Hybrid Storage Mid-Plane Signal Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor storage systems face inefficiencies due to slow data processing speeds of hard disks and outdated interfaces that fail to maximize the performance of high-speed memory disks.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid storage system with a mid-plane configuration, incorporating a system control board, RAID controllers, and modules for both double data rate semiconductor storage devices (DDR SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs/Flash SDDs), utilizing a PCI-Express interface to adjust data signal synchronization for optimized data processing speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hard disk drives are used for data storage, then storage capacity is increased, but data processing speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two distinct paths: a high-speed path using semiconductor storage devices (SSDs) for performance-critical data, and a capacity path using hard disk drives (HDDs) for bulk storage. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve high storage capacity and high data processing speed by routing different types of data through appropriate storage media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mid-plane as an intermediate structural dimension between the host interface and the storage devices. This mid-plane provides additional signal processing and routing capabilities, enabling the system to handle both high-speed SSD data and standard-speed HDD data through the same host interface without mutual interference, thus resolving the speed-capacity tradeoff.
2Speed
If high-speed memory disks are used, then data processing speed is improved, but interface performance becomes the bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The mid-plane acts as an intermediary between the high-speed SSD controllers and the host interface. It provides signal conditioning, synchronization, and protocol conversion capabilities that enable high-speed memory disks to operate at full performance without being bottlenecked by the host interface limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts data signal synchronization through the PCI-Express interface to optimize performance. The mid-plane incorporates dynamic signal routing and timing adjustment capabilities that adapt to different data transfer requirements, allowing the interface to efficiently handle both high-speed SSD data and standard-speed HDD data.
3Productivity
If a hybrid storage system with multiple controllers is implemented, then performance is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mid-plane is designed as a universal platform that provides common functionality for both SSD and HDD controllers. It includes integrated signal processing, power management, and data routing capabilities that serve both storage types, reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the SSD controller and HDD controller into a unified hybrid storage system through the mid-plane architecture. Both controllers share common resources including power supply, signal processing circuits, and host interface connections, which simplifies the overall system configuration while maintaining the performance benefits of having both high-speed and capacity storage paths.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to semiconductor storage systems (SSDs). Specifically, the present invention relates to a hybrid storage system with a mid-plane. In a typical embodiment, a mid-plane is provided. Coupled to one side of the mid-plane is a system control board and a communications module having a set (at least one) of ports. Coupled to a second side of the mid-plane is (among other components) a first RAID controller, which itself is coupled to a double data rate semiconductor storage device (DDR SSD) module having a set of DDR SSD units. Also coupled to the second side of the mid-plane is a second RAID controller, which itself is coupled to a hard disk drive (HDD) module having a set of HDD/Flash SDD units.