SSD Exception Handling via Domain Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of Solid State Drive (SSD) controllers due to asynchronous and independently operating domains with different clock frequencies and voltage levels poses challenges in synchronizing and efficiently handling exceptions, such as errors or hardware failures, which can disrupt SSD operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an exception handling system that classifies exceptions, groups them into action clusters, and uses an exception scheduler to synchronize processing across multiple domains, allowing actions to be executed in series or parallel, with sync points ensuring that each domain completes its tasks before proceeding, thereby ensuring robust exception handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple processor cores are used to handle different tasks in SSD controller, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to asynchronous domains with different clock frequencies and operating voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SSD controller into multiple independent processor cores (first processor core, second processor core, third processor core) operating in separate asynchronous domains. Each core handles specific tasks independently, with the first core managing normal operations, the second core handling exceptions, and the third core managing power management. This segmentation allows parallel processing to improve productivity while containing synchronization complexity through domain-specific isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an exception scheduler as an intermediary component that coordinates between different processor cores. The exception scheduler receives exception notifications from various domains, determines the appropriate core to handle the exception, and manages the exception handling process. This intermediary abstracts the complexity of coordinating multiple asynchronous domains, enabling reliable exception handling across distributed cores.
2Reliability
If exception handling requires rapid real-time response, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to synchronization requirements across multiple domains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having processor cores asynchronously notify the exception scheduler when exceptions occur, rather than requiring synchronous coordination. The exception scheduler proactively receives notifications and determines handling actions in advance. This allows rapid exception response while avoiding the complexity of synchronous coordination across domains with different clock frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic exception handling where the exception scheduler can route exceptions to different processor cores based on current system state and exception type. The handling mechanism adapts dynamically to the asynchronous nature of the domains, using event-driven architecture and conditional routing to manage synchronization complexity while maintaining reliable real-time response.
3Ease of operation
If processor cores operate independently at different clock frequencies, then ease of operation is improved through domain independence, but device complexity increases due to lack of synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the controller into independently operating domains (first domain, second domain, third domain) each with its own processor core and clock frequency. This segmentation enables domain independence and ease of operation for each core, while the exception scheduler manages the complexity of coordination between domains through asynchronous notification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where processor cores asynchronously notify the exception scheduler of exception conditions. This feedback system allows each domain to operate independently at its own clock frequency while maintaining coordination through event-driven communication. The exception scheduler processes these feedback signals and coordinates appropriate responses across domains, managing synchronization complexity through asynchronous event handling.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein synchronize events between various components of storage device during the processing of an exception (i.e., an internal error). The storage device can have a plurality of processors which may each coordinate operations on various domains of storage device processing tasks. An exception occurring in one domain may require input and coordination from other domains within the storage device. Each exception may have a list of predetermined steps needed for completion which are coordinated via a series of sync points placed between exception action clusters which perform a series of specific operations until data or processing from another domain is needed to continue processing. The sync points can be utilized to halt processing in one domain until the other domains are in sync and complete one or more exception action operations. In this way, a streamlined and predictable synchronization between domains may occur during an exception.