SSD-to-FPGA Streaming Interface Without Host CPU Data Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices lack a direct and secure mechanism for streaming data between a storage device and a secondary device, such as an FPGA, without involving the host CPU, which leads to performance limitations, security vulnerabilities, and inefficient data management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for direct streaming between a storage device, like an SSD, and a secondary device, like an FPGA, using a unique stream identity to transfer data through a stream buffer without host intervention, maintaining data layout and protocol security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is transferred through the host CPU between storage device and secondary device, then security and data layout protection are maintained, but data transfer speed and processing efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a streaming interface as an intermediary mechanism that enables direct data transfer between the storage device and secondary device. This streaming interface acts as a mediator that bypasses the host CPU for data transfer operations while maintaining security through stream identity validation and controlled access protocols. The streaming interface includes dedicated hardware components for data movement, allowing high-speed transfer without CPU intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data transfer path into separate channels: a streaming path for high-speed direct transfer and a control path for security management. The streaming interface is divided into distinct functional components including stream buffers, data transfer engines, and security validation units. This segmentation allows simultaneous high-speed data transfer while maintaining security protocols without requiring host CPU involvement in the transfer path.
2Productivity
If direct streaming between storage device and secondary device is implemented, then processing efficiency is improved, but security risks and data exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The streaming interface serves as a secure intermediary that enables direct communication between storage device and secondary device without host CPU involvement. It implements security through stream identity validation, where each streaming session is authenticated and authorized before data transfer begins. The interface maintains security boundaries while enabling high-speed direct data transfer through dedicated hardware pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different security and functionality characteristics at different parts of the system. The streaming interface has localized security validation mechanisms that operate independently from the host system. Data layout details are protected locally within the storage device, while the streaming path provides high-speed transfer capability. This local quality approach allows security and performance to coexist by applying appropriate characteristics to specific system components.
3Ease of operation
If complex filesystem and data layout details are exposed to secondary device, then data can be accessed and processed, but security vulnerabilities and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The streaming interface acts as an intermediary that abstracts away filesystem and data layout complexities from the secondary device. It presents a simplified streaming protocol to the secondary device while handling complex data retrieval, formatting, and transfer operations internally. This allows the secondary device to access data through simple stream commands without needing to understand underlying filesystem structures or data layout details.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements stream buffers that create temporary copies of data in a standardized format within the storage device. These stream buffers hold data in a format optimized for streaming transfer, eliminating the need for the secondary device to directly access or interpret complex filesystem structures. The copying mechanism allows data to be presented in a simplified form while maintaining the integrity and security of the original storage structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of streaming between a storage device and a secondary device includes receiving, by the storage device, from the secondary device, a memory read request command including a memory address of the storage device corresponding to a stream identity, the stream identity being unique between the storage device and the secondary device; streaming, by the storage device, data between the storage device and the secondary device by transferring the data corresponding to the memory address of the storage device to the secondary device; determining, by the storage device, that the data requested by the secondary device in the memory read request command is transferred to the secondary device; and ending, by the storage device, the streaming between the storage device and the secondary device.