SSD Processing Unit Local Data Search

Solution Overview

Problem

Standard storage nodes lack computational resources to perform data operations efficiently, leading to costly device performance and power consumption issues, as they require data to be read and processed by a server CPU, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a processing unit with flash memory in a solid state drive (SSD) that includes a hardware engine and microcontroller, enabling local data processing and analysis without transferring data to the server CPU, such as through a search engine and comparator for pattern matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data operations are performed on the server CPU, then data processing can be completed, but device performance and power consumption are significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data processing function from the server CPU and relocates it to the storage node. The storage node is equipped with a processing unit that can independently perform data operations such as search, query, encryption/decryption, and compression on stored data without requiring data to be transferred to the server CPU, thereby reducing power consumption and server workload.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage node is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating a processing unit that can autonomously perform data operations. The storage node serves itself by executing processing tasks locally on its stored data, eliminating the need to constantly transfer data to the server for processing, thus reducing both power consumption and server resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If data is read from storage node and processed by server CPU, then operations can be performed, but processing time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data processing function from the server CPU and relocates it to the storage node. The storage node is equipped with a processing unit that can independently perform data operations such as search, query, encryption/decryption, and compression on stored data without requiring data to be transferred to the server CPU, thereby reducing power consumption and server workload.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage node performs data processing operations directly on the stored data before any potential transfer to the server. By having the processing unit execute operations in advance or locally, the system avoids the time-consuming data transfer and processing cycle that would otherwise occur on the server, thus reducing overall processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard storage node interface is used, then compatibility is maintained, but computational resources are insufficient for efficient data operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoiddata processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage node is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both standard interface capabilities and enhanced processing capabilities. The storage node can communicate using standard interfaces for compatibility while simultaneously performing complex data operations locally, thus achieving both versatility and high productivity without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9092321B2System and method for performing efficient searches and queries in a storage node

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 NETLIST INC

AI summary

A system and method of providing enhanced data processing and analysis in a storage node, such as a solid state drive (SSD). The SSD includes flash memory and an SSD processing unit capable of executing searches and analysis on the data in the flash memory without returning all of the data to be searched to a host CPU outside of the SSD. Other processing capabilities incorporated into the SSD may include encryption and decryption, compression and decompression, and in-line indexing of data, and data analytics.