Consolidated Control Circuitry for Multi-Device Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-device storage systems are expensive due to individual storage devices and their associated control circuitry, which are often stand-alone and not optimized for shared operation in a network environment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-device storage system with consolidated data channel and control circuitry, where a main driver circuit streams frequency modulated write data via parallel paths to local driver circuits, enabling concurrent data transfer and reducing the need for standalone control electronics in each device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual storage devices with standalone control circuitry are used, then each device can operate independently, but the system cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates control circuitry from multiple individual storage devices into a single shared controller that manages multiple storage devices. The controller includes a channel assembly with multiple channels that can be dynamically allocated to different devices, eliminating the need for each device to have its own complete control circuitry while maintaining independent operation capability through logical channel assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared controller is designed with multi-functional capability to serve multiple storage devices through a single unit. The channel assembly can be dynamically configured to work with different device types and configurations, providing universal control functionality that replaces multiple specialized control circuits while maintaining device-specific operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standalone control electronics are provided in each storage device, then each device can function independently, but the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control electronics from multiple individual devices into a single shared controller unit. This consolidation reduces the total number of control circuits required in the system, lowering component costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability of each storage device to function independently through dedicated channel allocation.
3Productivity
If multiple storage devices operate concurrently, then data transfer throughput increases, but the number of active devices and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shared controller enables continuous data transfer operations across multiple storage devices by maintaining ready-state channels that can be rapidly allocated. Instead of activating complete device assemblies, the system maintains controller readiness and activates only the specific channels needed for current operations, reducing the number of fully active devices while sustaining high throughput.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a low-cost, high-performance storage solution by using a single set of electronics to control multiple devices, allowing for efficient data management and operation in cloud computing environments, while reducing the number of active devices and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A main driver circuit external to the plurality of data storage devices is configured to stream frequency modulated write data via parallel data transfer paths to the respective local driver circuits
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for managing data in a multi-device data storage system. In some embodiments, a plurality of data storage devices are provided, each data storage device having a local driver circuit adapted to transfer data with a local memory module. A main driver circuit external to the plurality of data storage devices is configured to stream frequency modulated write data via parallel data transfer paths to the respective local driver circuits for concurrent transfer of the frequency modulated write data to the respective local memory modules.