Disk Array Power Module Segmentation for Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk array systems face data loss during power failures due to rapid battery exhaustion when supplying power to all components, and large UPS systems increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A disk array apparatus with a power module that divides the system into an emergency disk group and a regular disk group, where power is only supplied to the emergency group during failures, reducing standby power capacity and size, and allowing for concurrent operation of multiple power modules to ensure data security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the standby battery supplies power to all disks and memories during power failure, then the Cache can continue working, but the battery is exhausted quickly and data is still vulnerable to loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the disk array into emergency disk groups and regular disk groups. During power failure, the standby battery only supplies power to the emergency disk groups and control units, not to all disks and memories. This segmentation allows the battery to extend its standby duration while ensuring critical data security functions remain operational.
2Reliability
If a large UPS is used to supply power to all disks and memories during power failure, then normal operation can be maintained, but the cost and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into multiple power modules, each responsible for specific disk groups. This allows the use of smaller, more cost-effective power modules instead of a single large UPS, while maintaining reliable power supply to critical components during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing power to only the necessary components (emergency disk groups and control units) during power failure, rather than supplying power to all components. This reduces the required UPS capacity and associated costs while maintaining adequate power supply stability for data protection.
3Power
If a large UPS is installed outside the disk array frame, then sufficient power capacity is achieved, but cable connections increase and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into distributed power modules that can be integrated within the disk array structure. This segmentation allows each module to be independently maintained and replaced, significantly improving ease of repair compared to a single large external UPS system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized external UPS configuration to a distributed modular architecture. This dimensional change in system architecture allows power components to be embedded within the disk array frame, reducing cable connections and improving maintainability while achieving sufficient power capacity through multiple modules working together.
Data Source
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AI summary
A disk array apparatus provided includes: a power module, a control unit, a first disk group, a second disk group, and a standby power unit. The power module includes a first input side connected to the power input lead and a second input side connected to the standby power unit. The power module further includes a first output side connected to the second disk group and a second output side connected to the first disk group and the control unit. When the power input is normal, the input power is output through the first output side and the second output side of the power module. When the power input of the power input lead is abnormal, the power input by the standby power unit is output through the second output side of the power module. Therefore, the disk array apparatus under the present utility model ensures data to be securely stored in the first disk group against loss, reduces the standby power capacity of the standby power unit, thus reducing the cost of the standby power unit.