Storage Controller Adapter Power Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In NAS network systems, asynchronous power-on and power-off of NAS heads and disk array devices lead to operational discrepancies, where the NAS head may start or stop before the disk array device, causing data access issues and potential data loss, and existing solutions require additional controllers, increasing system complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A storage system with a storage controller and adapter that synchronize power-on and power-off operations through start-up and completion signals, ensuring the adapter operates only after the storage controller has started and data is transferred between cache memories before shutting down, preventing premature operation or data loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the NAS head and disk array device are configured as separate devices with different power systems, then device independence and flexibility are improved, but asynchronous power-on/power-off occurs causing reliability to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice independenceVSAvoidpower synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated control line is introduced as an intermediary communication channel between the NAS head and disk array device. This control line transmits power state signals and coordination commands, enabling synchronized power-on/power-off operations while preserving the independence of separate device configurations. The control line acts as a mediator that resolves the timing mismatch without requiring physical power system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a separate controller is used for cooperation-control of power sources, then power synchronization is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower synchronizationVSAvoidcontroller structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power control functionality is merged into the existing NAS head and disk array device controllers rather than introducing a separate dedicated controller. The NAS head and disk array device share a common power source and use their existing control interfaces to coordinate power states. This integration approach achieves power synchronization while avoiding the added complexity and cost of a separate control unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing control interfaces of the NAS head and disk array device are made multi-functional by enabling them to handle both data/control operations and power state coordination. The control lines and processors already present in these devices are utilized for dual purposes: managing normal operational commands and coordinating power-on/power-off sequences, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated power control hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If the NAS head starts operation before the disk array device, then startup speed is improved, but data access reliability deteriorates due to premature recognition by host computers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestartup speedVSAvoiddata access reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary power-on of the disk array device and its storage media before activating the NAS head and enabling it to accept host computer connections. This preliminary sequencing ensures that the storage infrastructure is fully operational and ready to handle data requests before the NAS head becomes accessible to hosts, preventing data access errors while allowing the NAS head to start quickly once the storage layer is prepared.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of time

If the disk array device stops operation before the NAS head, then shutdown speed is improved, but data loss occurs due to incomplete data transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutdown timeVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where the NAS head monitors the operational status of the disk array device and adjusts its shutdown timing accordingly. The system continuously exchanges status signals between the two devices, allowing the NAS head to detect when data transfer operations are complete and when it is safe to power down. This feedback loop ensures data integrity while enabling rapid coordinated shutdown without manual intervention or extended waiting periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7437585B2Storage system and power control method therefor, adapter and power control method therefor, and storage controller and control method therefor

Publication Date: 2008.10.14 RAKUTEN GROUP INC

AI summary

A storage system and a power control method therefor, an adapter and power control therefor, and a storage controller and a control method therefor, that enable the enhancement of their reliability with simple configurations. The storage system and the power control method therefor are configured in such a manner that the storage controller transmits a predetermined start-up completion signal to the adapter and the adapter starts to operate after receiving the start-up completion signal. When the adapter initiates stop of operation, it transfers cache data to the storage controller and transmits a predetermined first signal to the storage controller, the storage controller makes storage devices store the cache data in response to the first signal from the adapter, transmits a predetermined second signal to the adapter, and stops operation, and the adapter stops operation after receiving the second signal.