Host Memory Buffer Updates Using One-Way PCIe Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating data in a host memory buffer involves two-way traffic on a bus, which creates additional overhead and impacts performance, especially for short updates.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing one-way bus traffic to write updates to a dedicated space in the host memory buffer and employing a host-assisted copy operation to transfer the updates to the original location after error checking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-way bus traffic is used to update data in host memory buffer, then data can be read and written back, but bus overhead increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the host memory buffer into two distinct regions: a first region for original data storage and a second region for update operations. This allows update operations to occur in the second region without interfering with reads from the first region, enabling parallel operations and reducing bus traffic overhead while maintaining data integrity through subsequent copy-back operations.
2Reliability
If two-way bus traffic is used for data updates, then full read-modify-write cycle is completed, but bus latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary write operations to the second region of the host memory buffer before the actual update is needed in the first region. By pre-positioning update data in the second region and using background copy operations, the system reduces the critical path latency for update operations while ensuring data consistency through coordinated copy-back mechanisms.
3Productivity
If dedicated update space is used in host memory buffer, then one-way bus traffic can be implemented, but buffer management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second region in the host memory buffer as an intermediary space between the data storage device and the first region. This intermediary region facilitates one-way bus traffic for update operations, allowing data to be written once and then copied back when needed, thereby improving bus utilization efficiency while the complexity is managed through coordinated control between host and device.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device and method are disclosed for writing updates to a host memory buffer using assistance from a host. In one embodiment, a data storage device is provided comprising a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors, individually or in combination, are configured to: write data in a first location in the host memory buffer, wherein the first location is allocated for exclusive use by the data storage device; and write a plurality of updates to the data in a second location in the host memory buffer using one-way traffic on a bus between the data storage device and the host, wherein the second location is allocated for host memory buffer updates. The host is configured to copy the plurality of updates from the second location to the first location. Other embodiments are provided.