Storage Controller Parity Switching for Data Integrity Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices face issues with the integrity of commands and data received from external sources, leading to potential operational failures due to damage or corruption, which can compromise the normal functioning of the memory controller.
Innovation Solution
A storage device and controller system that generates parity information for external data, managing it in either a buffer memory within the external device or a nonvolatile memory within the storage device, ensuring integrity by activating or deactivating a parity transmission function based on the active state of the external device's buffer memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parity information is always stored in the external device's buffer memory, then data integrity is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable when the external device is in inactive mode or experiences abrupt shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary storage mechanism (parity transmission function) that allows parity information to be stored in either the external device's buffer memory or the storage device's nonvolatile memory, depending on the operational state. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing a fallback storage location that protects against external device failure while maintaining efficient local storage when available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the storage location of parity information based on the active state of the external device. When the external device is active, parity is stored in its buffer memory; when inactive or during abrupt shutdown recovery, the system retrieves parity from nonvolatile memory. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between relying on external storage and protecting against external failure.
2Reliability
If parity information is stored in nonvolatile memory within the storage device, then reliability against external device failure is improved, but access speed and operational efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the storage location based on operational needs. During normal operation when the external device is active, parity is stored and accessed from the buffer memory for fast access. During abrupt shutdown or when the external device is inactive, the system retrieves parity from nonvolatile memory. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing parity information in nonvolatile memory in advance, so that it is readily available for retrieval when the external device experiences abrupt shutdown or is in inactive mode. This preliminary preparation ensures fast recovery without requiring complex real-time decisions, resolving the speed-reliability contradiction.
3Reliability
If the controller continuously manages parity information storage location, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a dynamic but simple management strategy: it monitors the active state of the external device and automatically adjusts the parity storage location accordingly. This dynamic management is kept simple by relying on straightforward state detection and pre-configured storage locations, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive integrity management and controller complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the controller automatically manages parity information storage and retrieval based on detected operational states, without requiring complex external coordination. The parity transmission function autonomously determines whether to store parity in buffer or nonvolatile memory based on the external device's active state, reducing the management burden and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, parity information for external data inputted to a storage device is generated, and, depending on whether a parity transmission function is activated, or the state of a buffer memory of an external device located outside the storage device, the parity information is stored and managed in the buffer memory of the external device or a nonvolatile memory of the storage device. Thus, it is possible to efficiently manage the parity information and improve performance of ensuring integrity of the external data.