Hybrid Controller for Concurrent PCIe SAS SATA Storage Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
PCIe devices based on solid state memory lack management and service features typically found in protocols like SAS and SATA, posing challenges in effectively managing storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid controller with both internal and external interfaces, including PCIe, SAS, and SATA links, enables concurrent command processing using different protocols, allowing for efficient management and failover strategies in storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PCIe protocol is used for solid state memory control, then device compatibility and modern interface support are improved, but management and service features are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid controller integrates multiple protocol interfaces (PCIe, SAS, SATA) into a single device, enabling it to perform multiple functions. The controller can operate in different modes depending on which interface is active, providing both modern PCIe compatibility and traditional SAS/SATA management features through a unified hardware platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid controller acts as an intermediary between the host system and solid state memory, translating between PCIe commands and internal memory operations. It bridges the gap between the simplicity of PCIe and the management capabilities of SAS/SATA protocols by implementing a translation layer that maintains compatibility with both interface types.
2Device complexity
If single protocol interface is used, then device complexity is reduced, but concurrent command processing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid controller segments its operation into distinct protocol handling paths for PCIe, SAS, and SATA interfaces. Each protocol has its own command parsing and processing logic, allowing concurrent commands from different protocols to be handled independently without interference, thereby increasing overall throughput while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically switches between different protocol modes and operational states based on which interface is active and what type of commands are received. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware to optimize its processing path for different protocol requirements, enhancing productivity without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each protocol.
3Reliability
If hybrid controller with multiple interfaces is implemented, then management capabilities and failover strategies are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid controller merges multiple protocol interfaces (PCIe, SAS, SATA) and their associated management capabilities into a single integrated device. This consolidation provides failover capability by allowing the system to switch between different interfaces if one fails, while reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated controllers for each protocol type.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for managing a storage device using a hybrid controller are provided where the storage device comprises an internal peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface to control solid state memory within the storage device. In particular embodiments, the storage device includes a first external interface configured to establish an external PCIe link and a second external interface configured to establish at least one of an external serial attached small computer system interface (SAS) link and an external serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) link. Embodiments include receiving from an external source, by the hybrid controller, a first command at the first external interface and a second command at the second external interface; and concurrently implementing, by the hybrid controller, the first command using a PCIe protocol and the second command using one of a SAS protocol and a SATA protocol.