Hybrid Storage Device with Backup Power for Data Persistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices, such as DRAM, face challenges in providing sufficient memory capacity while being cost-effective, as they are volatile and prone to data loss during power interruptions, and cache coherent interconnect storage devices lack guaranteed timing for data transfer between volatile and non-volatile storage during power failures.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a platform controller hub that coordinates data transfer by sending signals to both the processor and cache coherent interconnect storage device to ensure data is flushed from volatile to non-volatile storage before power interruption, using a combination of volatile DRAM and non-volatile flash storage with a backup power supply to prevent data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If volatile storage (DRAM) is used to provide fast memory access, then speed is improved, but data loss occurs during power interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is segmented into two distinct storage types: volatile storage (DRAM) for fast data access and non-volatile storage (flash) for data persistence. The controller manages data segmentation by maintaining frequently accessed data in DRAM while ensuring critical data is replicated or backed up in flash storage, allowing the system to achieve both high speed and data reliability.
2Reliability
If non-volatile storage (flash) is used to ensure data persistence, then reliability is improved, but access speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the volatile DRAM and non-volatile flash storage. It manages data transfer between the two storage types, using DRAM as a cache layer for frequently accessed data while ensuring data is persisted to flash storage. This intermediary management allows the system to achieve fast access speeds for active data while maintaining data persistence guarantees.
3Quantity of substance
If memory capacity is increased to meet growing requirements, then quantity is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the storage parameter from using only expensive volatile memory to a hybrid architecture combining volatile DRAM with non-volatile flash storage. This parameter change allows the system to provide large memory capacity by utilizing cost-effective flash storage for bulk data while maintaining performance through DRAM caching, thereby reducing overall system cost while meeting growing memory requirements.
4Reliability
If data is continuously transferred from volatile to non-volatile storage, then data persistence is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to transfer time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous data transfer, the system uses periodic action by implementing a background sync mechanism that transfers data from DRAM to flash storage at scheduled intervals or when triggered by specific events (e.g., buffer full, power interruption detected). This periodic transfer approach ensures data persistence while minimizing interference with primary data access operations, thereby maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device is disclosed. The storage device may include a volatile storage, a non-volatile storage, and a backup power source configured to provide backup power to the volatile storage. A connector may connect the storage device to a processor. A controller may use the volatile storage as a cache for the non-volatile storage. The controller may copy a data from the volatile storage to the non-volatile storage based at least in part on receiving a signal.