Solid-State Disk Direct Memory Access Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid state disks (SSDs) currently lack the capability to support high-speed data processing required by user systems, as they are limited by their data transmission paths through north and south bridges, which slow down data processing.
Innovation Solution
A user system architecture that includes a direct data transmission path between the main memory and the SSD, bypassing the north and south bridges, utilizing DMA devices for efficient data exchange, and incorporating a cache buffer in the SSD to enhance data processing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If SSD is connected through north and south bridges, then device compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but data processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DMA (Direct Memory Access) device as an intermediary component that enables direct data transmission between the SSD and main memory, bypassing the north and south bridges. This mediator allows the SSD to achieve high-speed data processing while maintaining compatibility with existing system architectures through the bridge interfaces.
2Speed
If direct data transmission path is implemented between main memory and SSD, then data processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission function by introducing a dedicated DMA device that handles direct memory access independently from the main system bus. This segmentation allows the SSD to have a direct transmission path for high-speed operations while the north and south bridges remain intact for compatibility purposes, effectively dividing the transmission paths into different functional segments.
3Device complexity
If traditional bridge-mediated path is used, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a dedicated direct transmission path that is prepared and available for immediate use when high-speed data transfer is required. The DMA device is pre-configured to enable direct access between SSD and main memory, so that when large data transfers are needed, the system can immediately utilize the faster path without waiting for bridge-mediated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive concept relates to a user system including a solid state disk. The user system may include a main memory for storing data processed by a central processing unit; and a solid state disk for storing the selected data among data stored in the main memory. The main memory and the solid state disk form a single memory hierarchy. Thus, the user system of the inventive concept can rapidly process data.