SAS Drive Controller Embedding Operating Statistics in Response Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices face performance disruptions and latency issues due to the need for dedicated log commands to retrieve operating statistics, which suspend drive operations and impact read/write operations.
Innovation Solution
Embedding operating statistics, such as temperature, endurance, and power values, within response frames returned to the host device, allowing real-time data collection without issuing special-purpose commands, thus minimizing performance impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated log commands are used to retrieve operating statistics, then measurement precision of drive state is improved, but productivity of read/write operations deteriorates due to suspended drive operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operating statistics data with the existing data transfer response frame, combining two separate communication functions (data transfer and statistics retrieval) into a single frame structure. This allows the host to obtain operating statistics without issuing separate dedicated log commands, thereby maintaining read/write operation throughput while still achieving accurate measurements of drive state.
Solution Approach 2:
The response frame is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it conveys data transfer completion status and embeds operating statistics information. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized commands, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity by making the communication protocol more versatile.
2Reliability
If dedicated log commands are issued to retrieve operating statistics, then reliability of drive monitoring is improved, but loss of time occurs due to command processing latency
Solution Approach 1:
The controller prepares and embeds operating statistics data into the response frame in advance, during the normal data transfer operation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate command processing time, as the statistics are already packaged and ready for transmission when the data transfer completes, thus maintaining reliable monitoring while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous data transfer operations without interruption by embedding statistics retrieval within the ongoing communication flow. The useful action of data transfer continues uninterrupted while the statistics are simultaneously prepared and included in the response, eliminating idle time and maintaining both reliability and temporal efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If separate command frames are used for statistics retrieval, then ease of operation for data transfer is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional command processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the operating statistics retrieval function with the existing data transfer command frame structure. By embedding the statistics within the response frame rather than requiring separate dedicated commands, the system maintains operational simplicity for data transfer while reducing the complexity of command processing through consolidation of functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described that includes generating, by a controller of a storage device, operating statistics associated with an operating state of the storage device. The method includes receiving, by the controller and from a host device, a non-interrupt command frame that requests transfer of data blocks between the storage device and the host device. The method further includes, in response to receiving the non-interrupt command frame, generating, by the controller, a response frame associated with the non-interrupt command frame, wherein the response frame includes the operating statistics. The method includes transmitting, by the controller and to the host device, the response frame.