RAID Controller Data Strip Routing for Parallel Parity Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RAID controllers face challenges in improving performance and efficiency in data processing and storage, particularly in handling data strips through multiple channels and managing parity data effectively.
Innovation Solution
The RAID controller includes a plurality of channel interfaces that split data strips into pieces, assign split identifiers, and use a distributor to set transmission paths, along with RAID buffer units to manage parity data, enhancing data processing and storage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data strips are received through multiple channels and processed sequentially, then data stability is maintained, but data processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RAID controller into multiple independent channel interfaces, each capable of receiving and processing data strips simultaneously. Each channel interface includes its own data strip splitting unit and parity calculation unit, enabling parallel processing of data from multiple channels without requiring complex centralized coordination, thus improving data processing speed while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential single-channel processing to multi-dimensional parallel processing by introducing multiple channel interfaces that operate simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the system to process multiple data strips across different channels at the same time, significantly enhancing data processing speed without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If multiple RAID buffer units are used to manage parity data, then data storage reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the buffer management function into multiple independent RAID buffer units, each responsible for storing and managing parity data for specific channels. This segmentation allows each buffer unit to operate independently with simplified management logic, while collectively providing enhanced data storage reliability through redundancy across multiple units
Solution Approach 2:
Each RAID buffer unit is designed to autonomously manage its own parity data storage and retrieval operations without requiring complex centralized coordination. The buffer units self-service by independently handling their assigned data streams, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability through distributed redundancy
3Productivity
If data strips are split into multiple pieces and distributed across different paths, then processing efficiency is improved, but transmission path management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides incoming data strips into multiple smaller data pieces within each channel interface, with each piece being processed independently through its own transmission path. This segmentation enables parallel processing of data pieces, improving overall processing efficiency while keeping each individual path management simple through the use of independent channel interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs data strip splitting and assigns transmission paths in advance within each channel interface before actual data transmission. This preliminary action at the channel level eliminates the need for complex real-time path management decisions, as the routing is predetermined and simplified, thereby improving processing efficiency without significantly increasing management complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) controller including a plurality of channel interfaces configured to receive a data strip for which it is distinguished in which data stripe the data strip is included by using a RAID identifier from each of a plurality of channels, split the data strip into a plurality of pieces of split data and store the split data, and assign a split identifier to each of the plurality of pieces of split data, a distributor configured to set, based on the split identifier, a transmission path of the plurality of pieces of split data, and a plurality of RAID buffer units configured to receive the split data through the distributor and manage parity data corresponding to the split data.