memory of the microSDs mounted in the plurality of slots.
  • the controller of the present invention may further include an input / output buffer, and the input / output buffer may be connected to a microSD mounted in the slots to optimize data.
  • controller of the present invention may further include a variable memory address checking unit for checking the address of the available memory.
  • the present invention has the advantage that one disk can be configured using a plurality of MicroSD.
  • the user can arbitrarily determine the number of MicroSD to be mounted in the slot according to the needs and convenience of the user, there is an advantage that the capacity of the disk can be arbitrarily configured.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a detailed configuration example of a disk module according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing an internal configuration example of a controller according to the present invention.
  • FIG 3 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a method for the controller 200 to detect a new memory when the microSD 245 is inserted in the controller 200 according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a microSD mounted in a slot and a memory connected to an input / output buffer in a disk module according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a memory connected to an input / output buffer and a microSD mounted in a slot in addition to the microSD shown in FIG. 4.
  • the printed circuit board 110 includes a plurality of slots 120 that can be detachably attached and detached from the microSD 160, and controls the overall operation of the disco module 100. 130 and a plurality of circuit elements 140 are mounted, and a host interface 150 for host connection is installed to constitute the disk module 100 of the present invention.
  • the plurality of slots 120 are units for attaching and detaching the microSD 160.
  • the plurality of slots 120 may be disposed at one side of the printed circuit board 110 by forming a plurality of slot groups.
  • a plurality of slots may be formed on the other side of the printed circuit board to form a second slot group.
  • the division of the first slot group and the second slot group may be arbitrary in the overall slot configuration of the disk module 100.
  • the term 'one side' may mean one side of the printed circuit board 110 and the term 'other side' may refer to the other side of the printed circuit board 110 (invisible back side of FIG. 1). have.
  • the user may purchase one or two or more MicroSD 160 to be mounted in the plurality of slots 120 provided in the disk module 100, and may additionally mount one or more MicroSD 160, The microSD 160 mounted in the slot 120 may be removed and replaced with a higher capacity MicroSD 160.
  • each printed circuit board may include a plurality of slots and electrically connect the plurality of slots to form a disk module having a reduced width and an increased thickness.
  • the host for example, a notebook, etc.
  • the controller controls the entire operation of the disk module and the host interface is connected to the host according to the standard. The principle of the configuration is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG.
  • slots belonging to the first slot group or the second slot group may be configured in one disk module, so that a plurality of MicroSDs 160 mounted in the slots may be divided into one disk despite the number thereof. Can be utilized.
  • the MCU 130 and the circuit element 140 constitute a controller of the disk module, and operate the entire disk module such as reading and writing of the microSD 160, data transmission and reception with a host, RAID configuration, power management, and various inspection and calculation operations. Can be controlled.
  • the host interface 150 is an interface for connecting with the host.
  • SATA, PATA, SATA 2, SAS, SCSI is installed in accordance with the interface specifications of the existing various HDD, the host interface 150 through the data transmission and reception between the disk and the host is made. Since the host interface 150 conforms to a standard standard, the host interface 150 may be configured by another standard such as a USB standard.
  • the controller 200 exemplarily shows a detailed internal configuration of a controller according to the present invention.
  • the controller 200 according to the present invention includes an embedded flash file system 205, an internal DMA 210, an MCU 215, a power management unit 220, an NVRAM / DDR buffer 225, and an ECC. 230, serial communication interface 235, and multitasking interfaces 255 and 255.
  • the embedded flash file system 205 includes a firmware that connects a single microSD memory, which is one of the configurations of the present invention, in series and in parallel, and is designed to be configured in various RAID levels according to a user's request.
  • two or more MicroSD 160 mounted in the slot may be configured in serial and / or parallel according to the RAID configuration.
  • each MicroSD 160 is connected in series and / or parallel, and RAID level 0 by the number and setting of the MicroSD 160 mounted in the slot RAID levels 6 to 5, RAID level 6, RAID level 7, RAID level 10, and RAID level 53 can be implemented.
  • RAID level configurations can be made by changing the firmware settings.
  • a user in order to implement a RAID level 1 configuration, for example, a user may set two MicroSD 4Gs in series and set them as serially configured 8G logical disks. Also, in the disk module according to the present invention, in order to implement a RAID level 1 configuration, a user connects two 8G logical disks in which two MicroSD 4Gs are connected in series to form an 8G logical disk in parallel and one of them An 8G logical disk can be configured as a mirror and set up as an 8G disk.
  • a user in order to implement a RAID level 5 configuration, a user may connect two MicroSD 4Gs in series to connect three serially configured 8G logical disks in parallel and set them as 8G logical disks.
  • various RAID level configurations are possible.
  • the internal direct memory access (DMA) 210 enables instant data transfer from the buffer to the microSD 160, thereby reducing the microcontroller overhead. Can be. As a result, the data rate is increased.
  • the MCU 215 is a microcontroller unit that functions to translate ATA / IDE commands into data and control signals required for the operation of the MicroSD 160.
  • the power management unit 220 controls to reduce power consumption of the controller. In other words, if part of the circuit is not in operation, it is set to sleep mode to reduce power consumption.
  • the NVRAM / DDR buffer 225 optimizes the data of the host and transmits the data to the flash media, which may function as a factor influencing the performance of the controller of the present invention.
  • the ECC 230 collects information in the controller 200 when a memory failure occurs as an error correction code.
  • the controller 200 uses a 72-bit Reed-Solomon error detection code, an error correction code, or the like.
  • the serial communication interface 235 allows the user to restart the initialization process or customize the drive identification information by itself.
  • the multitasking interface 255 is connected to the microSD 160 mounted in the slot 120, so that the controller 200 automatically recognizes the capacity of the memory mounted in the plurality of slots 120, and when a new memory is inserted, the user Operate in the configuration of the specified state.
  • the controller 200 is connected to the outside through the host ATA / IDE bus 250.
  • the controller of the above configuration recognizes the MicroSD memory installed in the slot and caches the data before the inserted memory is stored in order to maximize the efficiency.
  • This cache buffering can be performed by using all the designed buffers or periodically. It is designed to store in the inserted memory.
  • the capacity is recognized to expand the capacity of the entire dynamic disk. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 below.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of performing a preferred embodiment of a method for the controller 200 to detect a new memory when the microSD 160 is inserted according to the present invention.
  • the controller 200 checks a memory state in operation S310. In other words, it checks whether there is any unwritten memory in the existing NVRAM / DDR memory after the first boot. Thereafter, the controller 300 checks the cache buffer, which checks the buffer memory (S320). After that, if it is determined that the buffer memory has data (S330), the available memory address is checked (S330). Next, the controller 200 writes a memory. After that, the controller 200 checks whether there is a new memory (S360), and if there is a new memory (S370), detects the new memory (S380).
  • variable memory address checking unit 430 detects whether a new memory exists, the variable memory address checking unit 430 first checks an available address of the memory. That is, to check the address of available memory. Table 1 shows the variable memory addresses. Referring to Table 1, when 256M memory of Bankn01 is inserted, the variable address is designated from 0000 to 0111. If 8G memory (0000 ⁇ FFF1) is added to Bankn02 added later, the address up to 10102 is separately specified. Is expanded. After that, if memory is continuously added, the address of memory is expanded.
  • FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a microSD mounted in a slot and a memory connected to an input / output buffer in addition to the microSD shown in FIG. 4.
  • the 4G MicroSD 530 is additionally connected to the 256M MicroSD, 8G MicroSD, and 2G MicroSD 620 in the input / output buffer 510 inside the disk module.
  • the memory detector 540 recognizes and detects a new memory, and the variable memory address checker 550 checks the address of the available memory. When a new memory is inserted, the address value is automatically increased in the entire memory area according to the size of the memory to help the dynamic operation of the entire disk. At this time, if 4G memory is inserted in Bankn04, address of all memory is expanded. Table 2 shows the variable memory addresses. Referring to Table 2, the conventional total variable memory was 20012, but since the 4G memory was expanded, the address of the total variable memory became 0000 to 2F024.
  • a plurality of memory banks such as n01, n11, n21, n31, etc., depending on the RAID configuration.
  • the number of memory banks required depends on the RAID configuration technology (for example, RAID level 0 is 2, RAID level 3 is 3, and RAID level 10 is 4).
  • the user can arbitrarily determine the number of microSDs to be mounted in the slot according to his or her request and convenience, and thus can arbitrarily configure the capacity of the disk.
  • the user can insert one or more MicroSD (160) to the dynamic disk configuration and RAID configuration can be expanded and reconfigured according to the user's convenience.
  • MicroSD 160
  • the disk module of the present invention may be used in various fields such as personal computers, portable computers, other industrial and military applications, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments explicitly described above.
  • the protection scope of the present invention may not be limited due to obvious changes or substitutions in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

Abstract

Provided is a disk module which can be converted and used as a storage device for a host by using a multiplicity of portable non-volatile memories. A disk module having multiple micro flash memories, MicroSD, mounted thereto is configured as a single disk. Consequently, the disk module is not only favored over conventional HDDs in terms of weight, portability, vibration and power consumption, but it also demonstrates excellent expandability compared with a designated storage capacity of conventional SSDs, thereby enabling to obtain a desired disk configuration according to the convenience of the manufacturer and the user. Further, RAID can be configured on one physical disk using RAID functions, and this aims to offer more convenience than any other existing disks.

Description

디스크 모듈Disk module
본 발명은 플래시 메모리를 이용하여 디스크를 구성하는 기술에 관한 것이다.The present invention relates to a technique for constructing a disk using a flash memory.
종래의 PC 저장장치들은 HDD(Hard Disk Drive)를 이용하여 왔다. 그러나 느린 부팅 속도, 높은 소비전력, 내구성, 중량 등에 단점들이 지적되어 왔다. 특히, 플래터(Platter)가 회전하며 헤드가 정보를 읽는 물리적인 구조로 인하여 CPU나 램에 비하여 데이터 처리속도가 느리고, 기계적인 전력소모가 크다. 이러한 문제점에 기술적인 대안으로서 부팅 및 데이터 처리속도가 빠르고 안정성이 높은 플래시메모리가 차세대 PC 저장장치로 사용되고 있다. 대표적인 차세대 PC 저장장치로서 낸드 플래시 메모리가 고집적된 SSD(Solid State Drive)가 주목을 받고 있다.Conventional PC storage devices have used Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). However, disadvantages such as slow boot speed, high power consumption, durability, and weight have been pointed out. In particular, due to the physical structure in which the platter rotates and the head reads information, the data processing speed is slower and the mechanical power consumption is higher than that of the CPU or RAM. As a technical alternative to this problem, flash memory with fast boot and data processing speed and high stability is used as next generation PC storage device. As a representative next-generation PC storage device, SSD (Solid State Drive) with high density of NAND flash memory is drawing attention.
SSD란 기존의 HDD에서 사용되던 모터와 기계적 구동장치를 없앤 비휘발성 메모리 기반의 저장장치로서, 움직이는 부분이 없이 솔리드 상태의 드라이브이기 때문에 시크 타임(Seek Time), 지연시간(Latency), 기타 기계적 구동시간을 줄임으로써 고속의 읽기/쓰기 속도가 가능하고, 지연 시간 및 기계적 마찰로 인한 오류를 줄여 신뢰성을 향상시킬 수 있는 장점이 있다. 또한, 데이터 작동시에 열과 소음이 거의 발생하기 않고, 외부 충격에 강하기 때문에, 기존의 HDD에 비하여 특히 노트북 PC에 매우 적합한 저장장치로 평가되고 있다. 한편, SSD의 위와 같은 장점에도 불구하고, 기존의 HDD에 비하여 저장 용량과 가격 면에서 단점을 보여 왔다.SSD is a non-volatile memory-based storage device that eliminates the motor and mechanical drive used in the conventional HDD. Since it is a solid state drive without moving parts, seek time, latency, and other mechanical drive By reducing the time, high read / write speeds are possible, and errors due to delay time and mechanical friction can be reduced to improve reliability. In addition, since heat and noise are hardly generated during data operation and are resistant to external shocks, they are evaluated as a storage device that is particularly suitable for notebook PCs compared to conventional HDDs. On the other hand, despite the advantages of the SSD, it has been shown a disadvantage in terms of storage capacity and price compared to the conventional HDD.
그러나 기존의 HDD나 SSD의 경우, 제조사에 의해 디스크의 용량이 정해지고, 유저는 단지 호스트에 연결하여 사용할 뿐이어서, 유저의 편의에 따라 디스크 용량을 증설하는 것이 어려웠다. 한편 호스트에 2개 이상의 HDD를 연결하는 장치가 알려져 있으나, 이는 저장용량의 증설이라는 장점을 갖고 있지만 HDD의 지적된 단점을 고스란히 보유하게 되어 실용적이지는 못하다. SSD의 경우에도 제조사가 단일 SSD의 용량을 정해서 판매하고 이를 단순히 호스트에 연결하여 사용하는 것이기 때문에, 사용자가 능동적인 위치에서 용량을 증설하거나 또는 RAID를 구성하는 것이 불가능에 가깝다는 문제점이 있었다.However, in the case of the existing HDD or SSD, the capacity of the disk is determined by the manufacturer, and the user merely connects to the host for use, and it is difficult to increase the disk capacity at the convenience of the user. On the other hand, a device that connects two or more HDDs to a host is known, but this has the advantage of increasing storage capacity, but it is not practical because it retains the noted disadvantages of HDDs. In the case of SSD, the manufacturer decides to sell the capacity of a single SSD and simply connects it to a host to use the SSD. Therefore, it is almost impossible for a user to increase capacity or configure RAID in an active location.
한편, microSD 또는 T-flash는 휴대폰의 외장형 메모리로서 각광을 받고 있다. 이 microSD는 8개의 핀을 갖는 플래시 기반 메모리로서, 안정성, 성능이 뛰어나며 매우 작은 사이즈(11mm×15mm)에도 개당 저장용량은 수GB에서 수십 GB 이상에 이르고, 그 가격도 SSD에 비하여 매우 저렴하다는 강점을 가지고 있다. 그러나 단지 1개의 microSD를 개당으로 구입하여 휴대폰에 연결해서 사용하고 있거나, 직접 또는 별도의 어댑터를 통해서 전자 장치에 연결되어 외부의 보조 메모리로 활용하고 있을 뿐이다. 즉, microSD의 가격, 성능, 사이즈 등에서의 뛰어난 장점에도 불구하고, 그 활용이 보다 적극적으로 이루어지고 있지 않은 실정이다. Meanwhile, microSD or T-flash is in the spotlight as an external memory of a mobile phone. The microSD is an 8-pin flash-based memory that offers high reliability, performance, and storage capacity of several gigabytes to several tens of gigabytes, even at a very small size (11mm x 15mm), and its price is much lower than that of SSD. Have However, only one microSD is purchased and connected to a mobile phone, or connected to an electronic device directly or through a separate adapter and used as an external auxiliary memory. In other words, despite the advantages of the microSD in the price, performance, size, etc., the utilization is not actively made.
본 발명은 위와 같은 문제점을 해결하고자 예의 연구 노력한 끝에 완성되었으며, 특히 microSD의 획기적인 사용환경의 혁신에 초점을 두었다.The present invention was completed after a thorough research effort to solve the above problems, in particular focused on the breakthrough innovation of microSD use environment.
본 발명의 목적은 다수의 MicroSD를 이용하여 하나의 디스크를 구성하고자 함에 있다.An object of the present invention is to configure a single disk using a plurality of MicroSD.
본 발명의 다른 목적은 사용자의 편의에 따라 다수의 MicroSD로 이루어지는 디스크의 용량을 임의로 구성할 수 있는 환경을 갖는 장치를 제공하고자 함에 있다.Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having an environment capable of arbitrarily configuring the capacity of a disk made of a plurality of MicroSD according to the user's convenience.
또한, 본 발명의 또 다른 목적은 다수의 MicroSD를 이용하여 디스크를 구성하면서 RAID 구성이 가능한 환경을 구축하고자 함에 있다.In addition, another object of the present invention is to build an environment capable of configuring a RAID while configuring a disk using a plurality of MicroSD.
또한, 본 발명의 또 다른 목적은 버퍼 메모리를 이용하여 호스트 인터페이스와 MicroSD 간의 I/O 속도를 향상시키는 데 있다.In addition, another object of the present invention is to improve the I / O speed between the host interface and the MicroSD using a buffer memory.
한편, 본 발명의 명시되지 않은 또 다른 목적들은 하기의 상세한 설명 및 그 효과로부터 용이하게 추론할 수 있는 범위 내에서 추가적으로 고려될 것이다.On the other hand, other unspecified objects of the present invention will be further considered within the range that can be easily inferred from the following detailed description and effects.
상기의 기술적 과제를 달성하기 위한, 본 발명의 디스크 모듈은, Disc module of the present invention for achieving the above technical problem,
인쇄회로기판;Printed circuit board;
상기 인쇄회로기판의 일 측에 형성되며, MicroSD를 장착할 수 있는 슬롯을 1개 이상 구비하는 제 1 슬롯 그룹;A first slot group formed at one side of the printed circuit board and having at least one slot for mounting a microSD;
상기 인쇄회로기판의 다른 측에 형성되며, MicroSD를 장착할 수 있는 슬롯을 1개 이상 구비하는 제 2 슬롯 그룹;A second slot group formed on the other side of the printed circuit board, the second slot group having one or more slots for mounting MicroSD;
상기 제 1 슬롯 그룹 및 상기 제 2 슬롯 그룹을 구성하는 슬롯들에 각각 독립적으로 장착하는 1개 이상의 MicroSD;One or more MicroSDs each independently mounted in slots constituting the first slot group and the second slot group;
디스크 모듈의 동작을 제어하는 콘트롤러; 및A controller for controlling the operation of the disk module; And
호스트와의 연결을 위한 호스트 인터페이스를 포함하며, 디스크 증설 및 재구성을 할 수 있는 것을 특징으로 한다.It includes a host interface for connecting to the host, it is characterized in that the disk can be expanded and reconfigured.
또한, 다른 실시예에서, 본 발명의 디스크 모듈은, Further, in another embodiment, the disk module of the present invention,
제 1 인쇄회로기판 및 상기 제 1 인쇄회로기판과 전기적으로 연결되는 제 2 인쇄회로기판;A first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board electrically connected to the first printed circuit board;
상기 제 1 인쇄회로기판에 형성되며, MicroSD를 장착할 수 있는 다수의 제 1 슬롯 그룹;A plurality of first slot groups formed on the first printed circuit board and capable of mounting a microSD;
상기 제 2 인쇄회로기판에 형성되며, MicroSD를 장착할 수 있는 다수의 제 2 슬롯 그룹;A plurality of second slot groups formed on the second printed circuit board and capable of mounting a microSD;
상기 제 1 슬롯 그룹 및 상기 제 2 슬롯 그룹을 구성하는 슬롯들에 각각 독립적으로 장착하는 1개 이상의 MicroSD;One or more MicroSDs each independently mounted in slots constituting the first slot group and the second slot group;
디스크 모듈의 동작을 제어하는 콘트롤러; 및A controller for controlling the operation of the disk module; And
호스트와의 연결을 위한 호스트 인터페이스를 포함하며, 디스크 증설 및 재구성을 할 수 있는 것을 특징으로 한다.It includes a host interface for connecting to the host, it is characterized in that the disk can be expanded and reconfigured.
바람직하게는, 본 발명의 콘트롤러는 슬롯에 장착되는 MicroSD 개수에 따라 RAID 구성을 지원하는 펌웨어를 포함할 수 있다.Preferably, the controller of the present invention may include firmware to support a RAID configuration according to the number of MicroSD mounted in the slot.
또한, 본 발명의 디스크 모듈은 RAID 구성에 따라 슬롯에 장착되는 2개 이상의 MicroSD를 직렬 및/또는 병렬로 구성하는 것이 바람직하다.In addition, the disk module of the present invention preferably configures two or more MicroSDs mounted in a slot in series and / or in parallel according to a RAID configuration.
또한, 본 발명의 상기 콘트롤러는, 상기 슬롯들에 연결되며, 복수의 슬롯들에 장착되는 MicroSD들의 메모리를 자동으로 인식하도록 하는 멀티태스킹 인터페이스를 포함할 수 있다.In addition, the controller of the present invention may include a multitasking interface connected to the slots to automatically recognize the memory of the microSDs mounted in the plurality of slots.
또한, 본 발명의 상기 콘트롤러는 입출력 버퍼를 더 포함하며, 이 입출력 버퍼가 상기 슬롯들에 장착되는 MicroSD와 연결되어 데이터를 최적화할 수 있다.The controller of the present invention may further include an input / output buffer, and the input / output buffer may be connected to a microSD mounted in the slots to optimize data.
또한, 본 발명의 상기 콘트롤러는 가용 메모리의 번지를 확인하는 변수 메모리 주소 확인부를 더 포함할 수 있다.In addition, the controller of the present invention may further include a variable memory address checking unit for checking the address of the available memory.
위와 같은 과제 해결 수단을 이용하여, 본 발명은 다수의 MicroSD를 이용하여 하나의 디스크를 구성할 수 있는 장점이 있다. By using the above problem solving means, the present invention has the advantage that one disk can be configured using a plurality of MicroSD.
또한, 사용자는 자신의 요구와 편의에 따라 슬롯에 장착하는 MicroSD의 개수를 임의로 정할 수 있으며, 이에 따라 디스크의 용량을 임의로 구성할 수 있는 장점이 있다.In addition, the user can arbitrarily determine the number of MicroSD to be mounted in the slot according to the needs and convenience of the user, there is an advantage that the capacity of the disk can be arbitrarily configured.
또한, 다수의 MicroSD를 이용하여 하나의 디스크를 구성하면서, 결국 호스트에 연결하는 하나의 디스크로 다양한 RAID 구성을 할 수 있는 효과가 있다. In addition, while configuring a single disk using a plurality of MicroSD, there is an effect that can be configured with a variety of RAID with a single disk connected to the host.
또한, 메모리가 저장되기 전에 데이터를 캐시 버퍼링함으로써 MicroSD의 전체 동적 디스크의 용량을 확장하고 I/O 속도를 향상시킬 수 있는 장점이 있다.In addition, by buffering the data before memory is stored, there is an advantage in that the capacity of the entire dynamic disk of the MicroSD can be expanded and the I / O speed can be improved.
본 발명의 명세서에서 구체적으로 언급되지 않은 효과라 하더라도, 본 발명의 기술적 특징에 의해 기대되는 잠정적인 효과는 본 발명의 명세서에 기재된 것과 같이 취급됨을 첨언한다.Although effects not specifically mentioned in the specification of the present invention, it is added that the potential effects expected by the technical features of the present invention are treated as described in the specification of the present invention.
도 1은 본 발명에 따른 디스크 모듈의 상세한 구성예를 개략적으로 도시한 사시도이다.1 is a perspective view schematically showing a detailed configuration example of a disk module according to the present invention.
도 2는 본 발명에 따른 콘트롤러의 내부 구성예를 개략적으로 도시한 도면이다.2 is a view schematically showing an internal configuration example of a controller according to the present invention.
도 3은 본 발명에 따른 콘트롤러(200)가 MicroSD(245)가 삽입된 경우에 콘트롤러(200)가 새로운 메모리를 검출하는 방법에 대한 바람직한 실시예의 수행 과정을 도시한 흐름도이다.3 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a method for the controller 200 to detect a new memory when the microSD 245 is inserted in the controller 200 according to the present invention.
도 4는 본 발명에 따른 디스크 모듈에 있어서 슬롯에 장착된 MicroSD와 입출력 버퍼에 연결된 메모리를 예시한 도면이다.4 is a diagram illustrating a microSD mounted in a slot and a memory connected to an input / output buffer in a disk module according to the present invention.
도 5는 도 4에 도시된 MicroSD 외에 더 추가하여 슬롯에 장착된 MicroSD와 입출력 버퍼에 연결된 메모리를 예시한 도면이다.FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a memory connected to an input / output buffer and a microSD mounted in a slot in addition to the microSD shown in FIG. 4.
※ 첨부된 도면은 본 발명의 기술사상에 대한 이해를 위하여 참조로서 예시된 것임을 밝히며, 그것에 의해 본 발명의 권리범위가 제한되지는 아니한다.The accompanying drawings show that they are illustrated as a reference for understanding the technical idea of the present invention, by which the scope of the present invention is not limited.
이하, 첨부된 도면을 참조하여 본 발명의 실시를 위한 구체적인 내용을 설명한다. 그리고 본 발명을 설명함에 있어서, 관련된 공지기능 등 이 분야의 기술자에게 자명한 사항으로서 본 발명의 요지를 불필요하게 흐릴 수 있다고 판단되는 경우에는 그 상세한 설명을 생략한다.Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described specific details for the practice of the invention. In the following description of the present invention, when it is determined that the subject matter of the present invention may be unnecessarily obscured as matters obvious to those skilled in the art, such as related well-known functions, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
도 1은 본 발명에 따른 디스크 모듈의 외부적인 구성예를 도시하고 있다. 도 1에 도시되어 있는 바와 같이, 인쇄회로기판(110)에는 MicroSD(160)를 독립적으로 착탈할 수 있는 다수의 슬롯(120)이 설치되며, 디스코 모듈(100)의 전체 동작을 제어하는 MCU(130)와 다수의 회로요소(140)가 실장되고, 호스트 연결을 위한 호스트 인터페이스(150)가 설치되어 본 발명의 디스크 모듈(100)을 구성하고 있다.1 shows an external configuration example of a disk module according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printed circuit board 110 includes a plurality of slots 120 that can be detachably attached and detached from the microSD 160, and controls the overall operation of the disco module 100. 130 and a plurality of circuit elements 140 are mounted, and a host interface 150 for host connection is installed to constitute the disk module 100 of the present invention.
복수의 슬롯(120)은 MicroSD(160)를 착탈하기 위한 유닛으로서, 복수의 슬롯이 제 1 슬롯 그룹을 형성하여 인쇄회로기판(110)의 일 측에 배치될 수 있다. 또한, 복수의 슬롯이 제 2 슬롯 그룹을 형성하여 인쇄회로기판의 다른 측에 배치될 수 있다. 제 1 슬롯 그룹과 제 2 슬롯 그룹의 구분은 디스크 모듈(100)의 전체 슬롯 구성에 있어서 임의적일 수 있다. 예컨대 상기 '일 측'이라 함은 인쇄회로기판(110)의 한쪽 면, '다른 측'이라 함은 인쇄회로기판(110)의 다른 쪽 면(도 1의 눈에 보이지 않는 배면)을 의미할 수 있다. 유저는 MicroSD(160)를 1개 또는 2개 이상을 구입하여 디스크 모듈(100)에 마련된 복수의 슬롯(120)에 장착할 수 있으며, 추가적으로 1개 이상의 MicroSD(160)를 장착할 수 있고, 또한 슬롯(120)에 기장착된 MicroSD(160)를 빼서 더 높은 용량의 MicroSD(160)로 교체할 수도 있다. The plurality of slots 120 are units for attaching and detaching the microSD 160. The plurality of slots 120 may be disposed at one side of the printed circuit board 110 by forming a plurality of slot groups. Also, a plurality of slots may be formed on the other side of the printed circuit board to form a second slot group. The division of the first slot group and the second slot group may be arbitrary in the overall slot configuration of the disk module 100. For example, the term 'one side' may mean one side of the printed circuit board 110 and the term 'other side' may refer to the other side of the printed circuit board 110 (invisible back side of FIG. 1). have. The user may purchase one or two or more MicroSD 160 to be mounted in the plurality of slots 120 provided in the disk module 100, and may additionally mount one or more MicroSD 160, The microSD 160 mounted in the slot 120 may be removed and replaced with a higher capacity MicroSD 160.
또한, 다른 실시예에서는 2개 이상의 인쇄회로기판(미도시)을 적층할 수 있다. 각각의 인쇄회로기판에 다수의 슬롯을 구비하고 이를 전기적으로 연결하여 너비는 줄이고 두께는 늘린 디스크 모듈을 구성할 수 있다. 호스트(예를 들면, 노트북 등)가 허용하는 디스크 모듈 장착 환경에 능동적으로 대응하여 장착할 수 있는 장점이 있다. 이 실시예에서도 콘트롤러는 디스크 모듈 전체 동작을 제어하고 호스트 인터페이스는 표준 규격에 따라 호스트와 연결되며 그 구성의 원리는 도 1의 실시예와 동일하다.In another embodiment, two or more printed circuit boards (not shown) may be stacked. Each printed circuit board may include a plurality of slots and electrically connect the plurality of slots to form a disk module having a reduced width and an increased thickness. There is an advantage that the host (for example, a notebook, etc.) can be mounted in response to the disk module mounting environment that allows. In this embodiment as well, the controller controls the entire operation of the disk module and the host interface is connected to the host according to the standard. The principle of the configuration is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG.
상술한 바와 같이 제 1 슬롯 그룹 또는 제 2 슬롯 그룹에 속한 슬롯은 하나의 디스크 모듈 내에서 구성될 수 있고, 따라서 슬롯들에 장착된 다수의 MicroSD(160)는 그 개수에도 불구하고 하나의 디스크로 활용될 수 있다.As described above, slots belonging to the first slot group or the second slot group may be configured in one disk module, so that a plurality of MicroSDs 160 mounted in the slots may be divided into one disk despite the number thereof. Can be utilized.
MCU(130)와 회로요소(140)는 디스크모듈의 콘트롤러를 구성하며, MicroSD(160)의 읽고 쓰기, 호스트와의 데이터 송수신, RAID 구성, 전력 관리 및 각종 검사와 연산 작업 등 전체 디스크 모듈의 동작을 제어할 수 있다.The MCU 130 and the circuit element 140 constitute a controller of the disk module, and operate the entire disk module such as reading and writing of the microSD 160, data transmission and reception with a host, RAID configuration, power management, and various inspection and calculation operations. Can be controlled.
또한, 호스트 인터페이스(150)는 호스트와의 연결을 위한 인터페이스이다. SATA, PATA, SATA 2, SAS, SCSI 등 기존의 다양한 HDD의 인터페이스 규격에 맞게 설치되며, 이 호스트 인터페이스(150)를 통하여 디스크 및 호스트 간에 데이터의 송수신이 이루어진다. 호스트 인터페이스(150)는 표준 규격에 따르기 때문에 USB 표준 등 다른 규격에 의해 구성될 수 있다.In addition, the host interface 150 is an interface for connecting with the host. SATA, PATA, SATA 2, SAS, SCSI is installed in accordance with the interface specifications of the existing various HDD, the host interface 150 through the data transmission and reception between the disk and the host is made. Since the host interface 150 conforms to a standard standard, the host interface 150 may be configured by another standard such as a USB standard.
도 2는 본 발명에 따른 콘트롤러의 상세한 내부 구성을 예시적으로 나타내고 있다. 도 2를 참조하면, 본 발명에 따른 콘트롤러(200)는 임베디드 플래시 파일 시스템(205), 내부 DMA(210), MCU(215), Power Management Unit(220), NVRAM/DDR 버퍼(225), ECC(230), 시리얼 통신 인터페이스(235) 및 멀티태스킹 인터페이스(255, 255)을 포함할 수 있다.2 exemplarily shows a detailed internal configuration of a controller according to the present invention. 2, the controller 200 according to the present invention includes an embedded flash file system 205, an internal DMA 210, an MCU 215, a power management unit 220, an NVRAM / DDR buffer 225, and an ECC. 230, serial communication interface 235, and multitasking interfaces 255 and 255.
임베디드 플래시 파일 시스템(205)은 본 발명의 구성 중의 하나인 MicroSD 단일 메모리를 직렬과 병렬로 연결하여 주는 펌웨어를 탑재하고 있으며, 사용자의 요구에 따라 다양한 RAID 레벨 등의 구성이 가능하도록 설계되어 있다.  The embedded flash file system 205 includes a firmware that connects a single microSD memory, which is one of the configurations of the present invention, in series and in parallel, and is designed to be configured in various RAID levels according to a user's request.
슬롯에 장착되는 MicroSD(160) 개수에 따라 RAID 구성을 지원하는 펌웨어(firmware)에 의해서, RAID 구성에 따라 슬롯에 장착되는 2개 이상의 MicroSD(160)를 직렬 및/또는 병렬로 구성할 수 있다. 사용자 편의에 의해 장착되고 증설되는 복수의 MicroSD(160)에 대하여, 각각의 MicroSD(160)를 직렬 및/또는 병렬로 연결하고, 슬롯에 장착된 MicroSD(160)의 개수 및 설정에 의해서 RAID 레벨 0 내지 5, RAID 레벨 6, RAID 레벨 7, RAID 레벨 10, RAID 레벨 53 등 사용자의 요구에 따른 RAID 레벨의 구성을 구현할 수 있다. 즉, 펌웨어의 설정을 변경함으로써 다양한 RAID 레벨 구성을 할 수 있다. By firmware supporting RAID configuration according to the number of MicroSD 160 mounted in the slot, two or more MicroSD 160 mounted in the slot may be configured in serial and / or parallel according to the RAID configuration. For a plurality of MicroSD 160 mounted and expanded at the user's convenience, each MicroSD 160 is connected in series and / or parallel, and RAID level 0 by the number and setting of the MicroSD 160 mounted in the slot RAID levels 6 to 5, RAID level 6, RAID level 7, RAID level 10, and RAID level 53 can be implemented. In other words, various RAID level configurations can be made by changing the firmware settings.
본 발명에 따른 디스크 모듈에서, RAID 레벨 1 구성을 구현하기 위해, 예컨대 사용자는 MicroSD 4G 두 개를 직렬로 연결하여 직렬 구성된 8G 로지컬 디스크(logical disk)로 설정할 수 있다. 또한 본 발명에 따른 디스크 모듈에서, RAID 레벨 1 구성을 구현하기 위해, 사용자는 MicroSD 4G 두 개가 직렬 연결되어 8G 로지컬 디스크를 구성하고 있는 두 개의 8G의 로지컬 디스크를 서로 병렬로 연결하고 그 중 하나의 8G 로지컬 디스크를 미러(mirror)로 구성하여 8G 디스크로 설정할 수 있다. 또한 본 발명에 따른 디스크 모듈에서, RAID 레벨 5 구성을 구현하기 위해, 사용자는 MicroSD 4G 두 개를 직렬로 연결하여 직렬 구성된 8G 로지컬 디스크 세 개를 병렬 연결하여 8G 로지컬 디스크로 설정할 수 있다. 이외에도 다양한 RAID 레벨 구성이 가능하다. In the disk module according to the present invention, in order to implement a RAID level 1 configuration, for example, a user may set two MicroSD 4Gs in series and set them as serially configured 8G logical disks. Also, in the disk module according to the present invention, in order to implement a RAID level 1 configuration, a user connects two 8G logical disks in which two MicroSD 4Gs are connected in series to form an 8G logical disk in parallel and one of them An 8G logical disk can be configured as a mirror and set up as an 8G disk. In addition, in the disk module according to the present invention, in order to implement a RAID level 5 configuration, a user may connect two MicroSD 4Gs in series to connect three serially configured 8G logical disks in parallel and set them as 8G logical disks. In addition, various RAID level configurations are possible.
다시 도 2로 돌아와서, 본 발명의 디스크 모듈의 콘트롤러 구성 중, 내부 DMA(Direct Memory Access)(210)는 버퍼에서 MicroSD(160)로 인스턴트 데이터를 전송할 수 있게 하여, 마이크로콘트롤러 오버헤드를 경감시켜 줄 수 있다. 그 결과 데이터 전송율을 증가시킨다. MCU(215)는 마이크로콘트롤러 유닛으로 ATA/IDE 코맨드를 MicroSD(160) 동작에 필요한 데이터 및 제어 신호로 번역하는 기능을 한다. 파워 관리 유닛(220)은 콘트롤러의 전력 소비를 줄일 수 있도록 제어한다. 즉 회로의 일부가 동작 중이 아니면 슬립 모드(sleep mode)로 설정하여 전력 소비를 줄인다.2, during the controller configuration of the disk module of the present invention, the internal direct memory access (DMA) 210 enables instant data transfer from the buffer to the microSD 160, thereby reducing the microcontroller overhead. Can be. As a result, the data rate is increased. The MCU 215 is a microcontroller unit that functions to translate ATA / IDE commands into data and control signals required for the operation of the MicroSD 160. The power management unit 220 controls to reduce power consumption of the controller. In other words, if part of the circuit is not in operation, it is set to sleep mode to reduce power consumption.
NVRAM/DDR 버퍼(225)는 호스트의 데이터를 최적화하여 플래시 미디어로 전송하며, 이는 본 발명의 콘트롤러의 성능을 좌우하는 요소로 기능할 수 있다. ECC(230)는 에러 정정 코드로서 메모리 불량이 발생시에는 콘트롤러(200)에 정보를 수집하도록 한다. 콘트롤러(200)는 72비트 리드-솔로몬 에러 검출 코드 및 에러 정정 코드 등을 이용한다. 시리얼 통신 인터페이스(235)는 사용자가 셀프로 초기화 프로세스를 재시작하거나 드라이브 식별 정보를 커스터마이즈 하는 것이 가능하도록 한다. 멀티태스킹 인터페이스(255)는 슬롯(120)에 장착되는 MicroSD(160)와 연결되어, 콘트롤러(200)가 복수의 슬롯(120)에 장착된 메모리의 용량을 자동으로 인식하고 새로운 메모리가 삽입되면 사용자가 지정한 상태의 구성으로 동작하도록 한다. 그리고 콘트롤러(200)는 호스트 ATA/IDE 버스(250)를 통하여 외부와 연결되어 있다.The NVRAM / DDR buffer 225 optimizes the data of the host and transmits the data to the flash media, which may function as a factor influencing the performance of the controller of the present invention. The ECC 230 collects information in the controller 200 when a memory failure occurs as an error correction code. The controller 200 uses a 72-bit Reed-Solomon error detection code, an error correction code, or the like. The serial communication interface 235 allows the user to restart the initialization process or customize the drive identification information by itself. The multitasking interface 255 is connected to the microSD 160 mounted in the slot 120, so that the controller 200 automatically recognizes the capacity of the memory mounted in the plurality of slots 120, and when a new memory is inserted, the user Operate in the configuration of the specified state. The controller 200 is connected to the outside through the host ATA / IDE bus 250.
위와 같은 구성의 콘트롤러는 슬롯에 장착되는 MicroSD 메모리를 인식하고 최대한 효율을 높이기 위하여 삽입된 메모리가 저장되기 전에 데이터를 캐시 버퍼링하며, 이때 이러한 캐시 버퍼링은 설계한 버퍼를 모두 사용하였거나 주기적인 시간에 따라 삽입된 메모리에 저장하도록 설계된다. 또한, 삽입되는 메모리의 재사용 여부를 인식한 후 용량을 인식하여 전체 동적 디스크의 용량을 확장(expend paging)한다. 이에 대해서는 하기의 도 4 및 도 5을 참조하여 보다 상세히 설명할 것이다.The controller of the above configuration recognizes the MicroSD memory installed in the slot and caches the data before the inserted memory is stored in order to maximize the efficiency. This cache buffering can be performed by using all the designed buffers or periodically. It is designed to store in the inserted memory. In addition, after recognizing whether the inserted memory is reused, the capacity is recognized to expand the capacity of the entire dynamic disk. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 below.
도 3은 본 발명에 따른 콘트롤러(200)가 MicroSD(160)가 삽입된 경우에 콘트롤러(200)가 새로운 메모리를 검출하는 방법에 대한 바람직한 실시예의 수행 과정을 개략적으로 도시한 흐름도이다.3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of performing a preferred embodiment of a method for the controller 200 to detect a new memory when the microSD 160 is inserted according to the present invention.
도 3을 참조하면, 콘트롤러(200)는 메모리 상태를 체크한다(S310). 즉 처음 부팅후 기존 NVRAM/DDR 메모리에 쓰기(write)가 안된 메모리가 있는지를 검사한다. 그 후 콘트롤러(300)는 캐시 버퍼를 체크하는데 이는 버퍼 메모리를 검사하는 것이다(S320). 그 후 버퍼 메모리가 데이터를 가지고 있다고 판단되면(S330), 가용 메모리 주소를 확인한다(S330). 다음으로 콘트롤러(200)는 메모리 쓰기(write)를 한다. 그 후 콘트롤러(200)는 새로운 메모리가 있는지 체크하고(S360), 새로운 메모리가 있다면(S370), 새로운 메모리를 검출한다(S380).Referring to FIG. 3, the controller 200 checks a memory state in operation S310. In other words, it checks whether there is any unwritten memory in the existing NVRAM / DDR memory after the first boot. Thereafter, the controller 300 checks the cache buffer, which checks the buffer memory (S320). After that, if it is determined that the buffer memory has data (S330), the available memory address is checked (S330). Next, the controller 200 writes a memory. After that, the controller 200 checks whether there is a new memory (S360), and if there is a new memory (S370), detects the new memory (S380).
도 4는 본 발명에 따른 디스크 모듈에 있어서 슬롯에 장착된 MicroSD와 입출력 버퍼에 연결된 메모리를 예시적으로 도시하고 있다. 도 4를 참조하면, 디스크 모듈 내부의 입출력 버퍼(410)에는 256M MicroSD, 8G MicroSD, 및 2G MicroSD(420)가 연결되어 있다. 변수 메모리 주소 확인부(430)는 새로운 메모리가 있는지 검출하는 경우, 먼저 메모리의 가용 주소를 확인한다. 즉 사용 가능한 메모리의 번지를 확인하는 것이다. 표 1은 변수 메모리 주소를 나타낸 표이다. 표 1을 참조하면, Bankn01의 256M의 메모리가 삽입된 경우 가변 번지를 0000부터 0111까지라고 지정하고, 추후에 추가된 Bankn02에 8G의 메모리(0000~FFF1)가 추가되었을 경우 별도로 10102까지의 번지가 확장된다. 그 후 계속적으로 메모리가 추가되면 메모리의 번지를 확장하여 간다.4 exemplarily illustrates a microSD mounted in a slot and a memory connected to an input / output buffer in the disk module according to the present invention. 4, 256M MicroSD, 8G MicroSD, and 2G MicroSD 420 are connected to the input / output buffer 410 inside the disk module. When the variable memory address checking unit 430 detects whether a new memory exists, the variable memory address checking unit 430 first checks an available address of the memory. That is, to check the address of available memory. Table 1 shows the variable memory addresses. Referring to Table 1, when 256M memory of Bankn01 is inserted, the variable address is designated from 0000 to 0111. If 8G memory (0000 ~ FFF1) is added to Bankn02 added later, the address up to 10102 is separately specified. Is expanded. After that, if memory is continuously added, the address of memory is expanded.
표 1
변수 메모리 주소
Bankn01:0000-0111
Bankn02:0000-FFF1
Bankn03:0000-FF10
Bankn04:0000-0000
Bankn0X:0000-0000
갱신한 전체 주소 : 0000-2F012
Table 1
Variable memory address
Bankn01: 0000-0111
Bankn02: 0000-FFF1
Bankn03: 0000-FF10
Bankn04: 0000-0000
Bankn0X: 0000-0000
Updated full address: 0000-2F012
도 5는 도 4에 도시된 MicroSD 외에 더 추가하여 슬롯에 장착된 MicroSD와 입출력 버퍼에 연결된 메모리를 예시적으로 도시하고 있다. 이러한 도 5에 나타낸 바와 같이, 디스크 모듈 내부의 입출력 버퍼(510)에는 256M MicroSD, 8G MicroSD, 2G MicroSD(620)에, 4G MicroSD(530)가 추가적으로 연결되어 있다. 메모리 검출부(540)는 새로운 메모리를 인식하여 검출하고, 변수 메모리 주소 확인부(550)는 사용 가능한 메모리의 번지를 확인한다. 새로운 메모리가 삽입된 경우 메모리의 크기에 따라 자동적으로 전체 메모리 영역에 번지 값이 증가되는데 이는 전체 디스크의 동적 활동을 도와 주기 위한 것이다. 이때 Bankn04에 추가적으로 4G의 메모리가 삽입된 경우 전체 메모리의 번지가 확장된다. 표 2는 변수 메모리 주소를 나타낸 표이다. 표 2를 참조하면, 기존 전체 가변 메모리는 20012였으나 4G의 메모리가 확장됨으로 인해 전체 가변 메모리의 번지는 0000 ~ 2F024가 된다. FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a microSD mounted in a slot and a memory connected to an input / output buffer in addition to the microSD shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the 4G MicroSD 530 is additionally connected to the 256M MicroSD, 8G MicroSD, and 2G MicroSD 620 in the input / output buffer 510 inside the disk module. The memory detector 540 recognizes and detects a new memory, and the variable memory address checker 550 checks the address of the available memory. When a new memory is inserted, the address value is automatically increased in the entire memory area according to the size of the memory to help the dynamic operation of the entire disk. At this time, if 4G memory is inserted in Bankn04, address of all memory is expanded. Table 2 shows the variable memory addresses. Referring to Table 2, the conventional total variable memory was 20012, but since the 4G memory was expanded, the address of the total variable memory became 0000 to 2F024.
표 2
변수 메모리 주소
Bankn01:0000-0111
Bankn02:0000-FFF1
Bankn03:0000-FF10
Bankn04:0000-F012
Bankn0X:0000-0000
갱신한 전체 주소 : 0000-2F024
TABLE 2
Variable memory address
Bankn01: 0000-0111
Bankn02: 0000-FFF1
Bankn03: 0000-FF10
Bankn04: 0000-F012
Bankn0X: 0000-0000
Updated full address: 0000-2F024
이때 RAID 구성에 따라 메모리 Bank를 n01, n11, n21, n31 등으로 복수로 구성하는 것이 가능하다. RAID의 구성 기술에 따라 필요한 메모리 Bank의 개수가 달라진다(예를 들어,RAID 레벨 0는 2개, RAID 레벨 3은 3개, RAID 레벨 10은 4개). At this time, it is possible to configure a plurality of memory banks, such as n01, n11, n21, n31, etc., depending on the RAID configuration. The number of memory banks required depends on the RAID configuration technology (for example, RAID level 0 is 2, RAID level 3 is 3, and RAID level 10 is 4).
상기에서 살펴본 바와 같이, 본 발명에 의하면, 사용자는 자신의 요구와 편의에 따라 슬롯에 장착하는 MicroSD의 개수를 임의로 정할 수 있으며, 이에 따라 디스크의 용량을 임의로 구성할 수 있다. 즉 상술한 바와 같이, 본 발명에 따라, 사용자는 한 개 이상의 MicroSD(160)를 삽입하여 동적 디스크 구성 및 RAID 구성을 하여 사용자의 편의에 따라 증설 및 재구성이 가능하다. 또한 다수의 MicroSD를 이용하여 하나의 디스크를 구성하면서, 결국 호스트에 연결하는 하나의 디스크로 다양한 RAID 구성을 하여 디스크의 안정성을 높일 수 있다. 또한, 본 발명에 의하면, 물리적으로 한 개의 디스크상에서 다양한 RAID 구성이 가능하며, 이러한 디스크 구성은 종래 디스크에서는 찾아 볼 수 없었음을 다시 한 번 첨언한다. As described above, according to the present invention, the user can arbitrarily determine the number of microSDs to be mounted in the slot according to his or her request and convenience, and thus can arbitrarily configure the capacity of the disk. In other words, as described above, according to the present invention, the user can insert one or more MicroSD (160) to the dynamic disk configuration and RAID configuration can be expanded and reconfigured according to the user's convenience. In addition, it is possible to increase the stability of the disk by configuring a single disk by using a plurality of microSD, and various RAID configurations with a single disk connected to the host. In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to physically make various RAID configurations on one disk, and this disk configuration is once again added that it was not found in the conventional disk.
본 발명의 디스크 모듈은 개인용 컴퓨터 및 휴대용 컴퓨터, 기타 산업용 및 군사용 등의 분야에서 다양하게 사용될 수 있을 것이며, 한편, 본 발명의 보호범위가 이상에서 명시적으로 설명한 실시례에 의해 제한되는 것은 아니다. 또한, 본 발명이 속하는 기술분야에서의 자명한 변경이나 치환으로 말미암아 본 발명의 보호범위가 제한될 수도 없음을 첨언한다.The disk module of the present invention may be used in various fields such as personal computers, portable computers, other industrial and military applications, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments explicitly described above. In addition, it should be noted that the protection scope of the present invention may not be limited due to obvious changes or substitutions in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

Claims (7)

  1. 인쇄회로기판;Printed circuit board;
    상기 인쇄회로기판의 일 측에 형성되며, MicroSD를 장착할 수 있는 슬롯을 1개 이상 구비하는 제 1 슬롯 그룹;A first slot group formed at one side of the printed circuit board and having at least one slot for mounting a microSD;
    상기 인쇄회로기판의 다른 측에 형성되며, MicroSD를 장착할 수 있는 슬롯을 1개 이상 구비하는 제 2 슬롯 그룹;A second slot group formed on the other side of the printed circuit board, the second slot group having one or more slots for mounting MicroSD;
    상기 제 1 슬롯 그룹 및 상기 제 2 슬롯 그룹을 구성하는 슬롯들에 각각 독립적으로 장착하는 1개 이상의 MicroSD;One or more MicroSDs each independently mounted in slots constituting the first slot group and the second slot group;
    디스크 모듈의 동작을 제어하는 콘트롤러; 및A controller for controlling the operation of the disk module; And
    호스트와의 연결을 위한 호스트 인터페이스를 포함하며, 디스크 증설 및 재구성을 할 수 있는 것을 특징으로 하는 디스크 모듈.A disk module including a host interface for connecting to the host, and the disk module can be expanded and reconfigured.
  2. 제 1 항에 있어서,The method of claim 1,
    상기 콘트롤러는 슬롯에 장착되는 MicroSD 개수에 따라 RAID 구성을 지원하는 펌웨어를 포함하는 디스크 모듈.The controller includes a firmware module for supporting a RAID configuration according to the number of MicroSD mounted in the slot.
  3. 제 1 항에 있어서,The method of claim 1,
    RAID 구성에 따라 슬롯에 장착되는 2개 이상의 MicroSD를 직렬 및/또는 병렬로 구성하는 디스크 모듈.Disk modules that configure two or more MicroSDs in a slot and / or in parallel, depending on the RAID configuration.
  4. 제 1 인쇄회로기판 및 상기 제 1 인쇄회로기판과 전기적으로 연결되는 제 2 인쇄회로기판;A first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board electrically connected to the first printed circuit board;
    상기 제 1 인쇄회로기판에 형성되며, MicroSD를 장착할 수 있는 다수의 제 1 슬롯 그룹;A plurality of first slot groups formed on the first printed circuit board and capable of mounting a microSD;
    상기 제 2 인쇄회로기판에 형성되며, MicroSD를 장착할 수 있는 다수의 제 2 슬롯 그룹;A plurality of second slot groups formed on the second printed circuit board and capable of mounting a microSD;
    상기 제 1 슬롯 그룹 및 상기 제 2 슬롯 그룹을 구성하는 슬롯들에 각각 독립적으로 장착하는 1개 이상의 MicroSD;One or more MicroSDs each independently mounted in slots constituting the first slot group and the second slot group;
    디스크 모듈의 동작을 제어하는 콘트롤러; 및A controller for controlling the operation of the disk module; And
    호스트와의 연결을 위한 호스트 인터페이스를 포함하며, 디스크 증설 및 재구성을 할 수 있는 것을 특징으로 하는 디스크 모듈.A disk module including a host interface for connecting to the host, and the disk module can be expanded and reconfigured.
  5. 제 1 항 내지 제 4 항 중 어느 한 항에 있어서,The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
    상기 콘트롤러는, 상기 슬롯들에 연결되며, 복수의 슬롯들에 장착되는 MicroSD들의 메모리를 자동으로 인식하도록 하는 멀티태스킹 인터페이스를 포함하는, 디스크 모듈.The controller comprises a multitasking interface coupled to the slots, the multitasking interface for automatically recognizing memory of MicroSDs mounted in a plurality of slots.
  6. 제 1 항 내지 제 4 항 중 어느 한 항에 있어서,The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
    상기 콘트롤러는 입출력 버퍼를 더 포함하며, 이 입출력 버퍼는 상기 슬롯들에 장착되는 MicroSD와 연결되어 데이터를 최적화하는, 디스크 모듈.The controller further comprises an input and output buffer, the input and output buffer is connected to the MicroSD mounted in the slots, the disk module to optimize the data.
  7. 제 6 항에 있어서,The method of claim 6,
    가용 메모리의 번지를 확인하는 변수 메모리 주소 확인부를 더 포함하는, 디스크 모듈.And a variable memory address checking unit for checking the address of the available memory.
PCT/KR2009/005249 2008-09-19 2009-09-16 Disk module WO2010032947A2 (en)

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