Distributed Non-Volatile Global Cache for Disk Drive Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large data storage systems require redundancy to prevent total system failure, but existing solutions with volatile global cache memories necessitate battery backups, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data storage system with non-volatile memory global cache sections distributed among disk drive units, allowing user data to be cached and transferred between disk drive units without first being stored in magnetic media, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated volatile global cache memories and battery backups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If volatile global cache memories are used to rapidly store and retrieve data, then data access speed is improved, but system complexity and reliability worsen due to the need for battery backups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of cache memory volatility to non-volatility. By using non-volatile memory (NVM) with persistent storage capabilities instead of volatile DRAM, the system achieves both fast data access and inherent data persistence without requiring battery backups, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the battery backup component from the cache memory subsystem. By using NVM that inherently retains data without power, the complex battery backup infrastructure is removed entirely, reducing system complexity while maintaining data persistence and access speed
2Speed
If volatile global cache memories are used for rapid data storage, then data access speed is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential total system failure from component failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the volatility parameter to non-volatility, using NVM with persistent storage capabilities. This inherent persistence protects against data loss from power failures or component failures, improving reliability while maintaining fast access speeds comparable to volatile memory
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using NVM's inherent persistence to cushion against potential system failures. The persistent storage capability acts as a protective buffer that prevents total system failure from component failures or power interruptions, ensuring data integrity without requiring additional redundant systems
3Reliability
If battery backups are added to volatile cache memories to prevent data loss, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the memory parameter from volatile to non-volatile, using NVM that inherently retains data without power. This eliminates the need for battery backups entirely, achieving data persistence while reducing system complexity and removing the need for additional power management components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the battery backup component from the system architecture. By using NVM with inherent persistence, the complex battery backup infrastructure including batteries, power management circuits, and associated control logic is completely eliminated, simplifying the system while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system having a host computer/server coupled to a bank of disk drives through an interface. The bank of disk drives has a plurality of disk units, each one of such disk drive units having a magnetic storage media. The interface includes: a plurality of front-end directors coupled to the host computer/server; a plurality of back end directors coupled to the disk drive units; and, a global cache memory available for caching user data for the plurality of disk drives. The global cache memory comprises a plurality of non-volatile memory global cache memory sections distributed among disk drive units within the bank of disk drive units. The non-volatile memory global cache memory sections are connected to the back-end directors. Each one of the non-volatile memory global cache memory sections caches user data for the magnetic storage media of the plurality of disk drive units independent of the one of the disk drive units having such one of the non-volatile memory global cache memory sections.