TWI489718B - Storage device and operating method thereof - Google Patents

Description

Storage device and its operation method

The present invention relates to power protection circuits, and in particular, to a storage device capable of preventing surge currents and increasing the life of a storage device, and a method of operating the same.

In recent years, electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, digital cameras, and personal digital assistants have become increasingly popular, and with the rise of digital audio and video multimedia, storage devices including memory cards have become popular electronic products.

The memory card is a lightweight and portable data storage device. With the advancement and development of technology, and according to the needs of practical applications, the memory card commonly used in the market includes a digital security card (Secure Digital card, SD card), mini A variety of memory cards, such as a mini SD card, a micro SD card, a Multi Media Card (MMC), and a Compact Flash card (CF card).

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a conventional storage device 1. As shown in FIG. 1 , the storage device 1 includes an input module 10 , a storage module 12 , and a resistive element R .

In the prior art, the input module 10 of the storage device 1 can be coupled to an electronic device such as a personal computer or a notebook computer; the resistive component R is coupled between the input module 10 and the storage module 12. The resistor element R is used to prevent the damage of the storage device 1 caused by an excessive current surge when the conventional storage device 1 is connected to the electronic device. However, the effect of protecting the storage device 1 by the resistance element R alone is not good, and when the storage device 1 is operating normally, since the resistance element R continues to consume power, unnecessary loss occurs.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a storage device and a method for operating the same, which utilizes a protection module to effectively reduce a surge current and protect the module from power consumption during normal use to solve the above problems.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a storage device and method of operation thereof. The storage device uses the protection module to generate a delay time, so that the output signal is delayed by the input signal for a delay time, thereby achieving the purpose of protecting the storage device. Thereby, the storage device and the method for operating the storage device of the present invention can prolong the service life of the battery in the storage device and avoid the influence of current surge.

A particular embodiment of the invention is a storage device. In this embodiment, the storage device includes an input module, a protection module, and a storage module. The input module receives an input signal from the electronic device when the storage device is coupled to the electronic device. The protection module is coupled to the input module and is configured to receive an input signal and generate an output signal. The storage module is coupled to the protection module and configured to receive the output signal and activate the storage device according to the output signal. The protection module delays the input signal to generate an output signal, so that there is a difference in delay time between the output signal and the input signal.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of operating a storage device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) when the storage device is coupled to the electronic device, the storage device receives an input signal from the electronic device; (b) The input signal is delayed to generate an output signal, wherein the difference between the output signal and the input signal has a delay time; (c) receiving the output signal and causing the storage device to act according to the output signal.

In summary, the storage device and the operation method thereof provided by the present invention delay the input signal by the protection module for a period of time to ensure that the storage device and the electronic device are completely connected, and then supply power to the storage device to avoid the storage device from being damaged. Damaged by the effects of instantaneous current surges. In addition, the protection device of the present invention does not cause additional power consumption under normal operation. Thereby, the storage device and the operation method thereof of the present invention can prolong the service life of the battery in the storage device and avoid the influence of current surge to solve various problems of the prior art.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B together, FIG. 2A is a functional block diagram of a storage device 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart of the signal in FIG. In fact, the storage device 3 may be a CF (compact flash) card device, an MMC (multimedia memory card) card device, an SD (secure digital) card device, an SM (smart media) card device, an XD (extreme digital) card device, or an MS. (memory stick) card device, but not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 2A, the storage device 3 includes an input module 30, a protection module 32, a storage module 34, and a battery module 36.

When the storage device 3 is coupled to the electronic device 4 through the input module 30, the input module 30 can receive the input signal S _i from the electronic device 3. In practical applications, the input module 30 can be a Universal Synchronous Bus (USB), but is not limited thereto. Moreover, the input signal S _i generally refers to a voltage signal or a current signal provided by an electronic device (for example, a device such as a personal computer or a notebook computer), and can supply the power required by the storage device 3, but is not limited thereto.

In this embodiment, the protection module 32 is coupled to the input module 30. The protection module 32 receives the input signal S _i from the input module 30 and generates an output signal S _o according to the input signal S _i . It should be noted that the protection module 32 performs delay processing on the input signal S _i to generate the output signal S _o such that the difference between the output signal S _o and the input signal S _i has a delay time t _d . Therefore, since the output signal S _o has been delayed by a period t _d from the input signal S _i , it can be ensured that the storage device 3 and the electronic device 4 are completely connected before being powered to the storage device 3 to avoid the storage device 3 being subjected to the instant. The current surge is affected by the damage.

In practical applications, when the storage device 3 is coupled to the electronic device 4, an excessive inrush current phenomenon is likely to occur. Without any protection circuit, it may cause the above devices to be damaged due to current surges. Furthermore, if the passive component described in the prior art is disposed on the protection circuit, the passive component will continue to consume power under normal power supply conditions, resulting in insufficient power supply for the back-end module. Next, the protection module 32 in this embodiment will be described in detail.

The protection module 32 of the present invention includes a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) 320, a resistance element R, and a capacitance element C. The programmable logic element 320 includes a first logic unit 3200, a second logic unit 3202, and a third logic unit 3204; the resistive element R is coupled between the first logic unit 3200 and the third logic unit 3204; Connected between the resistive element R and the second logic unit 3202.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first logic unit 3200 (eg, a NOT gate) is coupled to the input module 30, and the first logic unit 3200 converts the input signal S _i to be opposite to the input signal. The first signal S _{1 of} S _i (as shown in Figure 2B). The second logic unit 3202 can be a Schmitt trigger for generating a delay signal S _d , but is not limited thereto. The third logic unit 3204 (for example, an AND gate) is coupled to the first logic unit 3200 and the second logic unit 3202. The third logic unit 3204 is configured to receive the first signal S ₁ and the delay signal S _d for comparison. generating an output signal S _o to the storage module 34.

It should be noted that, in the protection module 32, the resistor and capacitor series circuit will generate a second signal S ₂ according to the signal level (the first signal S ₁ ) to perform charging or discharging. Shown in Figure 2 B, when the element C starts charging the capacitor to the charging time required to complete the time delay referred to t _d, and the length of the delay time t _d is subject to the resistance element R and the capacitive element C selected parameter set. Then, the Schmitt trigger outputs the delay signal S _d to the third logic gate 3204 according to the length of the delay time t _d .

In fact, the first logic unit 3200 and the third logic unit 3204 are not limited to the above-described logic gate. For example, it is assumed that the first logic unit 3200 does not exist and the third logic gate 3204 is a NAND gate. Then its output signal S _{o is} also as shown in Figure 2B.

Moreover, since the delay time t _d is generated so that the storage device 3 is not connected to the electronic device 4 at the moment, power supply is not performed, so that the loss of the battery module 36 of the storage device 3 can be avoided. In addition, the delay time t _d can also ensure that the storage device 3 is fully connected to the electronic device 4 and then supply power to avoid current surges to damage the storage device 3. In practical applications, the protection module 32 can also be regarded as a delay switch. Different from the traditional storage device, when the storage device 3 is operating normally, the protection module 32 does not consume power any more.

In this embodiment, the storage module 34 is coupled to the protection module 32. The storage module 34 is configured to receive the output signal S _o and activate the storage device 3 according to the output signal S _o . The storage module 34 can be used to store various materials, and the storage module 34 can be placed or assembled separately from the storage device 3. In fact, the storage module 34 can be a Secure Digital card (SD card), a mini SD card, a micro SD card, or a Multi Media Card (MMC). Or a flash memory card (Compact Flash card, CF card), etc.

The battery module 36 is coupled between the protection module 32 and the storage module 34. When the battery module 36 performs charging, the battery module 36 can receive the output signal S _o to store power. When the storage device 3 and the electronic device 4 are not connected, the battery module 36 can supply the stored power to the storage device 3 (the third signal S ₃ ), so that it can operate smoothly and make the user more convenient to use. Storage device 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a method of operating the storage device 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation method includes the following steps. First, step S50 is performed. When the storage device 3 is coupled to the electronic device 4, the storage device 3 receives the input signal S _i from the electronic device 4. The input signal S _i refers to a voltage signal or a current signal.

Then, step S52 is performed to delay the input signal S _i to generate an output signal S _o , wherein the difference between the output signal S _o and the input signal S _i has a delay time t _d .

It should be noted that, due to the difference of the delay time t _d , the storage device 3 is coupled to the electronic device 4 at an instant, and the required power is not obtained, so as to avoid the instantaneous current surge caused by the storage device 3, and at the same time It is ensured that the storage device 3 and the electronic device 4 are completely connected. In addition, when the storage device 3 is completely connected to the electronic device 4 and then powered, the battery loss can also be reduced.

Finally, step S54 is executed to receive the output signal S _o and to activate the storage device 3 according to the output signal S _o . The storage device 3 can include a battery module 36. The output signal S _o can charge the battery module 36. When the storage device 3 is not connected to the electronic device, the storage device 3 can still provide the required power through the battery module 36. (Third signal S ₃ ) to the storage module 34 so that the storage device 3 can still be used continuously.

Please refer to FIG. 4 , which is a detailed flowchart of step S52 in FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 4, in step S52, first, step S520 is performed to receive the input signal S _i and generate the first signal S ₁ . In this embodiment, the input signal S _i is opposite to the first signal S ₁ , and the charge and discharge series circuit is charged and discharged by the level change of the first signal S ₁ . Next, step S522 is executed to generate a delay signal S _d , and the delay time of the delay signal S _d is determined according to the time required for the capacitor to be charged. Finally, step S524 is executed to generate an output signal S _o according to the first signal S ₁ and the delay signal S _d to control the power required by the storage module 34 .

In summary, the storage device and the operation method thereof provided by the present invention delay the input signal by the protection module for a period of time to ensure that the storage device and the electronic device are completely connected, and then supply power to the storage device, thereby avoiding the storage device Suffering from an instantaneous current surge and damage. In addition, the protection device of the present invention does not generate additional power consumption under normal operating conditions. Thereby, the storage device of the present invention and the method of operating the same can prolong the service life of the battery in the storage device and reduce the influence of current surge to solve various problems of the prior art.

The features and spirit of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover various modifications and equivalents within the scope of the invention as claimed.

S50~S54, S520~S524. . . Process step

1, 3. . . Storage device

10, 30. . . Input module

12, 34. . . Storage device

32. . . Protection module

320. . . Programmable logic component

3200. . . First logical unit

3202. . . Second logical unit

3204. . . Third logical unit

36. . . Battery module

34. . . Storage module

4. . . Electronic device

C. . . Capacitive component

R. . . Resistance element

S _i . . . Input signal

S _d . . . Delay signal

S _o . . . Output signal

S ₁ . . . First signal

S ₂ . . . Second signal

S ₃ . . . Third signal

t _d . . . delay

Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing a conventional storage device.

Figure 2A is a functional block diagram of a storage device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B is an example of a timing diagram of the signal in Figure 2A.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a method of operating a storage device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of step S52 in FIG.

3. . . Storage device

30. . . Input module

32. . . Protection module

320. . . Programmable logic component

3200. . . First logical unit

3202. . . Second logical unit

3204. . . Third logical unit

34. . . Storage module

36. . . Battery module

4. . . Electronic device

C. . . Capacitive component

R. . . Resistance element

S _i . . . Input signal

S _d . . . Delay signal

S _o . . . Output signal

S ₁ . . . First signal

S ₂ . . . Second signal

S ₃ . . . Third signal

Claims (11)

A storage device includes: an input module, the input module receives an input signal from the electronic device; and a protection module coupled to the input module, wherein the storage module is coupled to the electronic device The protection module further includes: a first logic unit coupled to the input module, the first logic unit receiving the input signal and generating a first signal; and a second logic unit for generating a delay signal; The third logic unit is coupled to the first logic unit and the second logic unit for generating the output signal according to the first signal and the delay signal; a resistive component coupled to the first logic unit and the first logic unit And a capacitor element coupled between the resistor element and the second logic unit; and a storage module coupled to the protection module for receiving the output signal and according to the output The signal is activated by the storage device; wherein the protection module performs a delay processing on the input signal to generate the output signal such that there is a delay between the output signal and the input signal Differences. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the input module is a universal serial bus. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the input signal Is a voltage signal or a current signal. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the protection module comprises a programmable logic element, and the programmable logic element comprises the first logic unit, the second logic unit, and the third logic unit. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the second logical unit is a Schmitt trigger. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the resistive element and the capacitive element are charged and discharged through the first signal to generate a second signal. The storage device of claim 6, wherein the second logic unit generates the delay signal according to the second signal. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the storage device further includes a battery module coupled between the protection module and the storage module for receiving the output signal Send a third signal to the storage module. A method of operating a storage device, comprising the steps of: (a) when the storage device is coupled to an electronic device, the storage device receives an input signal from the electronic device; (b) performs a delay processing on the input signal To generate an output signal, wherein the output signal has a delay time difference from the input signal, and step (b) further comprises the following sub-steps: (b1) receiving the input signal and generating a first signal; (b2) Generating a delay signal; and (b3) generating the output signal based on the first signal and the delay signal And (c) receiving the output signal and actuating the storage device based on the output signal. The method of claim 9, wherein the input signal is a voltage signal or a current signal. The method of claim 9, wherein the storage device comprises a battery module, the battery module is configured to receive the output signal and transmit a third signal to the storage module.