Storage Array ECC Layout for Independent Error Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage element arrays, such as tape drive arrays, face challenges in error correction due to inherent write errors in recording materials, where existing Error Correction Code (ECC) processing is limited by storing user data and ECC in close proximity, leading to inadequate error detection capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves appending an Error Correction Code (ECC) block to a data block and storing it in a storage element array, with a redundant copy of the ECC written to a different storage element, allowing independent verification of data regardless of the storage medium's quality, enhancing error correction capabilities through a redundant array of independent tapes (RAIT-5) configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If user data and ECC are stored in close proximity on the same recording medium, then storage density is increased, but error correction capability is limited by the quality state of the storage medium

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage densityVSAvoiderror correction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage system into multiple independent storage elements (first storage element and second storage element). User data is stored in the first storage element while ECC is stored in the second storage element, physically separating them to eliminate mutual interference and enable independent verification of data integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a redundant copy of ECC (redundant ECC) stored in a third storage element as an intermediary verification mechanism. This redundant ECC serves as an independent reference to verify the integrity of both the user data and the primary ECC, enabling error detection and correction without relying on the quality state of the original storage medium

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If redundant copy of ECC is written to different storage elements, then error correction capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror correction capabilityVSAvoidstorage array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes each storage element universally accessible and functionally equivalent, where any storage element can store either user data or ECC. This multi-functionality allows the same storage infrastructure to support both data storage and error correction functions without requiring specialized hardware for each purpose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8583990B2Error correction in a storage element array

Publication Date: 2013.11.12 SPECTRA LOGIC CORP

AI summary

An apparatus and associated method provided for a plurality of storage elements arranged and concurrently accessible in an array. A controller executes programming instructions stored in memory to append an error correction code (ECC) block to a first data block and to store the first data block with appended ECC block in a first storage element of the plurality, the appended ECC block associated with a second data block other than the first data block.