Disk Controller Path Obstruction Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In disk controllers, when a controller module (CM) experiences an anomaly, the obstruction of the affected CM can have a significant impact on the system, leading to increased downtime and data loss due to the integration of channel adapters and device interfaces within the CMs, making it difficult to isolate the fault without disrupting data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A disk controller with a path obstruction determination unit that assesses the configuration, obstruction state, and data duplication status of CMs to selectively obstruct and separate CMs, prioritizing those with duplicated data and minimizing system disruption by maintaining communication paths and data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If channel adapters and device interfaces are integrated within controller modules, then data transfer path is simplified and cost is reduced, but fault impact increases when a CM is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the controller into multiple independent controller modules (CMs), each with its own channel adapters and device interfaces. This segmentation allows the system to isolate faults within individual modules while maintaining overall system operation. When one CM is obstructed, other CMs can continue to handle data transfer tasks, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified integration and system reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complete obstruction of an abnormal CM is performed, then fault isolation is achieved, but system operation is disrupted and data loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the obstruction function from the entire CM and applies it selectively to only the abnormal parts of the CM. The path obstruction determination unit identifies and obstructs only the specific paths or components that are abnormal, while leaving the rest of the CM and other CMs operational. This partial extraction of the obstruction function maintains system productivity while achieving effective fault isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by determining the degree and location of obstruction based on the specific abnormality detected in each CM. Instead of uniform complete obstruction, the system applies differentiated obstruction strategies: some CMs may be partially obstructed while others are completely separated, depending on the nature and extent of the detected abnormality. This localized approach preserves system operation continuity.
3Reliability
If path obstruction determination is performed based on configuration and obstruction state, then appropriate CM separation is achieved, but determination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path obstruction determination unit operates autonomously by self-diagnosing the obstruction state of each CM and automatically determining the appropriate obstruction strategy. The unit monitors the system state, detects abnormalities, and independently decides on the obstruction actions without requiring external intervention or complex decision-making processes. This self-service capability achieves accurate CM separation while keeping the determination function relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
In a disk controller having a plurality of controller modules (CMs), the CM includes a path obstruction determination unit for obstructing a part in which an anomaly occurs when the anomaly occurs on a communication path for communications between CMs, and, when the plurality of CMs cannot communicate between them due to the obstruction of the part, for determining an object to be separated in a way that prioritizes a CM which retains data that has not been duplicated over a CM which retains data that has been duplicated among the CMs which cannot communicate; and a separation control unit for disabling a CM that is determined to be an object to be separated by the path obstruction determination unit.