Processor Buffer-Aware Management Instruction Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems, the alternation between main function processing and management processing leads to significant increases in processing time and delays when management instructions are not completed within a given period, causing inefficiencies and delays in subsequent management processing.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a management processor and multiple main processors that alternate between main function processing and management instruction execution, where the management processor manages uncompleted management instructions, selects a suitable processor for transmitting the next management instruction, and optimizes the assignment based on processing times and buffer sizes to minimize interference with main function processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If management processing is executed sequentially for each management instruction, then management instructions are processed in order, but processing time increases significantly when management instructions cannot be completed within one period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments management instructions into multiple batches and distributes them across different main processors. Instead of one processor handling all management instructions sequentially, the management processor divides the workload into segments that can be processed in parallel by multiple main processors during their respective management processing periods, thereby reducing total processing time while maintaining completion reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The management processor preliminarily selects and assigns management instructions to appropriate main processors before the management processing period begins. By pre-distributing management instructions to multiple processors based on their current workload and buffer capacity, the system avoids sequential processing delays and ensures that processing can begin immediately when each processor enters its management period.
2Productivity
If management processing is performed during alternating periods, then main function processing and management processing are separated, but subsequent management processing is significantly delayed when previous management processing is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Management processing is segmented across multiple main processors rather than concentrated in one processor's alternating periods. Each main processor handles a subset of management instructions during its own management periods, enabling parallel execution and eliminating the sequential delay that occurs when one processor must complete all management tasks before the next cycle begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous management processing across multiple processors instead of interrupting main function processing for extended management periods. While each individual main processor alternates between main and management functions, the collective system continuously processes management instructions through parallel execution on multiple processors, eliminating idle time and delays.
3Device complexity
If multiple management instructions are transmitted to the same main processor, then centralized processing is simplified, but the processor buffer may overflow or processing delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The management processor segments the queue of management instructions and distributes them to multiple main processors based on current buffer capacity and workload. This segmentation prevents any single processor from receiving more instructions than its buffer can hold, avoiding overflow conditions and processing delays while maintaining manageable complexity through automated distribution logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns management instructions to main processors based on real-time conditions such as buffer capacity, current workload, and processing status. This dynamic allocation adapts to changing system states, preventing buffer overflow by directing instructions to processors with available capacity and minimizing delays by selecting processors that can execute instructions most efficiently at any given moment.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes a management processor and main processors. Each of the main processors is configured to alternately switch between a period in which main function processing, including I/O processing in response to an I/O request from a host, is executed and a period in which a management instruction is executed. The management processor is configured to: manage information associating each of uncompleted management instructions, which are already transmitted to the main processors, with a transmission destination main processor to which the each of the uncompleted management instructions is transmitted; select, based on the uncompleted management instructions of the main processors, a transmission destination main processor to which a next management instruction is to be transmitted, from among the main processors; and transmit the next management instruction to the selected transmission destination main processor.