Computational Storage Unit Mediator for Host Processor Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
As storage devices increase in capacity, the time required to transfer data between them and main memory increases, potentially slowing down application execution and burdening the host processor, which necessitates an efficient method to process data without overloading the processor.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function device that supports storage devices and computational storage units, allowing one or more computational storage units to be hidden from the host processor and used internally, with data shared using a buffer that acts as shared memory, enabling parallel or sequential access without host management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is transferred from storage device to main memory for processing, then application can process data, but transfer time increases and host processor is burdened
Solution Approach 1:
A computational storage unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the storage device and main memory. This unit performs data processing operations directly on the storage device without requiring data to be transferred to main memory, thereby reducing transfer time while maintaining processing capability. The computational storage unit acts as a mediator that handles computational tasks locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a storage device for data storage, a computational storage unit for data processing, and main memory for temporary data holding. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the computational storage unit processing data directly from the storage device without involving the host processor for data transfer operations.
2Productivity
If host processor executes commands to process data, then data can be processed, but host processor is burdened
Solution Approach 1:
The computational storage unit serves as an intermediary that takes over data processing tasks from the host processor. It receives data from the storage device and performs processing operations locally, thereby reducing the workload on the host processor while maintaining the system's overall processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The computational storage unit is designed to autonomously perform data processing operations without requiring continuous intervention or management from the host processor. It can independently execute processing tasks, manage data flow from the storage device, and handle computational workload, thereby freeing the host processor from direct data processing responsibilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function device is disclosed. The multi-function device may include a first connector for communicating with a storage device, a second connector for communicating with a first computational storage unit, a third connector for communicating with a second computational storage unit, and a fourth connector for communicating with a host processor. The multi-function device is configured to expose the storage device and the first computational storage unit to the host processor via the fourth connector.