Hybrid Multi-Tiered Caching Storage System with Autonomous Address Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems face performance issues due to the low access speed of hard disk drives (HDDs) compared to semiconductor memory, and existing cache systems require host intervention, which consumes resources and affects performance.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid storage system incorporating mechanical disk drives, flash memory, SDRAM, and SRAM, with an IO processor and multiple DMA controllers to eliminate host intervention, using a multi-tiered caching system and novel data structures for efficient address mapping, enabling a high-performance data storage solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a cache system using DRAM or flash memory is implemented for HDD, then the access speed of HDD is improved, but host computer resources are consumed and performance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-managing cache system where the storage device controller autonomously performs address translation between logical addresses and physical addresses for both HDD and flash memory. This eliminates the need for host computer intervention in address mapping operations, allowing the cache system to improve HDD access speed without consuming host resources. The controller includes dedicated translation units that operate independently from the host system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate storage layer (flash memory or DRAM) managed by the storage device controller, which acts as a mediator between the HDD and the host computer. This intermediate layer handles data caching and address translation, improving access speed while isolating the host from the complexity of managing multiple storage media types.
2Ease of operation
If translation from logical address to physical address format is performed for flash memory and HDD, then data can be accessed, but host computer resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device controller performs autonomous address translation for both logical-to-physical address mapping and cross-media address conversion. The controller includes translation units that maintain mapping tables and perform address conversions without requiring host computer software intervention, thereby enabling data accessibility while preserving host resources for computational tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based address translation in the host computer with hardware-based translation units in the storage device controller. This substitution moves the translation function from the host's software layer to dedicated hardware circuits in the storage controller, improving efficiency and reducing host resource consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If enterprise-level storage systems use arrays of HDD with dedicated host computers, then large-capacity storage is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple storage media types (HDD arrays and flash memory) and multiple functions (data storage, caching, address translation, and media management) into a single integrated storage device. This consolidation maintains large storage capacity while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for separate host computers and management software for each storage medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device controller is designed as a universal controller that can manage both HDD arrays and flash memory, perform data caching, execute address translation, and handle multiple protocols. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity by replacing multiple specialized components with a single versatile storage device.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid storage system comprising mechanical disk drive means, flash memory means, SDRAM memory means, and SRAM memory means is described. IO processor means and DMA controller means are devised to eliminate host intervention. Multi-tiered caching system and novel data structure for mapping logical address to physical address results in a configurable and scalable high performance computer data storage solution.