Storage device and method of controlling link state thereof

A storage device comprising:

• a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices;
• and
• a storage controller configured to,
• control the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices based on an access request provided from a host through a serial communication port, and
• change a link state of the serial communication port from a link active state that can exchange data with the host to a first standby state in response to a power management request,
• wherein the serial communication port enters the first standby state after a holding time of the first standby state is set.

A storage controller comprising:

• a port controller configured to,
• operate in a plurality of link states including a link active state, a first standby state, and a second standby state,
• communicate with a host device while in the link active state,
• receive communications while in the first standby state,
• transition to the second standby state based on a holding time if an exit event has not occurred, the port controller not receiving power while in the second standby state;
• a central processing unit (CPU) configured to,
• transmit read/write control information to control nonvolatile memory devices,
• set a link state of the port among the plurality of link states,
• determine the holding time of the first standby state based on a property or pattern of an access request received from the host,
• monitor communications received by the port controller while the port controller is in the first standby state to determine whether an exit event has occurred, and
• set the link state of the port controller to active link state if an exit event occurs while the port controller is in the first standby mode;
• and
• a flash interface configured to exchange data with the nonvolatile memory devices based on the read/write control information.