Storage Controller Cache Updates for Peer-to-Peer Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face increased overhead in data transmission when multiple hosts access shared memory pools, necessitating peer-to-peer (P2P) data transfer without host intervention to maintain cache coherence.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a non-volatile memory and controller that includes a cache memory, interface circuit, buffer memory, and address translation circuit to map logical addresses to physical addresses, enabling efficient P2P data transfer and cache updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If host intervention is used to transmit data between storage devices, then data transmission can be performed, but overhead increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the host from the data transmission path by implementing direct peer-to-peer data transfer between storage devices. The storage devices communicate directly through a switch without requiring host intervention for data movement, eliminating the overhead associated with host-mediated transmission while maintaining data integrity and cache coherence through protocol-based coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary device that enables direct communication between storage devices. The switch facilitates peer-to-peer data transfer by routing data packets between devices without involving the host, thereby reducing overhead while maintaining controlled and organized data transmission paths.
2Productivity
If P2P data transfer is implemented without host intervention, then overhead is reduced, but cache coherence maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where storage devices exchange cache coherence information through the switch during P2P data transfer. When data is transferred between devices, the receiving device provides feedback about cache line states and validity to the transmitting device, enabling automatic cache coherence maintenance without host involvement. This feedback loop ensures that cached data remains consistent across devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage devices autonomously manage cache coherence through self-service mechanisms. Each device monitors its own cache state and automatically coordinates with other devices through standardized protocols implemented in the switch, eliminating the need for external host control while maintaining data consistency across the distributed cache system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If data transfer is performed in block or page units, then simplicity is maintained, but granularity is limited and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data transfer into finer-grained units by enabling transfer of individual cache lines or data packets smaller than traditional block or page units. This segmentation allows precise control over data movement, transferring only the specific data elements that need to be synchronized between devices, thereby reducing unnecessary data transmission and improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data transfer granularity from fixed block or page sizes to variable, fine-grained units. By dynamically adjusting the transfer size based on actual data coherence needs, the system achieves higher energy efficiency by transferring minimal necessary data while the switch and storage devices handle the complexity of variable-sized transfers through protocol-based coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a non-volatile memory and a storage controller, wherein the storage controller includes a cache memory storing some of data stored in the non-volatile memory, an interface circuit receiving, from a first external host, a first request including a source address related to the external storage device, a destination address related to the storage device, and cache update information indicating an update method of the cache memory, provide a second request including the source address to the external storage device, and receive, from the external storage device in response to the second request, a response including first data corresponding to the source address, an address translation circuit generating a physical address of a first type based on the destination address, and a cache controller updating a cache area indicated by the physical address of the first type based on the cache update information.