Hybrid SSD HDD Controller Adapting SATA Protocol Speeds

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hard disk drives (HDDs) face challenges with slow data access speeds and high power consumption, which are exacerbated by attempts to increase speed, making them unsuitable for small portable devices that require faster data access with reduced power usage.

Innovation Solution

A data storage device with a controller that adapts communication speed by selectively implementing different protocols (e.g., SATA Gen1 and Gen2) based on data access needs, using a hybrid approach with a Solid State Drive (SSD) for fast access and an HDD for bulk storage, allowing for efficient data transfer at varying speeds while managing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the disk rotation speed and read/write head movement speed are increased to improve data access speed, then data access speed is improved, but power consumption increases and mechanical problems (noise, heat, vibration) are aggravated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is divided into two separate storage units: a first storage unit (HDD) for bulk data storage and a second storage unit (SSD) for frequently accessed data. This segmentation allows the system to use the appropriate storage unit based on access patterns, reducing the need for high-speed mechanical operations in the HDD and thereby lowering power consumption and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A controller acts as an intermediary between the host and the storage units, intelligently managing data placement and access. The controller determines which storage unit should be used for specific data based on access frequency and patterns, enabling the system to optimize between speed and power consumption without requiring the HDD to operate at maximum speeds continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the disk rotation speed and read/write head movement speed are increased to improve data access speed, then data access speed is improved, but mechanical problems (noise, heat, vibration) are aggravated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoidnoise and heat

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is divided into two separate storage units: a first storage unit (HDD) for bulk data storage and a second storage unit (SSD) for frequently accessed data. This segmentation allows the system to use the appropriate storage unit based on access patterns, reducing the need for high-speed mechanical operations in the HDD and thereby lowering power consumption and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical storage (HDD) with solid-state storage (SSD) for frequently accessed data. The SSD has no moving parts, eliminating mechanical noise, vibration, and heat generation associated with high-speed disk rotation and head movement, while providing faster access times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If a hybrid approach with SSD and HDD is used to achieve fast data access, then data access speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoidcontroller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A controller acts as an intermediary between the host and the storage units, intelligently managing data placement and access. The controller determines which storage unit should be used for specific data based on access frequency and patterns, enabling the system to optimize between speed and power consumption without requiring the HDD to operate at maximum speeds continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automatic data classification and placement mechanisms where the controller monitors access patterns and autonomously decides which storage unit should hold which data. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex manual configuration and simplifies the control logic while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10254975B2Controller, data storage device, and data communication system having variable communication speed

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Apparatuses having variable communication speeds are disclose. In one example, an apparatus may comprise a controller configured to: receive a signal from a host, the signal being compatible with a data communication protocol at a first data communication speed; selectively implement a first data communication protocol from a plurality of data communication protocols to communicate with a first memory or implement a second data communication protocol from the plurality of data communication protocols to communicate with a second memory based on the data communication speed; store data in the first memory via the first data communication protocol when the data communication speed is a first speed; and store data in the second memory via the second data communication protocol when the data communication speed is a second speed that is different than the first speed.