Parallel Write Cache Data Striping for Power Failure Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data copy technologies face challenges in minimizing data loss during power failures and require extended secondary power backup, which is costly and inefficient, especially in parallel copy operations where incomplete data copies can be lost if backup power fails before completion.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that section data from a write cache into multiple data blocks, which are then written in parallel to unique persistent storage devices, ensuring partial copies are preserved even if secondary power fails, using a logic unit with modules for sectioning, striping, writing, mapping, and tracking progress to manage the copy process efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parallel copy operations are used to write data to multiple persistent storage devices simultaneously, then the copy speed is improved and time is reduced, but the risk of data loss increases if backup power fails before completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the write cache into multiple sections, each assigned to a different persistent storage device. This segmentation allows parallel copy operations to proceed independently for each section, maintaining high copy speed while ensuring that if power fails, only the incomplete sections are affected, not the entire data set.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a preliminary action by designating specific sections of the write cache to specific persistent storage devices before the copy operation begins. This pre-assignment ensures that each storage device receives a defined portion of the data, allowing the system to preserve partial copies effectively if power is lost during the operation.
2Reliability
If secondary power is provided for a long time to ensure complete parallel copy operations, then data integrity is improved, but the cost and physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the write cache into multiple sections and distributing them across different persistent storage devices, the patent reduces the total amount of data that needs to be copied. This allows the secondary power to be depleted sooner while still preserving at least some complete data copies, thereby reducing the required backup power duration and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accepts that partial copies may be lost if power fails during the operation, but ensures that at least some sections will be completely copied to their designated storage devices. This partial action approach reduces the required backup power duration while maintaining acceptable data integrity levels.
3Reliability
If serial copy operations are used to write data to persistent storage devices sequentially, then data integrity is improved, but the copy time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the write cache into multiple independent sections that can be copied in parallel to different persistent storage devices. Each section is treated as an independent copy operation, allowing simultaneous execution while maintaining data integrity through the pre-assigned section-to-device mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional serial copy approach to a multi-dimensional parallel approach by distributing data sections across multiple storage devices simultaneously. This dimensional change enables concurrent copy operations while preserving data integrity through the structured section assignment strategy.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for copying data from a volatile memory device to a plurality of persistent storage devices in response to a loss of primary power. The apparatus includes a section module, a stripe module, and a write module. The section module sections a data image of a write cache into a plurality of data blocks. The stripe module establishes a plurality of data stripes from the plurality of data blocks. The write module writes in parallel each of the plurality of data stripes to a corresponding plurality of unique, persistent data storage devices in response to a loss of line power to the write cache. Advantageously, the apparatus quickly copies the write data from the write cache to a persistent memory device in a relatively short period of time, decreasing the dependence on significant batteries to back up the volatile memory device.