Hybrid Drive Data Migration Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid state hybrid drives (SSHDs) face limitations in available capacity for storing 'dirty' data temporarily in solid state memory, necessitating frequent spinning of magnetic disks for data migration, which increases power consumption and latency in accessing data.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a data migration process that transfers data between solid state memory and magnetic disks based on operational activity levels, interspersing data transfers with other disk operations to reduce spin cycles and optimize performance, using a controller to manage queues and prioritize data transfers based on priority and availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If data is stored in solid state memory, then data access speed is improved, but available capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoidavailable capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is segmented into two distinct media types: solid state memory for high-speed access and magnetic disk for bulk storage. The controller intelligently segments data placement decisions based on access patterns, priorities, and capacity availability, allowing each media type to operate in its optimal performance zone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested storage architecture where solid state memory is embedded within the hybrid drive and acts as a high-speed cache layer. Data is nested across multiple storage tiers with the solid state memory providing rapid access to frequently accessed data while the magnetic disk provides extensive bulk storage capacity underneath

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If data is migrated frequently between solid state memory and magnetic disk, then storage flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary assessments of data access patterns, priorities, and capacity conditions before initiating migration operations. By predicting future access needs and pre-positioning data in solid state memory based on priority levels and usage patterns, the system reduces the frequency of urgent migrations and associated power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Data migration operations are executed periodically rather than continuously, with the controller monitoring system state and initiating migrations at optimal intervals. This periodic approach allows the magnetic disk to remain stationary longer, reducing power consumption while maintaining storage flexibility through scheduled data repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If data is migrated frequently between solid state memory and magnetic disk, then data availability is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that manages data placement and migration between storage media. It monitors access patterns, priorities, and capacity conditions, making intelligent decisions about when and what data to migrate, thereby optimizing the balance between data availability and access latency without requiring frequent migrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If magnetic disk is spun up frequently for data migration, then data transfer capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Once the magnetic disk is spun up, the controller maximizes its utility by performing multiple data migration operations and other disk tasks in continuous sequence rather than spinning down between operations. This continuous utilization amortizes the startup energy cost across multiple productive actions, improving overall efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9070379B2Data migration for data storage device

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Migration of data in a data storage device (DSD). A spindle motor of the DSD is controlled to rotate a disk of the DSD to perform at least one operation on the disk and an operational activity level is determined for performing the at least one operation. It is determined whether the operational activity level is greater than a target level, and if it is determined that the operational activity level is not greater than the target level, data is transferred between a solid state memory of the DSD and the disk while the disk rotates.