Storage Class Memory Addressing via I/O Adapter Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing environments face challenges in efficiently managing storage class memory, particularly in transferring data between main storage and storage class memory, and in configuring and deconfiguring storage class memory increments, due to complexities in addressing and allocation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Extended Asynchronous Data Mover (EADM) Facility, which allows programs to request data transfers and perform operations on storage class memory through a standard channel programming interface, hiding the implementation details and providing a unified address space for storage class memory, enabling efficient data movement and configuration management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If storage class memory is implemented as groups of solid state devices connected via I/O adapters, then faster access than DASD is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple adapters and mapping layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an I/O adapter as an intermediary component that maps storage class memory devices to the memory bus of central processing units. This adapter handles the complexity of connecting multiple solid state devices while presenting a simplified interface to the CPU, thus achieving fast access without directly exposing the complexity to the processing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides storage class memory into groups of solid state devices, each connected through separate I/O adapters. This segmentation allows independent management and mapping of different device groups, reducing the overall complexity by breaking down the large-scale storage system into manageable units that can be addressed individually.
2Speed
If storage class memory is addressed through I/O adapters mapping to memory bus, then faster access is achieved, but addressing complexity increases compared to main storage
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O adapter serves as a mediator that translates between the memory bus addressing scheme used by the CPU and the physical addressing scheme of the storage class memory devices. This intermediary layer handles the addressing complexity internally, allowing fast access through the memory bus while hiding the complex device addressing from the CPU.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mapped representation of storage class memory in the address space visible to the CPU through the memory bus. This virtual mapping allows the CPU to access storage class memory using simplified memory-like addressing, while the actual physical addressing and device selection are handled by the I/O adapter's mapping logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programs directly manage storage class memory increments, then configuration flexibility improves, but operation complexity increases due to allocation and deconfiguration management
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service capabilities for managing storage class memory increments through automated allocation and deconfiguration processes. The I/O adapter and associated control logic handle the complex management tasks automatically, allowing programs to access storage class memory with simple commands while the system manages the underlying allocation and configuration details.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary management layer between the program and the storage class memory increments. This layer handles the complex allocation, tracking, and deconfiguration of memory increments, providing programs with a simplified interface that maintains configuration flexibility while reducing operational complexity through automated management.
Data Source
AI summary
An abstraction for storage class memory is provided that hides the details of the implementation of storage class memory from a program, and provides a standard channel programming interface for performing certain actions, such as controlling movement of data between main storage and storage class memory or managing storage class memory.