Persistent Storage Buffer Data Preservation via Selective Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Persistent storage devices with volatile buffers face data loss risks during power interruptions, and the energy storage capacity required to prevent this can increase costs and constrain packaging options.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a host to initiate the copying of a portion of the buffer in a persistent storage device to non-volatile memory, using a memory-addressed instruction, thereby reducing the energy storage capacity needed to prevent data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the persistent storage device uses a larger energy storage device to power the buffer during power interruptions, then data protection reliability is improved, but device cost and packaging constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the buffer into multiple regions (first buffer region and second buffer region) and implements selective flushing of only the necessary portion during power interruptions. This segmentation allows the system to reduce the energy storage capacity requirement while maintaining data protection reliability by only preserving critical data segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by flushing only a portion of the buffer (the first buffer region containing host data) rather than the entire buffer during power interruptions. This partial flushing approach reduces the energy storage device capacity needed while still providing adequate data protection for the most critical information.
2Reliability
If the persistent storage device flushes the entire buffer to non-volatile memory, then data protection is improved, but the energy storage capacity required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buffer into multiple regions with different flushing requirements. The first buffer region (host data) is flushed selectively based on power interruption detection, while the second buffer region (device-generated data) may be handled differently. This segmentation reduces the total energy storage capacity required compared to flushing the entire buffer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing selective flushing of only the first buffer region containing critical host data during power interruptions, rather than flushing the entire buffer. This approach provides adequate data protection while minimizing the energy storage capacity requirement.
3Productivity
If the persistent storage device uses volatile memory for the buffer, then buffer performance is improved, but data loss risk during power interruptions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting power interruptions and selectively flushing critical buffer data to non-volatile memory before complete power loss occurs. This proactive approach allows the high-performance volatile buffer to be used while mitigating data loss risk through timely data preservation of the most critical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a selective flushing mechanism as an intermediary between the volatile buffer and non-volatile memory. This intermediary layer provides a transition path that allows the system to maintain high buffer performance while reducing data loss risk by selectively transferring critical data to persistent storage when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for buffer data preservation. In some embodiments, the method includes: receiving, by a persistent storage device including non-volatile memory and a buffer storing data, a first memory-addressed instruction; and copying a portion of the data in the buffer of the persistent storage device to the non-volatile memory, based on receiving the first memory-addressed instruction.