Serial Link SSD Controller with Parallel NAND Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional SSD configurations using parallel mode channels to connect multiple NAND dies limit I/O throughput due to the need for each channel to access only one die at a time, leading to inefficiencies in data transfer and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a main controller connected to a NAND package via one or more serial links, which allows for independent access to multiple subsets of NAND dies, improving I/O throughput and reducing power consumption by maintaining constant performance regardless of the number of dies, while the parallel mode channels operate at lower speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parallel mode channels are used to connect multiple NAND dies, then each channel can connect to multiple dies, but only one die can be accessed at a time per channel, limiting I/O throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the NAND dies into multiple subsets, with each subset connected to a dedicated parallel mode channel. This segmentation allows multiple channels to operate independently and simultaneously access different subsets of dies, thereby multiplying the overall I/O throughput while maintaining manageable channel complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple parallel mode channels with a single serial link to the controller. The serial link carries multiplexed data from multiple channels, allowing the controller to access multiple dies simultaneously through what appears to be a single connection, thus improving throughput without proportionally increasing controller interface complexity.
2Speed
If parallel mode channels operate at high speeds, then data transfer is faster, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating speed of parallel mode channels based on workload requirements. During high-performance operations, channels operate at higher speeds; during idle or low-demand periods, they reduce speed or enter low-power states. This dynamic operation maintains necessary data transfer speeds while minimizing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic activation of parallel mode channels rather than continuous operation. Channels are activated only when data transfer is needed and deactivated during idle periods, creating a periodic on-off pattern that maintains speed performance when needed while significantly reducing average power consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If more NAND dies are added to increase storage capacity, then SSD capacity increases, but the number of parallel mode channels required increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes each parallel mode channel universal by enabling it to dynamically connect to different subsets of NAND dies through the serial link interface. A single channel can serve multiple dies at different times by multiplexing its connection, eliminating the need for dedicated channels for each die and allowing storage capacity to scale without proportionally increasing channel count.
Solution Approach 2:
The serial link acts as an intermediary between the controller and multiple parallel mode channels. It multiplexes data from multiple channels, allowing a single serial interface to manage connections to numerous NAND dies. This intermediary function enables storage capacity to scale independently of the number of physical parallel mode channels required.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations described herein relate to systems and methods for a solid state drive (SSD) that includes a first controller and a NAND package. The NAND package includes a plurality of dies grouped into a plurality of subsets. The NAND package includes a second controller operatively coupled to each of the plurality of subsets via a corresponding one of a plurality of parallel mode channels. The first controller is operatively coupled to the NAND package via a serial link.