阅读说明：本技术 串行高级技术附件接口、存储设备及其电力管理方法 (Serial advanced technology attachment interface, storage device and power management method thereof ) 是由 郑宇圣 于 2011-12-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：至少一个示例实施例公开了一种管理主机串行高级技术附件(SATA)接口和设备SATA接口之间的电力的方法。该方法包括：第一请求进入由SATA协议定义的省电状态中的一个；以及如果主机SATA接口和设备SATA接口中的一个工作在第一请求的省电状态中,则第二请求进入深度省电状态。所述第一请求进入省电状态中的一个和第二请求进入深度省电状态由主机SATA接口和设备SATA接口中的一个执行。(At least one example embodiment discloses a method of managing power between a host Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface and a device SATA interface. The method comprises the following steps: the first request to enter one of the power saving states defined by the SATA protocol; and if one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface is operating in the power save state of the first request, the second request enters a deep power save state. The first request to enter one of the power saving states and the second request to enter the deep power saving state are performed by one of a host SATA interface and a device SATA interface.)

1. A Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface circuit, comprising:

a receiver configured to receive a first differential signal from an external device through a signal line;

at least one power part configured to receive power from an external device, the at least one power part configured to receive a deep sleep signal from the external device through a power part line of the power part, the power part line being different from the signal line, wherein

The SATA interface circuit is configured to enter one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode based on a first differential signal,

the SATA interface circuit is configured to detect activation of a deep sleep signal and to enter a third sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal,

the SATA interface circuit is configured to consume less power in a third sleep mode than in the second sleep mode,

the SATA interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the second sleep mode than in the first sleep mode, and

the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from the first sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal.

2. The SATA interface circuit of claim 1, wherein the SATA interface circuit comprises a device analog front end.

3. The SATA interface circuit of claim 2, wherein the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode directly from the first sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal.

4. The SATA interface circuit of claim 1, wherein the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter an active mode from at least one of a third sleep mode and a first sleep mode, a period of time to enter the active mode from the third sleep mode being greater than a period of time to enter the active mode from the first sleep mode.

5. The SATA interface circuit of claim 1, wherein the SATA interface circuit is configured to exit the third sleep mode in response to deactivation of a signal received through the power section if the interface circuit is in the third sleep mode.

6. The SATA interface circuit of claim 1, wherein the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from a second sleep mode.

7. The SATA interface circuit of claim 6, wherein the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode directly from a second sleep mode.

8. The SATA interface circuit of claim 6, wherein the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter the third sleep mode directly from the first sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal.

9. A storage device, comprising:

a non-volatile memory; and

a memory controller configured to control the non-volatile memory, the memory controller including an interface circuit configured to communicate with an external device,

wherein the interface circuit comprises a first interface circuit and a second interface circuit,

a receiver configured to be connected to the first differential signal line and to receive at least one of a first sleep signal, a second sleep signal, and a wake-up request from an external device through the first differential signal line;

a transmitter configured to be connected to the second differential signal line and to transmit a sleep response to the external device through the second differential signal line in response to the first sleep signal or the second sleep signal; and

at least one power part configured to be connected to a sleep signal line and receive a third sleep signal from an external device through the sleep signal line, the sleep signal line being separated from the first and second differential signal lines,

wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode in response to a first sleep signal and a second sleep signal, respectively, and to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal,

the interface circuit configured to exit the third sleep mode in response to a negation of the third sleep signal, the interface circuit configured to consume less power in the third sleep mode than in the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode,

the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the second sleep mode than in the first sleep mode,

the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the first sleep mode, and

the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the second sleep mode.

10. The memory device of claim 9, wherein a time period for entering the active mode from the third sleep mode is longer than a time period for entering the active mode from the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode, and

the time period for entering the active mode from the second sleep mode is greater than the time period for entering the active mode from the first sleep mode.

11. The storage device of claim 9, wherein the at least one power section is configured to receive power from an external device.

12. The memory device of claim 9, wherein the first sleep mode comprises a partial mode and the second sleep mode comprises a sleep mode, and

wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter one of a partial mode and a sleep mode in response to the first sleep signal and the second sleep signal, respectively.

13. The memory device of claim 12, wherein the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in a sleep mode than in a partial mode, and

wherein a time period for entering the active mode from the sleep mode is longer than a time period for entering the active mode from the partial mode.

14. A method of managing power of a storage device including a non-volatile memory and a memory controller, the memory controller including an interface circuit configured to be connected to a first differential signal line, a second differential signal line, and a sleep signal line, the method comprising:

receiving at least one of a first sleep signal and a second sleep signal through a first differential signal line;

entering one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode of the interface circuit in response to one of the first sleep signal and the second sleep signal, respectively;

transmitting a sleep response through the second differential signal line when entering one of the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode;

entering a third sleep mode of the interface circuit in response to a third sleep signal received through the sleep signal line, the sleep signal line being separate from the first and second differential signal lines; and

exiting the third sleep mode of the interface circuit in response to the negation of the third sleep signal,

wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the first sleep mode, and

the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the second sleep mode.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

entering an active mode in response to a wake-up request through the first differential signal line; and

when entering the active mode, a wake-up response is sent over the second differential signal line.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the wake-up request comprises at least one of out-of-band (OOB) signals including COMWAKE, COMINIT, COMRESET, and ALIGN according to a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) specification.

17. The method of claim 14, the first sleep mode of the interface circuit comprising a partial mode of the interface circuit and the second sleep mode of the interface circuit comprising a sleep mode of the interface circuit, and

wherein entering one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode of the interface circuit comprises entering one of a partial mode and a sleep mode of the interface circuit in response to one of the first sleep signal and the second sleep signal, respectively.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in sleep mode than in partial mode, and

wherein a time period for entering the active mode from the sleep mode is longer than a time period for entering the active mode from the partial mode.

19. A storage device, comprising:

a non-volatile memory;

a memory controller configured to control the non-volatile memory, the memory controller including an interface circuit configured to communicate with an external device,

wherein the interface circuit comprises a first interface circuit and a second interface circuit,

a receiver configured to receive a first differential signal from an external device; and

a transmitter configured to generate a second differential signal to an external device, wherein

The interface circuit is configured to receive a deep sleep signal from an external device,

the interface circuit is configured to enter one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode based on a first differential signal,

the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from the first sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal,

the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from the second sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal,

the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in a third sleep mode than in the second sleep mode,

the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the second sleep mode than in the first sleep mode, and

the interface circuit is configured to receive a deep sleep signal, which is not received by the receiver.

20. The memory device of claim 19, the interface circuit configured to enter the active mode from at least a third sleep mode and the first sleep mode, a time period to enter the active mode from the third sleep mode being greater than a time period to enter the active mode from the first sleep mode.

21. The memory device of claim 19, wherein the interface circuit is configured to exit the third sleep mode in response to deactivation of the deep sleep signal if the interface circuit is in the third sleep mode.

22. The memory device of claim 19, wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter the third sleep mode directly from the second sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal.

23. The memory device of claim 19, wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter the third sleep mode directly from the first sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal.

24. An interface circuit, comprising:

a receiver configured to be connected to the first differential signal line and to receive at least one of a first sleep signal, a second sleep signal, and a wake-up request from an external device through the first differential signal line;

a transmitter configured to be connected to the second differential signal line and to transmit a sleep response to the external device through the second differential signal line in response to the first sleep signal or the second sleep signal; and

at least one power part configured to be connected to a sleep signal line and receive a third sleep signal from an external device through the sleep signal line, the sleep signal line being separated from the first and second differential signal lines,

wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode in response to a first sleep signal and a second sleep signal, respectively, and to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal,

the interface circuit is configured to exit the third sleep mode in response to the negation of the third sleep signal and enter the active mode in response to the wake-up request,

the transmitter is further configured to transmit a wake-up response to the external device over the second differential signal line in response to the wake-up request,

the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the third sleep mode than in the first and second sleep modes,

the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the second sleep mode than in the first sleep mode,

the period of time for entering the active mode from the third sleep mode is greater than the period of time for entering the active mode from the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode,

the period of time for entering the active mode from the third sleep mode is greater than the period of time for entering the active mode from the second sleep mode,

the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the first sleep mode, and

the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the second sleep mode.

25. The interface circuit of claim 24, wherein the first sleep mode comprises a partial mode and the second sleep mode comprises a sleep mode, and

wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter one of a partial mode and a sleep mode in response to the first sleep signal and the second sleep signal, respectively.

26. The interface circuit of claim 24, wherein the wake request comprises at least one of out-of-band (OOB) signals including COMWAKE, COMINIT, COMRESET, and ALIGN according to a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) specification.

27. A method of managing power of an interface circuit configured to be connected to a first differential signal line, a second differential signal line, and a sleep signal line separate from the first differential signal line and the second differential signal line, the method comprising:

receiving at least one of a first sleep signal, a second sleep signal, and a wake-up request through a first differential signal line;

entering one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode in response to one of a first sleep signal and a second sleep signal respectively,

transmitting a sleep response through the second differential signal line when entering one of the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode;

entering a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal received through the sleep signal line;

exiting the third sleep mode in response to the negation of the third sleep signal;

entering an active mode in response to a wake-up request received through the first differential signal line; and

a wake-up response is sent over the second differential signal line when the active mode is entered,

wherein the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the third sleep mode than in the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode,

the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the second sleep mode than in the first sleep mode,

the period of time for entering the active mode from the third sleep mode is greater than the period of time for entering the active mode from the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode,

the period of time for entering the active mode from the second sleep mode is greater than the period of time for entering the active mode from the first sleep mode,

the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the first sleep mode, and

the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the second sleep mode.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first sleep mode comprises a partial mode and the second sleep mode comprises a sleep mode, and

wherein entering one of the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode comprises entering one of a partial mode and a sleep mode in response to the first sleep signal and the second sleep signal, respectively.

29. A method of managing a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface circuit, the method comprising:

receiving, by a receiver, a request from an external device through a SATA interface circuit, the request being a differential signal;

entering one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode of the SATA interface circuit in response to the request;

receiving a deep sleep signal from an external device through a SATA interface circuit;

detecting activation of a deep sleep signal; and

when the activation of the deep sleep signal is detected, a third sleep mode of the SATA interface circuit is entered,

wherein the SATA interface circuit consumes less power in a third sleep mode than the SATA interface circuit consumes in a second sleep mode,

the SATA interface circuit consumes less power in the second sleep mode than the SATA interface circuit consumes in the first sleep mode,

the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from the first sleep mode, and

the SATA interface circuit is configured to receive a deep sleep signal, which is not received by a receiver.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from the second sleep mode.

31. A method of managing a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface circuit, the method comprising:

receiving a request from a pair of signal lines through a SATA interface circuit, the request being a differential signal;

entering one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode of the SATA interface circuit in response to the request;

detecting activation of a deep sleep signal; and

when the activation of the deep sleep signal is detected, a third sleep mode of the SATA interface circuit is entered,

wherein the SATA interface circuit consumes less power in a third sleep mode than the SATA interface circuit consumes in a second sleep mode,

the SATA interface circuit consumes less power in the second sleep mode than the SATA interface circuit consumes in the first sleep mode,

the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from the first sleep mode, and

the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from the second sleep mode.

32. The memory device of claim 31, wherein the interface circuit is configured to connect to a deep sleep signal line separate from a differential signal line,

the interface circuit is configured to receive a deep sleep signal via a deep sleep signal line, and

the interface circuit is configured to receive a first differential signal via a differential signal line.

33. The memory device of claim 32, wherein the interface circuit is configured to exit the third sleep mode in response to deactivation of the deep sleep signal if the interface circuit is in the third sleep mode.

34. A storage device, comprising:

a non-volatile memory; and

a memory controller configured to control a non-volatile memory, the memory controller comprising: an interface circuit configured to communicate with an external device, the interface circuit comprising a receiver configured to receive a differential signal from the external device, wherein

The interface circuit is configured to enter one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode based on a differential signal,

the interface circuit is configured to receive a deep sleep signal from an external device, and to enter a third sleep mode from the first sleep mode based on the deep sleep signal without going through the second sleep mode, the deep sleep signal not being received by the receiver,

the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the third sleep mode than in the second sleep mode, and

the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the second sleep mode than in the first sleep mode.

35. The memory device of claim 34, wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from the second sleep mode based on a deep sleep signal.

Technical Field

At least some example embodiments relate to a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface, and more particularly, to a power management method capable of reducing power consumption of the SATA interface.

Background

In a computer system, a host may connect to peripheral devices (e.g., data storage devices, printers, scanners, etc.) through a standardized interface. A standardized interface may mean a protocol, mechanical or electrical specifications, and a command set for a device used to connect a host and a peripheral.

In a computer system, standardized interfaces for interconnecting a host and a peripheral device may include various interfaces such as an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) interface, serial ATA, external SATA (E-SATA), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) interface, PCI express (PCI-E) interface, IEEE 1394 interface, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, Secure Digital (SD) card interface, multimedia card (MMC) interface, embedded multimedia card (eMMC) interface, Compact Flash (CF) card interface, and the like.

Among the standardized interfaces, the ATA and SATA interfaces have been widely used in personal computers or handheld electronic devices. The ATA interface may connect the host and the peripheral device via an ATA command set. In addition, the ATA interface may use a parallel transfer method in which a plurality of signal lines are used. In the case of the parallel transfer mode of the ATA interface, unevenness (skew) or crosstalk may occur due to a plurality of signal lines. The unevenness may mean that data signals simultaneously transmitted from the transmitting side via a plurality of signal lines arrive at the receiving side dispersedly. Crosstalk may mean that interference occurs due to mutual induction caused between signals transmitted via a plurality of signal lines.

The SATA interface may use a serial transfer method. Thus, the STAT interface may connect the host and the peripheral device via the ATA command set using serial transfer. SATA can transfer signals at high speed using a high clock frequency.

The SATA interface may support three power modes: PHY ready (PHYRDY) power mode, partial power mode, and sleep power mode. During PHYRDY power mode, it may operate in an active mode. During the partial and sleep power modes, it may operate in a power saving mode.

Disclosure of Invention

At least one aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to providing a method of managing power between a host SATA interface and a device SATA interface, the method comprising: the first request to enter one of the power saving states defined by the SATA protocol; and if one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface is operating in the requested power save state, then the second request enters a deep power save state. The first request to enter one of the power saving states and the second request to enter the deep power saving state are performed by one of a host SATA interface and a device SATA interface.

In at least one example embodiment, the first request to enter one of power saving states comprises: requesting entry into one of a first power saving state and a second power saving state.

In at least one example embodiment, the wake-up time of the first power saving state is shorter than the wake-up time of the second power saving state.

In at least one example embodiment, the first state is a partial state.

In at least one example embodiment, the second state is a sleep state.

In at least one example embodiment, the wake-up time of the second power saving state is shorter than the wake-up time of the deep power saving state.

In at least one example embodiment, the power consumed by at least one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface in the deep power save state is less than the power consumed at each of the power save states.

In at least one example embodiment, the second request to enter a deep power save state is run through a SATA interface requesting entry into one of the power save states.

In at least one example embodiment, the method further comprises: the third request enters a ready state while one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface is operating in the first requested power save state or the requested deep power save state.

In at least one example embodiment, the third request to enter a ready state is run through one of a host SATA interface and a device SATA interface.

At least one other aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface configured to receive a deep sleep signal. The SATA interface includes: an out-of-band (OOB) signal detector configured to determine a type of the OOB signal; and a squelch circuit (squelch circuit) configured to detect the wake-up signal according to a differential voltage between the received signals and detect whether the received signals are OOB signals. Upon entering a deep sleep state based on the deep sleep signal, power is provided only to the squelch circuit, and power consumption of the SATA interface during the deep sleep state is less than power consumption of at least one other power saving state.

In at least one example embodiment, the SATA interface further includes a transmitter, a receiver, a phase locked loop circuit, and a voltage regulator, wherein the transmitter, the receiver, the phase locked loop circuit, and the voltage regulator are not provided with power when entering the deep sleep state.

In at least one example embodiment, the deep sleep signal is received via a control signal line in the power cable.

In at least one example embodiment, the deep sleep signal is received via a deep sleep signal line that is physically separate from the SATA cable and the power cable.

In at least one example embodiment, the SATA interface receives a deep sleep signal via a data line of the SATA cable, and further includes a deep signal detector configured to detect the deep sleep signal received through the data line, the deep sleep signal detector detecting two input signals received via the data line as the deep sleep signal if voltage levels of the two input signals are different from each other and if the voltage levels of the two input signals are different from a voltage level of a common mode signal.

At least one other example embodiment discloses a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface configured to operate in a first power mode, the first power mode being a mode in which a single circuit of the SATA interface receives power. The SATA interface includes a squelch circuit configured to receive power in a first power mode.

At least another aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a method of managing power between a host Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface and a device SATA interface, the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface interconnected by a SATA cable and a power cable, the SATA cable including a data line, the power cable including a power line and a signal line for providing power, the method comprising: a first request to enter one of the power saving states defined by the SATA protocol over the data line; and if one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface is operating in a first requested power saving state, second requesting entry into a deep power saving state through a signal line of the power cable, wherein the first requesting entry into one of the power saving states and the second requesting entry into the deep power saving state are performed by the one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface.

At least another aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface configured to be connected to a SATA cable and a power cable, the SATA cable including a data line, the power cable including a power line for providing power and a signal line, the SATA interface further configured to receive a deep sleep signal through the signal line, the SATA interface comprising: an out-of-band (OOB) signal detector configured to determine a type of the OOB signal; and a squelch circuit configured to detect the wake-up signal and detect whether the received signal is an OOB signal according to a differential voltage between signals received through the data line, wherein power is supplied only to the squelch circuit when entering a deep sleep state based on the deep sleep signal, and power consumption of the SATA interface during the deep sleep state is less than power consumption of at least one other power saving state.

At least another aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface configured to connect to a SATA cable and a power cable, the SATA cable including a data line, the power cable including a power line and a signal line for providing power, the SATA interface configured to operate in a first power mode in response to receiving a first power request over the signal line of the power cable, the first power mode being a mode in which a single circuit of the SATA interface receives power, the SATA interface comprising: a squelch circuit configured to receive power in a first power mode.

At least another aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to an interface circuit, comprising: a receiver configured to be connected to the first differential signal line and to receive at least one of a first sleep signal, a second sleep signal, and a wake-up request from an external device through the first differential signal line; a transmitter configured to be connected to the second differential signal line and to transmit a sleep response to the external device through the second differential signal line in response to the first sleep signal or the second sleep signal; and at least one power section configured to be connected to and receive a third sleep signal from the external device through the sleep signal line, the sleep signal line being separate from the first and second differential signal lines, wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter the first and second sleep modes in response to the first and second sleep signals, respectively, and to enter the third sleep mode in response to the third sleep signal, the interface circuit is configured to exit the third sleep mode in response to a negation of the third sleep signal, and to enter the active mode in response to a wake-up request, the transmitter is further configured to transmit a wake-up response to the external device through the second differential signal line in response to the wake-up request, the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the third sleep mode than in the first and second sleep modes, the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the second sleep mode than in the first sleep mode, enter the active mode from the third sleep mode for a period of time greater than a period of time to enter the active mode from the first and second sleep modes, enter the active mode from the third sleep mode for a period of time greater than a period of time to enter the active mode from the second sleep mode, enter the third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the first sleep mode, and enter the third sleep mode in response to the third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the second sleep mode.

At least another aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a method of managing power of an interface circuit configured to be connected to a first differential signal line, a second differential signal line, and a sleep signal line separated from the first differential signal line and the second differential signal line, the method comprising: receiving at least one of a first sleep signal, a second sleep signal, and a wake-up request through a first differential signal line; entering one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode in response to one of the first sleep signal and the second sleep signal, respectively, and transmitting a sleep response through the second differential signal line when entering one of the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode; entering a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal received through the sleep signal line; exiting the third sleep mode in response to the negation of the third sleep signal; entering an active mode in response to a wake-up request received through the first differential signal line; and transmitting a wake-up response over a second differential signal line when entering an active mode, wherein the interface circuit is configured to, compared in the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode, consuming less power in the third sleep mode, the interface circuit being configured to transmit the first and second signals to the first and second communication circuits, less power is consumed in the second sleep mode, a time period for entering the active mode from the third sleep mode is longer than a time period for entering the active mode from the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode, a time period for entering the active mode from the second sleep mode is longer than a time period for entering the active mode from the first sleep mode, the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the first sleep mode, and the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the second sleep mode.

At least another aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a storage device, comprising: a non-volatile memory; and a memory controller configured to control the non-volatile memory, the memory controller including an interface circuit configured to communicate with an external device, wherein the interface circuit includes a receiver configured to be connected to the first differential signal line and receive at least one of a first sleep signal, a second sleep signal, and a wake-up request from the external device through the first differential signal line; a transmitter configured to be connected to the second differential signal line and to transmit a sleep response to the external device through the second differential signal line in response to the first sleep signal or the second sleep signal; and at least one power section configured to be connected to a sleep signal line and receive a third sleep signal from an external device through the sleep signal line, the sleep signal line being separate from the first and second differential signal lines, wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter one of the first and second sleep modes in response to the first and second sleep signals, respectively, and to enter the third sleep mode in response to the third sleep signal, the interface circuit is configured to exit the third sleep mode in response to negation of the third sleep signal, the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the third sleep mode than in the first and second sleep modes, the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the second sleep mode than in the first sleep mode, the interface circuit is configured to respond to the third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the first sleep mode A third sleep mode is entered, and the interface circuit is configured to enter the third sleep mode in response to a third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the second sleep mode.

At least another aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a method of managing power of a memory device including a non-volatile memory and a memory controller including an interface circuit configured to be connected to a first differential signal line, a second differential signal line, and a sleep signal line, the method comprising: receiving at least one of a first sleep signal and a second sleep signal through a first differential signal line; entering one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode of the interface circuit in response to one of the first sleep signal and the second sleep signal, respectively; transmitting a sleep response through the second differential signal line when entering one of the first sleep mode and the second sleep mode; entering a third sleep mode of the interface circuit in response to a third sleep signal received through the sleep signal line, the sleep signal line being separate from the first and second differential signal lines; and exiting a third sleep mode of the interface circuit in response to a negation of the third sleep signal, wherein the interface circuit is configured to enter the third sleep mode in response to the third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the first sleep mode, and the interface circuit is configured to enter the third sleep mode in response to the third sleep signal when the interface circuit is in the second sleep mode.

At least another aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface circuit, comprising: a receiver configured to receive a first differential signal from an external device through a signal line; at least one power part configured to receive power from an external device, the at least one power part configured to receive a deep sleep signal from the external device through a power part line of the power part, the power part line being different from the signal line, wherein the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode based on a first differential signal, the SATA interface circuit is configured to detect activation of a deep sleep signal and to enter a third sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal, the SATA interface circuit is configured to, in comparison to in the second sleep mode, consuming less power in a third sleep mode, the SATA interface circuit being configured to transmit the data to the external device in the third sleep mode, less power is consumed in the second sleep mode and the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from the first sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal.

At least one other aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a method of managing a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface circuit, the method comprising: receiving, by a receiver, a request from an external device through a SATA interface circuit, the request being a differential signal; entering one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode of the SATA interface circuit in response to the request; receiving a deep sleep signal from an external device through a SATA interface circuit; detecting activation of a deep sleep signal; and entering a third sleep mode of the SATA interface circuit when activation of a deep sleep signal is detected, wherein power consumed by the SATA interface circuit in the third sleep mode is less than power consumed by the SATA interface circuit in the second sleep mode, power consumed by the SATA interface circuit in the second sleep mode is less than power consumed by the SATA interface circuit in the first sleep mode, the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter the third sleep mode from the first sleep mode, and the SATA interface circuit is configured to receive the deep sleep signal, which is not received by the receiver.

At least another aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a storage device, comprising: a non-volatile memory; a memory controller configured to control a non-volatile memory, the memory controller comprising an interface circuit configured to communicate with an external device, wherein the interface circuit comprises, a receiver configured to receive a first differential signal from the external device; and a transmitter configured to generate a second differential signal to an external device, wherein the interface circuit is configured to receive a deep sleep signal from the external device, the interface circuit is configured to enter one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode based on the first differential signal, the interface circuit is configured to enter a third sleep mode from the first sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal, the interface circuit is configured to enter the third sleep mode from the second sleep mode in response to activation of the deep sleep signal, the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the third sleep mode than in the second sleep mode, the interface circuit is configured to consume less power in the second sleep mode than in the first sleep mode, and the interface circuit is configured to receive the deep sleep signal, the deep sleep signal is not received by the receiver.

At least one other aspect of example embodiments of the inventive concepts is directed to a method of managing a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface circuit, the method comprising: receiving a request from a pair of signal lines through a SATA interface circuit, the request being a differential signal; entering one of a first sleep mode and a second sleep mode of the SATA interface circuit in response to the request; detecting activation of a deep sleep signal; and entering a third sleep mode of the SATA interface circuit when activation of the deep sleep signal is detected, wherein power consumed by the SATA interface circuit in the third sleep mode is less than power consumed by the SATA interface circuit in the second sleep mode, power consumed by the SATA interface circuit in the second sleep mode is less than power consumed by the SATA interface circuit in the first sleep mode, the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter the third sleep mode from the first sleep mode, and the SATA interface circuit is configured to enter the third sleep mode from the second sleep mode.

Drawings

The above and other objects and features will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified, and in which:

fig. 1 is a block diagram of an Analog Front End (AFE) of a SATA interface in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a power state of a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a power management method of a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a switching process from a power saving mode to an active mode in a power management method of a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing OOB signals transmitted for switching to an active mode according to at least one example embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a table showing time criteria for the burst and squelch intervals in fig. 5 according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing interconnections between a host and devices (each including a SATA interface) according to at least one example embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power cable of a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept.

Fig. 9 is a diagram for describing a deep sleep signal receiving method according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 10 is a diagram for describing a signal line for transmitting and receiving a deep sleep signal according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 11 is a diagram for describing a differential signaling method of a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagram for describing a method of transmitting and receiving a deep sleep signal according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram of a circuit to receive a deep sleep signal according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a user device including a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Detailed Description

The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. The inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

Spatially relative terms such as "below …," "below …," "below," "above …," "above …," and the like may be used herein to simplify description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below …" can encompass both an orientation of "above …" and "below …". The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Further, it will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being between two layers, there can be only one layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may also be present.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concepts. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an Analog Front End (AFE) of a SATA interface in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

The SATA interface can be divided into a physical layer, a link layer, and a transport layer according to functions.

The link and transport layers may form information data for transmitting data into packets and then may transfer them to the physical layer. The link and transport layers may be based on extracting information data from a signal transferred from the physical layer to transmit it to an application layer as an upper layer. The physical layer can convert packet data from the link layer into an electrical signal to be transmitted to the outside at high speed. In addition, the physical layer may transmit signals from the outside to the link layer. To this end, the physical layer may be formed of analog circuits, and the link and transport layers may be formed of digital circuits.

The physical layer of the SATA interface, i.e., the analog circuitry, can be classified as an Analog Front End (AFE). The AFE of the SATA interface may be formed of a physical block (hereinafter, referred to as a PHY block) for converting an analog signal into a digital signal or converting a digital signal into an analog signal.

Referring to fig. 1, the AFE 100 may include a transmitter 110, a receiver 120, a squelch circuit 130, and an OOB signal detector 140. The AFE 100 may also include phase-locked loop (PLL) circuitry 150, a voltage regulator 160, and the like. The transmitter 110, the receiver 120, the PLL circuit 150, and the voltage regulator 160 may be well known, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted.

The squelch circuit 130 can detect the common mode signal. The squelch circuit 130 can detect the voltage level of the input signal based on a predetermined threshold voltage. For example, if the differential voltage of the input signal is below 50mV, the squelch circuit 130 can treat it as a common mode signal. In this case, the squelch circuit 130 can treat the input signal as a neutral state (e.g., a floating state). If the differential voltage of the input signal exceeds 200mV, the squelch circuit 130 can treat it as a valid out-of-band (OOB) signal. The OOB detector 140 may determine the type of the OOB signal in response to the output signal of the squelch circuit 130.

As described above, the physical layer may be formed of an analog circuit. Since the physical layer includes an AFE that operates to detect an input signal, it may consume a large amount of power. Further, the physical layer may include analog circuits that operate at high speed. This means that the physical layer consumes a large amount of power. Thus, the SATA interface may have multiple power modes to manage the power consumption of the SATA interface itself.

A protocol of the SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept may define a partial state and a sleep state for operating in a power saving mode. Further, a protocol of the SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept may define a deep sleep state for operating in a deep power saving mode.

If the SATA interface enters a deep sleep state, power may be supplied only to a circuit block (e.g., a circuit that detects a wake-up signal) among circuit blocks constituting the squelch circuit 130. Thus, the SATA interface may consume less power in the deep sleep state than in the sleep state. A power state of a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept will be described more fully with reference to fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a power state of a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 2, the protocol of the SATA interface may define a physical layer ready state (hereinafter, referred to as a PHYRDY state) for operating in an active mode. In addition, the protocol of the SATA interface may define a partial state and a sleep state for operating in a power saving mode. In addition, the protocol of the SATA interface may define a deep sleep state for operating in a deep power save mode.

The PHYRDY state may indicate that all PHY blocks of the physical layer are activated. The partial state and the sleep state may indicate a power saving state in which the SATA interface is substantially inoperative. That is, in the partial and sleep states, some PHY blocks of the physical layer may not be powered.

The partial state and the sleep state may be distinguished according to a wake-up time taken to return to the PHYRDYDYRY state from the corresponding mode. For example, the wake time taken to return from the partial state to the PHYRDYDY state may be defined to be no more than 10 μ s. Unlike the above, the wake-up time taken to return from the sleep state to the PHYRDYDY state may be defined to be not more than 10 ms. Accordingly, the PHY blocks related to data transmission and reception may not be supplied with power in the partial state, and all PHY blocks except the squelch circuit 130 in fig. 1 may not be supplied with power in the sleep state. That is, the wake-up time of the partial state may be faster than the wake-up time of the sleep state, and the power consumption of the sleep state may be less than the power consumption of the partial state.

The deep sleep state may represent a state in which power is supplied to a part of the circuits of the squelch circuit 130. Here, the partial circuit may mean a small number of circuits for detecting the wake-up signal. Thus, the power consumption of the deep sleep state may be less than the power consumption of the sleep state. Further, the wake time taken to return from the PHYRDY state to the deep sleep state may be longer than the wake time taken to return from the PHYRDY state to the sleep state.

Among the power states (or modes) of the SATA interface described above, the PHYRDY state, the partial state, and the sleep state may be power states defined by the SATA specification. According to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concepts, a deep sleep state may be newly defined. The partial state and the sleep state may be entered from the PHYRDY state. On the other hand, the deep sleep state may be entered from the partial state and the sleep state. The deep sleep state may be a state in which the SATA interface enters a power saving mode. This means that more and more power can be saved in the deep sleep state.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a power management method of a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept. In fig. 3, the SATA interface requesting to enter any power state may be referred to as a sending SATA interface, and the SATA interface receiving the request may be referred to as a receiving SATA interface.

In operation, the receiving SATA interface can check whether the sending SATA interface requests entry into a partial state. If so, the method proceeds to operation S120, where the receiving SATA interface may determine whether a partial state may be entered.

If it is determined that it is not possible to enter the partial state, the method proceeds to operation S130, where the receiving SATA interface transmits an entry prohibition signal to the transmitting SATA interface. On the other hand, if it is judged that the partial state can be entered, the method proceeds to operation S140, in which the receiving SATA interface transmits an entry signal to the transmitting SATA interface. In operation S150, the transmitting SATA interface may enter a partial state in response to the entry signal. Likewise, the receiving SATA interface may enter a partial state.

After entering the partial state, the receiving SATA interface may check whether the transmitting SATA interface requests entry into the deep sleep state in operation S160. If not, the method proceeds to operation S150, where the receiving SATA interface and the transmitting SATA interface may maintain a partial state. On the other hand, if the transmitting SATA interface requests entry into the deep sleep state, the method proceeds to operation S270, where the receiving SATA interface and the transmitting SATA interface may enter the deep sleep state.

Returning to operation S110, if the transmitting SATA interface does not request entry into a partial state, the method proceeds to operation S210, where the receiving SATA interface may check whether the transmitting SATA interface requests entry into a sleep state. If so, the receiving SATA interface may determine whether a sleep state can be entered in operation S220.

If it is not possible to enter the sleep state, the method proceeds to operation S230, where the receiving SATA interface transmits an entry prohibition signal to the transmitting SATA interface. On the other hand, if the sleep state can be entered, the receiving SATA interface may transmit an entry signal to the transmitting SATA interface in operation S240. In operation S250, the transmitting SATA interface may enter a sleep state in response to the entry signal, and the receiving SATA interface may also enter a sleep state.

After entering the sleep state, the receiving SATA interface may check whether the transmitting SATA interface requests entry into the deep sleep state in operation S260. If not, the method proceeds to operation S250, where the receiving SATA interface and the transmitting SATA interface may remain in a sleep state. On the other hand, if the transmitting SATA interface requests entry into the deep sleep state, the method proceeds to operation S270, where the receiving SATA interface and the transmitting SATA interface may enter the deep sleep state.

Returning to operation S210, if entry into the sleep state is not requested, the method proceeds to operation S310, where the transmitting and receiving SATA interfaces may maintain a PHYRDY state.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a switching process from a power saving mode to an active mode in a power management method of a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept. The SATA interface may support activation of a power management (IPM) function as a power management method. IPM functions can be divided into Host Initiated Power Management (HIPM) and Device Initiated Power Management (DIPM). The HIPM may represent a case where the power states of the host-side SATA interface and the device-side SATA interface should be changed at the request of the SATA interface included in the host. The DIPM may represent a case where the power states of the host-side SATA interface and the device-side SATA interface should be changed at the request of the SATA interface included in the device. For example, in fig. 4, a case where the power state of the SATA interface is changed using the HIPM is shown.

A host-side SATA interface that wants to operate in a power save mode can send a power save mode request signal to an apparatus-side SATA interface. In the SATA interface specification, two types of power saving mode request signals PMREQ _ P and PMREQ _ S indicating a partial state and a sleep state may be defined. In fig. 4, the power saving mode request signal may be represented by PMREQ. The device-side SATA interface receiving the PMREQ signal may transmit a response signal to the host-side SATA interface. In the SATA specification, the response signal may be defined as a PMACK signal indicating that a power saving mode may be entered.

Through this process, the host-side SATA interface and the device-side SATA interface can operate in the power saving mode. That is, the host-side and device-side SATA interfaces can maintain any one of a partial state and a sleep state.

During the power saving mode, the host-side SATA interface requesting operation of the power saving mode may send a request signal for entering a deep sleep state. According to the request signal, the host side SATA interface and the device side SATA interface can operate in a deep power saving mode. That is, the host-side and device-side SATA interfaces can remain in a deep sleep state.

During the deep power saving mode, the SATA interface that wants to operate in the active mode can send a request signal for leaving the deep sleep state. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the host-side SATA interface transmits a request signal for leaving the deep sleep state (deep sleep cancellation). The device side SATA interface may also send another signal COMWQKE. The SATA interface receiving the request signal for leaving the deep sleep state may transmit an OOB signal for operating in the active mode. For example, in fig. 4, the host-side SATA interface transmits OOB signals (COMWAKE signal and ALIGN signal) for operating in the active mode. Here, the OOB signal will be described with reference to fig. 5 and 6. Through this process, the host-side and device-side SATA interfaces can operate in an active mode.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing OOB signals transmitted for switching to the active mode.

The SATA interfaces may be OOB signaled to form a communication link between the SATA interfaces. OOB signaling may be run, for example, in initial connection operations (e.g., power-on sequence operations) and return operations from power-save mode. The OOB signaling may use a signal divided into a squelch interval and a burst signal interval instead of a signal having a transmission speed of 1.5Gbps, 3.0Gbps, or 6.0 Gbps. Fig. 5 shows the OOB mode in which the burst interval T1 and the squelch interval T2 are sequentially repeated. Here, the differential signal may have a large amplitude during the burst interval T1, while it may have a small amplitude (i.e., almost close to '0') during the mute interval T2.

Fig. 6 is a table showing time criteria for the burst and squelch intervals in fig. 5. The OOB mode may have three modes: COMWAKE, COMINIT, and COMRESET.

If the host-side or device-side SATA interface requests the device-side or host-side SATA interface to wake up, it can send COMWAKE mode. If the host-side or device-side SATA interface requests a hardware reset, it can send a COMRESET mode. When the device-side SATA interface requests initiation of communication by the host-side SATA interface, it may send COMINIT mode. The COMINIT and COMRESET modes may be signals that are electrically similar to each other.

Referring to fig. 6, in case of the COMWAKE mode, the burst interval T1 and the squelch interval T2 may be set to a time of 106.7 ns. In the case of the COMINIT and COMRESET modes, the burst interval T1 may be set to a time of 106.7ns and the squelch interval T2 may be set to a time of 320 ns. These times can be determined according to the specifications of the SATA specification.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing interconnections between a host and devices (each including a SATA interface).

Host 210, including SATA interface 211, may be an electronic device such as a computer system (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, server, etc.), a handheld electronic device (e.g., digital camera, digital camcorder, mobile phone, etc.), a television, or a navigation system. Device 220, including SATA interface 221, may be a data storage device such as a hard disk drive, solid state drive, optical drive, and so forth. SATA interfaces 211 and 221 can be the same as those shown in fig. 1.

Host-side SATA interface 211 and device-side SATA interface 221 may be interconnected by a SATA cable formed by two pairs of unidirectional data lines for transmitting differential signals (formed from positive and negative signals). In addition, the host-side SATA interface 211 and the device-side SATA interface 221 may be interconnected through a power cable formed of a power line for supplying a plurality of powers and a signal line for transmitting a control signal. The power cable will be described more fully with reference to fig. 8.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power cable of a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept. Referring to fig. 8, a power cable of the SATA interface may be formed of a power line for supplying power and a signal line for transmitting a control signal.

The power lines may be represented by symbols P1 through P10 and P12 through P15, respectively. The power lines P1 to P10 and P12 to P15 may be distributed to provide a 3.3V DC voltage, a 5V DC voltage, a 12V DC voltage, and a ground voltage. A signal line for transmitting a control signal may be represented by symbol P11. The signal line P11 may carry any one of a device activity signal, an interleaved spin up signal, and a deep sleep signal.

Among the signals transmitted via the signal line P11, the device active signal and the interleaved spin-up signal may be signals currently defined by the SATA specification. The deep sleep signal may be newly added as a signal transmitted via the signal line P11.

The device activity signal may be activated when data is sent from the host-side SATA interface to the device-side SATA interface. The interleaved spin-up signal may be a control signal for gradually spinning up the device when the plurality of device-side SATA interfaces are connected with the host-side SATA interface and the device is a hard disk drive. Thus, the staggered spin up signal may be activated at initial power up. The deep sleep signal may be activated when the host-side and device-side SATA interfaces request entry into a deep sleep state while operating in a power saving mode.

Therefore, since the activation time points of the device-active signal, the interleaved spin-up signal, and the deep sleep signal are different from each other, they can be transmitted via one signal line P11.

Fig. 9 is a diagram for describing a deep sleep signal receiving method according to the example of fig. 8.

As described above, the deep sleep signal transmitted via the signal line P11 may be activated when the host-side and device-side SATA interfaces are operating in a power saving mode. Since no data is transferred during the power saving mode, the device activity signal is not activated. Thus, the physical layer of the device-side SATA interface may include logic gates 225 that cause a device active signal to be disabled during a power save mode.

The logic gate 225 may receive a power saving mode signal indicating a power saving mode of operation and a signal transmitted via the signal line P11. During the power saving mode, the logic gate 225 may pass the signal provided via the signal line P11 to the deep sleep signal input. When the current mode is not the power saving mode, the logic gate 225 may pass the signal provided via the signal line P11 to the device active signal input. That is, the logic gate 225 may be switching logic. Alternatively, the logic gate 225 may be a logic circuit configured to operate as described above.

Fig. 10 is a diagram for describing a signal line for transmitting and receiving a deep sleep signal according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 10, the host 310 includes a SATA interface 311, and the device 320 includes a SATA interface 321. The host-side SATA interface 311 and the device-side SATA interface 321 can be interconnected through a SATA cable formed by two pairs of unidirectional data lines for transmitting differential signals (formed of positive and negative signals). The host-side and device-side SATA interfaces 311 and 321 may be interconnected by a power cable formed of a power line and a signal line for supplying power. SATA interfaces 311 and 321 can be the same as those shown in FIG. 1.

As illustrated in fig. 8, a deep sleep signal for requesting entry into a deep sleep state is transmitted via a signal line included in a power cable. According to fig. 10, the deep sleep signal may be transmitted via a bidirectional signal line separately allocated for transmitting the deep sleep signal.

Fig. 11 is a diagram for describing a differential signaling method of the SATA interface.

In the SATA interface, data can be transferred by Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS). With the LVDS scheme, a data value may be represented by a difference between two signals (e.g., Rx + and Rx-signals or Tx + and Tx-signals) transmitted via a data line. Since the LVDS scheme uses a signal having a small amplitude, the switching speed of the data value may be fast and power consumption may be reduced.

As shown in fig. 11, in the case of the LVDS mode, the two signals may maintain a neutral logic state (e.g., a floating state) for an interval in which data is not transferred. That is, when data is not transmitted, the two signals may have a common mode voltage level, respectively.

Fig. 12 is a diagram for describing a method of transmitting and receiving a deep sleep signal according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

As described above, in the LVDS mode, when data is not transmitted, two signals may have a common mode voltage level. This means that when the SATA interface is operating in power save mode, the two signals have a common mode voltage level.

The deep sleep signal may be transmitted via the data line during a power saving mode of the SATA interface. For example, the deep sleep signal may be a signal having the same voltage level instead of a differential signal. That is, the deep sleep signal may have a voltage level higher (or lower) than the common mode voltage level.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram of a circuit that receives a deep sleep signal according to the example embodiments of fig. 11 and 12. Referring to fig. 13, the analog front end 400 of the SATA interface according to the example embodiments of fig. 11 and 12 may include a receiver 420, a squelch circuit 430, and a deep sleep signal detector 480. The analog front end 400 of the SATA interface may also include a transmitter, OOB signal detector, PLL circuitry, voltage regulator as described in fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 12, if the deep sleep signal is transmitted via the data line while the SATA interface is operating in the power saving mode, the detector circuit may be configured to detect the deep sleep signal. The analog front end 400 of the SATA interface may include a deep sleep signal detector 480, the deep sleep signal detector 480 being configured to detect a deep sleep signal transferred via data lines Rx + and Rx-.

The deep sleep signal detector 480 may be activated when the SATA interface is operating in a power saving mode. The deep sleep signal detector 480 may transmit a control signal to the deep sleep signal input terminal when signals transmitted via the data lines RX + and RX-have the same voltage level higher (or lower) than the common mode voltage level.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a user device including a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 14, a memory system 2000 may include a memory controller 2200 and at least one nonvolatile storage device 2900.

The memory controller 2200 may be connected to a host 2100 and a nonvolatile storage device 2900. The memory controller 2200 may access the nonvolatile storage device 2900 in response to a request from the host 2100. For example, the memory controller 2200 may be configured to control read, write, and erase operations of the nonvolatile memory device 2900. The memory controller 2200 may be configured to provide an interface between the non-volatile storage device 2900 and the host 2100. The memory controller 2200 may be configured to drive firmware for controlling the nonvolatile memory device 2900.

The memory controller 2200 may include constituent elements such as a RAM 2600, a CPU2400, a host interface 2300, an ECC block 2700, and a memory interface 2500. The RAM 2600 can be used as a working memory of the CPU 2400. The CPU2400 may control the overall operation of the memory controller 2200.

The host interface 2300 may be a SATA interface according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept. The host 2100 and the memory controller 2200 may be connected via a SATA interface 2300. SATA interface 2300 may be configured such that it provides power only to a portion of the circuit blocks (e.g., a circuit that detects a wake-up signal) that make up the circuit block of the squelch circuit when it enters a deep sleep state. Accordingly, power consumed by the SATA interface 2300 in the deep sleep state can be reduced.

The ECC block 2700 may be configured to detect an error of data read from the nonvolatile memory device 2900 and correct the detected error. The ECC block 2700 may be provided as an integral element of the memory controller 2200. In another example embodiment, the ECC block 2700 may be provided as an integral element of the nonvolatile memory device 2900. The storage interface 2500 may provide an interface between the nonvolatile storage device 2900 and the memory controller 2200.

It should be understood that the memory controller 2200 is not limited to this disclosure. For example, the memory controller 2200 may further include a ROM that stores code data required for an initial boot operation and data for interfacing with the host 2100.

The memory controller 2200 and the nonvolatile memory device 2900 may be integrated into a single semiconductor device to form a memory card such as a PCMCIA (personal computer memory card international association) card, a CF (compact flash) card, a smart media card, a memory stick, a multimedia card (MMC, RS-MMC, micro MMC), an SD card (SD, mini SD, micro SD, SDHC), UFS (universal flash memory), or the like.

In at least some example embodiments, the memory controller 2200 and the nonvolatile storage device 2900 may be applied to a Solid State Drive (SSD), a computer, a portable computer, an ultra mobile pc (umpc), a workstation, a netbook, a PDA, a network tablet, a wireless phone, a mobile phone, a smart phone, an electronic book, a PMP (portable multimedia player), a digital camera, a digital audio recorder/player, a digital picture/video recorder/player, a portable game machine, a navigation system, a black box, a 3-dimensional television, a device capable of transmitting and receiving messages in a wireless environment, one of various electronic devices constituting a home network, one of various electronic devices constituting a computer network, one of various electronic devices constituting a telecommunications (telematic) network, an RFID, an embedded system, a computer, Or one of various electronic devices constituting a computing system.

In at least some example embodiments, the non-volatile storage 2900 or memory controller 2200 can be packaged using a package such as, such as a package on package (PoP), a Ball Grid Array (BGA), a Chip Scale Package (CSP), a Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC), a plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), a Die in package (Die in Wafer Pack), a Die in Die Form (Die in Wafer Form), a Chip On Board (COB), a ceramic dual in-line package (CERDIP), a plastic standard quad flat package (MQFP), a Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP), a small outline package integrated circuit (SOIC), a Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP), a Thin Small Outline Package (TSOP), a System In Package (SIP), a multi-chip package (MCP), a Wafer level structure package (WFP), and a Wafer level processing stack package (WSP), among others.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the inventive concept. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.