Low-Power Storage Operation Using NVRAM Buffering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems face inefficiencies in managing data operations during reduced power modes, particularly in maintaining data integrity and availability without redundant write operations and effective power management of non-volatile storage devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a direct-mapped flash storage system where higher-level processes manage data operations, including direct addressing of data blocks without translation by storage controllers, and utilizing non-volatile RAM as a buffer for quick data storage with energy reserves to ensure data persistence during power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If storage systems perform redundant write operations to maintain data integrity during power loss, then data reliability is improved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidredundant write operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by writing data to non-volatile RAM before power loss occurs. The non-volatile RAM retains data without power, eliminating the need for redundant write operations to persistent storage. This preliminary buffering approach ensures data integrity while reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Non-volatile RAM serves as an intermediary between volatile RAM and persistent storage. It acts as a buffer that maintains data during power transitions, reducing the need for complex redundant write operations to the actual persistent storage devices. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If storage systems use traditional storage controllers with translation layers, then device compatibility is improved, but data operation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoiddata operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the traditional storage controller translation layer from the data path. By eliminating this intermediary component, data operations between the host and non-volatile storage devices become more efficient, while compatibility is maintained through direct protocol support in the storage devices themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system enables self-service by allowing higher-level processes to directly manage data operations without relying on traditional storage controllers. The system uses direct addressing and native protocols, enabling components to serve themselves without complex translation layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If storage systems activate all storage devices during reduced power modes, then data availability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining data in non-volatile RAM during reduced power modes. Since non-volatile RAM retains data without power, the system can keep storage devices in a low-power state while ensuring data availability, eliminating the need to activate all storage devices during power-saving operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The non-volatile RAM provides continuous data retention during power transitions and reduced power modes. This continuity of useful action ensures data availability remains maintained even when storage devices are powered down or in low-power states, optimizing energy consumption without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances data reliability and reduces unnecessary write operations, ensuring data integrity and availability during power fluctuations by leveraging non-volatile RAM and energy reserves for seamless data transfer to persistent storage.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing non-volatile RAM as a buffer for quick data storage with energy reserves to ensure data persistence during power loss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-volatile memory retention:

Data Source

PatentUS20260003522A1Managing storage system operations based on temporary resource characteristics

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 PURE STORAGE INC

AI summary

Preserving data in a storage system operating in a reduced power mode, including: detecting that the storage system should enter the reduced power mode; and entering the reduced power mode, including performing, while in the reduced power mode, one or more maintenance operations on one or more storage devices in the storage system.