Adaptive Storage Interface Multiplexer for Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a high availability storage device capable of operating with different storage interfaces, as maintaining an inventory of devices supporting multiple interfaces is inconvenient and some applications require high availability operations.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive interface high availability storage device is designed with a rear and front multiplexer, adaptable circuit, and storage interface connectors, allowing it to operate in single-port or dual-port states, supporting various storage protocols like NVMe and NVMe over Fabrics, and capable of presenting different host and device side storage interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a storage device supports multiple storage interfaces, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device incorporates multiple storage interface protocols (SAS, SATA, NVLink, PCIe) within a single device, enabling it to universally support different interface types. The device includes multiple interface controllers and protocol handlers that allow it to function across multiple interface standards simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each interface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an interface adapter or mediator component that translates between different storage interface protocols. This intermediary layer receives commands from various interface types and converts them into a unified internal protocol that the storage controller can process, thereby supporting multiple interfaces without requiring separate dedicated pathways for each protocol.
2Reliability
If a storage device operates in dual-port mode, then high availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is segmented into independent port modules, each capable of handling storage operations autonomously. The device includes separate interface controllers and data pathways for each port, allowing one port to operate independently if the other fails. This segmentation enables dual-port operation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically changes its operational parameters based on port availability. When operating in dual-port mode, it configures separate data pathways and command queues for each port. When a port fails, the system changes parameters to redirect all operations through the remaining functional port, thereby maintaining high availability without requiring permanent complex dual-path infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage interface protocols are supported, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple interface controllers and protocol handlers into a single integrated storage device. Rather than manufacturing separate devices for SAS, SATA, NVLink, and PCIe interfaces, the design combines all these interface capabilities into one unified device that can be manufactured as a single unit with integrated multi-protocol support.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is designed as a universal platform that incorporates multiple interface standards within a single manufacturable unit. The device includes a unified storage controller that can handle multiple protocols, allowing manufacturers to produce one versatile device rather than multiple specialized devices, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining broad protocol support.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive interface high availability storage device. In some embodiments, the adaptive interface high availability storage device includes: a rear storage interface connector; a rear multiplexer, connected to the rear storage interface connector; an adaptable circuit connected to the rear multiplexer; a front multiplexer, connected to the adaptable circuit; and a front storage interface connector, connected to the front multiplexer. The adaptive interface high availability storage device may be configured to operate in a single-port state or in a dual-port state. The adaptive interface high availability storage device may be configured: in the single-port state, to present a single-port host side storage interface according to a first storage protocol at the rear storage interface connector, and in the dual-port state, to present a dual-port host side storage interface according to the first storage protocol at the rear storage interface connector.