Multiprocessor System Independent Flash Memory Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data processing systems face limitations in handling large volumes of data due to constraints in memory access and parallel processing, leading to inefficiencies in data management and performance, especially when dealing with applications requiring extensive memory operations.

Innovation Solution

A multiprocessor system with direct access to bulk solid-state memory resources, utilizing a multi-rooted architecture that connects multiple central processing units (CPUs) to flash memory, enabling efficient parallel access and management of data through specialized software and hardware components, including memory controllers, flash interfaces, and data protection mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple CPUs share a single memory interface, then device complexity is reduced, but memory access speed and parallel processing capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory interface structureVSAvoidmemory access speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single memory interface into multiple independent interfaces, with each CPU having its own dedicated memory interface and path to flash memory resources. This segmentation eliminates the bottleneck of shared interfaces while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multiple dimensions of parallelism by creating independent memory access paths for each CPU, allowing simultaneous memory operations across different CPUs without interfering with each other, thereby dramatically improving memory access speed and parallel processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single CPU accesses memory sequentially, then device complexity is simplified, but productivity and data processing efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory access architectureVSAvoiddata processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory access architecture into multiple independent CPU paths, allowing parallel data processing operations. Each CPU can independently access and process different portions of data simultaneously, dramatically improving productivity for large-scale data processing applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous parallel memory access operations across multiple CPUs, eliminating idle time and ensuring that all processing units are continuously utilized for productive work, thereby maximizing data processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If memory resources are centralized, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and scalability for large data volumes deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory resource managementVSAvoidhandling large data volumes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments memory resources into multiple independently accessible flash memory units, each reachable through dedicated CPU interfaces. This segmentation allows the system to scale to large data volumes by adding more memory units and CPUs while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interface modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal memory access architecture where each CPU interface can access any flash memory resource through standardized protocols and address mapping mechanisms, providing both simplicity in management and high adaptability for handling diverse and large-scale data processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11340794B2Multiprocessor system with independent direct access to bulk solid state memory resources
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US11340794B2 patent drawing
  • US11340794B2 patent drawing
  • US11340794B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system has a collection of central processing units. Each central processing unit is connected to at least one other central processing unit and has a path into flash memory resources. A central processing unit supports a mapping from a data address space, to a flash memory virtual address space, to a flash memory virtual page number to a flash memory physical address space.