Storage Controller Data Backup Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage systems, power outages can lead to data loss as multiple controllers require individual battery power supplies for data saving, resulting in large and costly battery devices, especially in larger systems.
Innovation Solution
A storage system configuration where data from one controller's volatile memory is copied to another controller's volatile memory during a power outage, and then saved to non-volatile memory, allowing the power supply to be stopped, thus reducing the power and time needed for data saving and downsizing the battery device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each controller saves data independently to non-volatile memory upon power outage, then data loss is prevented, but battery device size and power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data saving operations of multiple controllers into a single coordinated process. When power outage is detected, the first controller saves its data independently, while the second controller waits for the first controller's completion before saving its data. This consolidation allows the battery to power only one controller's saving operation at a time, significantly reducing total power consumption and enabling smaller battery devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of power outages and initiates a coordinated saving sequence before complete power loss occurs. The control unit detects the power outage condition and immediately establishes the sequential saving protocol, ensuring that data protection is activated while power consumption is minimized from the outset.
2Reliability
If multiple controllers operate simultaneously during power outage for data saving, then data protection is ensured, but system complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data saving process into distinct phases: the first controller executes its saving operation independently, then the second controller executes its saving operation after the first completes. This temporal segmentation simplifies coordination logic compared to simultaneous operation, as each controller follows a clear sequence without needing complex inter-controller communication protocols.
3Reliability
If battery capacity is increased to support simultaneous data saving from multiple controllers, then data protection reliability improves, but cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power consumption requirements of multiple controllers into a single time window. By having controllers save data sequentially rather than simultaneously, the total energy requirement is reduced from the sum of all controllers' individual requirements to approximately the maximum requirement of a single controller plus overhead, enabling the use of smaller capacity batteries.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system which is connected to a host computer, includes a storage device; a first controller which controls data transfers between the storage device and the host computer; a second controller connected to the first controller and controls data transfers between the storage device and the host computer; a non-volatile memory; and a battery device. The first controller includes a first volatile memory and the second controller comprising a second volatile memory. Upon a power outage, the battery device starts supplying electric power to the first controller and the second controller, and wherein the second controller copies data which is stored in the first volatile memory to the second volatile memory and, after copying is complete, stops operation of the first controller, stops the power supply from the battery device to the first controller, and copies data.