Interconnected SSD Architecture for Direct Peer Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems require host involvement for data movement between solid-state disks (SSDs), leading to increased latency and bandwidth consumption, which is inefficient for applications that need internal peer-to-peer connectivity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a storage system with inter-SSD paths that allow direct peer-to-peer communication among SSDs, using a routing table for data movement commands, and enabling each SSD to have multiple interfaces for connecting to both the host and peer SSDs, thereby reducing the need for host-mediated data transfers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If host-mediated data transfer is used between SSDs, then data movement can be achieved, but latency increases and bandwidth is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata movement capabilityVSAvoidtransfer latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary routing table mechanism that enables SSDs to discover and communicate with each other directly. The routing table stores peer SSD identifiers and interface information, allowing data to be forwarded between SSDs without host involvement, thus reducing latency while maintaining reliable data movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the storage system into independent SSD units with individual interfaces for host connection and peer SSD connection. This segmentation allows each SSD to operate autonomously and establish direct peer-to-peer connections, eliminating the need for host-mediated transfers and reducing transfer latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If host-mediated data transfer is used between SSDs, then data movement can be achieved, but bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata movement capabilityVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The routing table acts as an intermediary that directs data flows between SSDs through dedicated peer interfaces. This eliminates the need for data to traverse the host path, reducing bandwidth consumption on host interfaces while maintaining reliable data movement capability through direct SSD-to-SSD paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the communication paths into host-facing interfaces and peer-facing interfaces, the patent enables independent data flows. Data movement between SSDs uses only the peer interfaces, separating this traffic from host communication and reducing overall bandwidth consumption on critical host paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If SSDs are interconnected directly, then data throughput increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidinterconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent increases data throughput by segmenting SSD interfaces into distinct host interfaces and peer interfaces. Each SSD maintains multiple independent interfaces, allowing simultaneous host read/write operations and peer-to-peer data transfers, thereby improving overall system productivity without requiring complex reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The routing table provides a feedback mechanism that automatically manages peer SSD connections and data paths. Each SSD queries the routing table to discover available peers and determine optimal data routes, eliminating the need for complex centralized control logic and reducing device complexity while maintaining high throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interfaces per SSD are implemented, then peer-to-peer connectivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeer-to-peer connectivityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple interfaces per SSD by segmenting them into distinct functional types: host interfaces for controller communication and peer interfaces for SSD-to-SSD connectivity. This clear segmentation improves peer-to-peer connectivity while managing device complexity through well-defined interface roles and responsibilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each SSD is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating as a host interface device, a peer interface device, or both simultaneously. This universal design allows SSDs to adapt to different connectivity scenarios and improves peer-to-peer connectivity flexibility without significantly increasing interface complexity, as the same hardware resources serve multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10970207B2Storage system with interconnected solid state disks

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 SK HYNIX NAND PRODUCT SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

An embodiment of a semiconductor package apparatus may include technology to provide a first interface between a first storage device and a host device, and provide a second interface directly between the first storage device and a second storage device. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.