Modular Storage Controller Data Distribution Strategy
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Solution Overview
Problem
External storage devices, such as external hard disk drives, have fixed storage capabilities and data transfer rates, limiting their ability to adapt to changing performance requirements and interface standards, which restricts their functionality and efficiency in augmenting host computing device storage.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage system that includes a controller to manage data transfer between a high-speed module storage device and a slower HDD, optimizing read/write operations by aggregating data rates and using caching to enhance data throughput, allowing for higher performance and flexibility through interfaces like USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fixed-capability external storage device is used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the data transfer rate and storage performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a high-speed storage device and a low-speed storage device into a single external storage system, merging their capabilities to achieve both high data transfer rates and large storage capacity. The controller manages data distribution between the two devices, allowing the system to benefit from the speed of the high-speed device while utilizing the capacity of the low-speed device.
Solution Approach 2:
The external storage device is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both high-speed and low-speed storage devices, enabling it to handle both performance-critical tasks (using high-speed device) and capacity-critical tasks (using low-speed device) within a single universal storage system.
2Productivity
If data is continuously transferred to high-speed storage device, then data throughput is high, but the storage device may become a bottleneck when write speed exceeds transfer speed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by pre-assessing the host device's write speed and the storage device's transfer speed before initiating data transfer. Based on this assessment, it proactively determines the optimal data transfer strategy, whether to use high-speed or low-speed device, preventing bottlenecks before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time conditions. The controller can switch between different data transfer strategies (high-speed mode, low-speed mode, or mixed mode) depending on the host write speed and storage device availability, making the system adaptable rather than static.
3Productivity
If the storage device operates in high-speed mode continuously, then data transfer efficiency is maximized, but energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic action by alternating between high-speed and low-speed operation modes based on data transfer requirements. When high throughput is needed, it activates the high-speed device; when lower throughput suffices, it uses the low-speed device, creating a periodic or conditional operation pattern that reduces overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (speed mode, active device selection) based on varying requirements. By adjusting the operating parameters dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed high-speed state, the system achieves optimal efficiency while reducing unnecessary energy consumption and heat generation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus including a first storage device having a first write speed and a second storage device having a second write speed. The apparatus also includes a controller configured to manage a transfer of data to the first storage device or the second storage device. The amount of data stored on each of the first and second storage devices is based on the first write speed and the second write speed.