linux-kernel - Re: single bit errors on files stored on USB-HDDs via USB2/usb

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Message-ID: <457A5384.9070806@iinet.net.au>
Date:	Sat, 09 Dec 2006 17:11:16 +1100
From:	Ben Nizette <ben.nizette@...et.net.au>
To:	Oliver Neukum <oliver@...kum.org>
CC:	Matthias Schniedermeyer <ms@...d.de>,
	Stefan Richter <stefanr@...6.in-berlin.de>,
	Robert Hancock <hancockr@...w.ca>,
	linux-kernel <linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org>,
	DervishD <lkml@...vishd.net>
Subject: Re: single bit errors on files stored on USB-HDDs via USB2/usb_storage

>>> Also, you mentioned that the corruption occurs systematically on certain
>>> byte patterns. Therefore it's certainly not related to the cables.
>> It'd guess that too, but who can that say for sure. :-|
> 
> You may have a bit pattern that stresses the controllers and suddenly
> a marginal cable may matter.

The errors occur in strings of 0xFFs.  From the USB standard:

a “1” is represented by no change in level and a “0” is represented by a 
change in level

so this error-infested bytes are effectively long, quiet times on the 
wire.  I would have thought this would be the _least_ stressful time for 
the controllers but maybe they are also more susceptible to noise during 
this period.

Regards,
	Ben
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