PCIe SSD Backup Controller with Secondary Power Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor storage devices face inefficiencies due to slow data processing speeds and inadequate interfaces, which hinder the utilization of high-speed data input/output performance.
Innovation Solution
A PCI-Express type storage device with a backup and restoration system that includes a secondary power supply and alarm unit coupled to a backup controller, which activates upon primary power deactivation to backup data from SSDs and restores it when the primary power is reactivated, ensuring continuous data integrity and high-speed data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary power supply is used for SSD operation, then high-speed data processing is enabled, but data loss occurs during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a secondary power supply that automatically activates upon primary power failure to complete ongoing write operations and maintain data integrity. This preliminary backup power mechanism ensures that SSD operations can finish safely without data loss, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity by adding a targeted power backup system rather than a complete redundant infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an alarm unit that detects power failure conditions and triggers backup operations before complete system shutdown occurs. This beforehand cushioning approach allows the system to prepare for data protection in advance of total power loss, maintaining data integrity while using a relatively simple alarm-based triggering mechanism rather than complex continuous monitoring
2Reliability
If alarm-based backup is implemented, then data integrity is maintained during power failures, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages the secondary power supply activation, controls the alarm unit, coordinates data backup operations, and handles restoration processes. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated controller, maintaining data integrity while limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm unit automatically detects power failure conditions and triggers the backup controller without requiring external intervention or complex monitoring systems. The secondary power supply automatically activates when needed, and the system self-manages the backup and restoration processes, reducing the need for additional control complexity while ensuring data integrity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide backup and restoration functions for a storage device of a PCI-Express (PCI-e) type that support a low-speed data processing speed for a host. Specifically, embodiments of this invention provide backup and restoration functions for one or more (i.e., a set of) semiconductor storage devices (SSDs). In general, the present invention provides an alarm unit and a secondary power supply coupled to a backup controller. The backup controller is coupled to a backup storage device. When a primary power supply is deactivated (e.g., fails), an alarm unit and the secondary power supply is activated. In response to this activation, the backup controller will backup any data stored on any SSDs of the storage system (as well as any data stored in main memory of the storage system or in main memory of any host server connected thereto). When the primary power supply is reactivated, the secondary power supply (and the alarm unit) is deactivated, and all data backed up is restored to its original source.