Disk Array Firmware Exchange via TLB Address Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for exchanging firmware in disk array apparatuses often require stopping operations or incur substantial cost increases, as they involve complex address conversion or hardware additions.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using a CPU with a Translation Look-aside Buffer (TLB) to associate a second firmware storage area with the same logical address space as the first firmware, allowing seamless updating without stopping the disk array apparatus or increasing costs, by storing the new firmware in a separate physical address space and updating the TLB to point to the new area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware is exchanged using conventional methods (address conversion apparatus or hardware additions), then firmware exchange can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The CPU's built-in TLB is utilized to perform address translation for firmware exchange without requiring external address conversion apparatus. The system uses its own existing resources (CPU TLB) to solve the firmware exchange problem, eliminating the need for additional hardware components and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The TLB, originally designed for general memory address translation, is repurposed to handle firmware address translation as well. This multi-functional use of the TLB eliminates the need for dedicated firmware address conversion hardware, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining firmware exchange capability.
2Reliability
If firmware exchange is performed using standby memory planes or blade transfer methods, then firmware can be updated, but system operation must be stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables firmware exchange while maintaining continuous operation. By using the TLB to switch between firmware versions through address translation, the disk array apparatus can update firmware without stopping data processing operations, ensuring continuous service availability and maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The TLB dynamically switches between different firmware address mappings during operation. This dynamic address translation allows the system to transition between firmware versions on-the-fly without requiring static reconfiguration or system shutdown, enabling live firmware updates.
3Ease of manufacture
If firmware is exchanged without using TLB address translation, then simpler methods can be used, but substantial hardware additions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The CPU's built-in TLB is utilized to perform address translation for firmware exchange without requiring external address conversion apparatus. The system uses its own existing resources (CPU TLB) to solve the firmware exchange problem, eliminating the need for additional hardware components and reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a disk array apparatus which includes disk apparatuses and which reads and writes data of the disk apparatus based on an I/O instruction issued by a host computer, includes: a CPU which carries out a first firmware; a memory which stores the first firmware in a first storage area of physical address space; and a TLB which belongs to the CPU and makes the first storage area of the physical address space of the memory associated with a first logical area of logical address space, wherein in case that the CPU receives a second firmware and an instruction to exchange firmware, the CPU stores the second firmware in a second storage area of the physical address space of the memory, and updates the TLB to make the second storage area associated with the first logical area. A method and program for exchanging firmware are also disclosed.