Power Fail Circuit for Multi-Storage Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-storage-device arrays face challenges with power failures, as not all storage devices have built-in power failure recovery mechanisms, leading to potential data loss and increased costs for devices with such mechanisms, limiting flexibility in device selection and array configuration.
Innovation Solution
A system-level power failure management circuit that detects abnormal power conditions using electric probes and generates priority commands to flush data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory, utilizing holdup energy storage to support data protection during power failures, and selectively prioritizes storage devices based on their power failure protection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage devices with built-in power failure recovery mechanisms are selected, then data protection during power failures is improved, but device cost increases and flexibility in device selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a system-level power failure management circuit as an intermediary component that mediates between the power supply and storage devices. This circuit detects power failures and generates priority commands to flush data from volatile to non-volatile memory, providing data protection without requiring proprietary mechanisms in each storage device. This enables flexible device selection while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables storage devices to self-manage their data protection needs through a standardized priority command interface. When a power failure is detected, the system-level circuit sends a priority flush command to the storage device, which then autonomously flushes data from its volatile cache to non-volatile storage. This self-service approach eliminates the need for expensive proprietary power failure recovery mechanisms in each device while maintaining data protection.
2Reliability
If storage devices with built-in power failure recovery mechanisms are selected, then data protection during power failures is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power failure detection and data protection functionality into a centralized system-level power failure management circuit that serves all storage devices in the array. Instead of each storage device having its own proprietary power failure recovery mechanism, the functionality is combined at the system level, reducing redundant components and lowering overall device cost while maintaining data protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized priority command interface that can be implemented in any storage device, effectively creating a software/firmware copy of power failure recovery functionality across all devices. This eliminates the need for expensive proprietary hardware mechanisms in each device, as the same protection logic is replicated through standardized commands that work with any storage device having volatile and non-volatile memory.
3Productivity
If write cache is used to accommodate synchronous writes, then write speed is improved, but data loss risk during power failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting power failures before they completely disrupt operation and immediately generating priority commands to flush data from volatile write cache to non-volatile storage. The system monitors power conditions and proactively initiates data protection actions, preventing data loss before it occurs rather than attempting recovery after loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system-level power failure management circuit continuously monitors power supply conditions and provides feedback to storage devices through priority commands. When power anomalies are detected, the circuit sends flush commands to storage devices, which feedback their status, creating a closed-loop system that maintains data safety while preserving write performance through volatile caching.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents data loss during power failures for all client data in the storage devices, enhances flexibility by allowing any storage device to be used without prior vetting for power failure management modules, and reduces the need for expensive devices with built-in power failure recovery mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A system-level power failure management circuit that detects abnormal power conditions using electric probes
Implementation Method 2
utilizing holdup energy storage to support data protection during power failures
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a multi-storage-device array (e.g., a SSD tray, a SSD sled or a SSD rack) having multiple drives (e.g., solid-state drives). The multi-storage-device array can have an enclosure around the drives, a processor and a network interface, and implement a power failure management circuit. The power failure management circuit can include an electric probe that detects a power failure. Upon detecting the power failure, the power failure management circuit sends an interrupt signal to a drive controller to flush data in volatile-memory (e.g., write cache, firmware cache, look-up table cache, or other random access memory) into non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory). The power failure management circuit can include a system-level holdup energy storage that retains power after power failure to support flushing of the data from the volatile memory during the power failure.