Hybrid Storage Front-End I/O Mode for Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid data storage devices, such as hybrid solid-state drives (HSSDs), face limitations in achieving high data transfer throughput due to the management of multiple non-volatile memory types, particularly in mass storage environments, where the faster secondary memory is not utilized optimally for high-priority tasks.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system with a top level controller and a secondary controller, allowing for normal I/O processing mode where the top level controller directs data transfers between host and memory, and a front end I/O processing mode where the host device takes control of the secondary NVM to form a consolidated, distributed memory space, enhancing data transfer rates by leveraging faster secondary memory for high-priority tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the top level controller manages all I/O operations in hybrid storage devices, then data transfer reliability is maintained, but data transfer speed is limited by the slower primary memory management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the controller functionality into two separate controllers: a top level controller that manages the primary non-volatile memory and a secondary controller that manages the secondary non-volatile memory. This segmentation allows each controller to specialize in managing its respective memory type, enabling the secondary controller to handle high-speed I/O operations independently without being bottlenecked by the top level controller's management overhead, thus improving data transfer speed while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control mode switching between normal I/O processing mode and front end I/O processing mode. In normal mode, the top level controller manages all operations for reliability. In front end mode, the host device takes direct control of the secondary controller for high-speed operations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for speed when needed while maintaining the simpler management structure for standard operations.
2Productivity
If secondary non-volatile memory is used for high-priority tasks, then data transfer throughput is improved, but control management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated secondary controller as an intermediary between the host device and the secondary non-volatile memory. This intermediary handles all control operations for the secondary memory, freeing the host device from complex control management tasks. The secondary controller translates high-level host commands into specific memory operations, simplifying the ease of operation while enabling the secondary memory to be fully utilized for high-priority tasks to improve data transfer throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal I/O processing mode where the top level controller manages all operations, and front end I/O processing mode where the host device takes direct control of the secondary controller. This dynamic mode switching allows the system to optimize control management ease for standard operations while enabling high throughput when the front end mode is activated for high-priority tasks.
3Speed
If host device directly controls secondary controller, then data transfer rate increases, but system reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between normal I/O processing mode and front end I/O processing mode. In normal mode, the top level controller maintains full control for reliable operation. In front end mode, the host device takes direct control of the secondary controller to achieve higher data transfer rates. The system can switch between modes based on operational requirements, allowing it to prioritize speed when needed while maintaining reliability through the top level controller's management during standard operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting control functions into two separate controllers, the patent isolates the reliability-critical management functions in the top level controller from the high-speed data transfer functions in the secondary controller. This segmentation allows the front end mode to optimize for speed without compromising the overall system reliability, as the top level controller continues to manage the primary memory and can take over if needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for managing data. A host device is coupled to multiple hybrid data storage devices each having a primary non-volatile memory (NVM), a secondary NVM, a top level controller and a secondary controller. During a normal I/O processing mode, host access commands are serviced by the top level controllers to direct transfers with the respective primary and secondary NVMs. During a front end I/O processing mode, the host device forms a consolidated, distributed memory space in which data are separately stored to the secondary NVMs by the host device. The primary NVM may be rotatable recording media and the secondary NVM may be flash memory. The secondary NVM may be in the form of removable SSD cards that plug into the storage devices to support replacement and performance upgrades, as well as allowing transitions between cold and hot data storage modes in a single system.