Storage Controller Merging Host and Device Data for Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices can only store error data related to themselves during a log dump operation, making it difficult to determine the influence of the host device on storage device errors, which hampers reliability and debugging.
Innovation Solution
A storage device connected to a host device through multiple buses (e.g., PCIe and SMBus) that stores data from both the storage device and external host device in a secure region, allowing for the collection and analysis of data from both sources during a log dump operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the storage device only stores error data related to itself during log dump operation, then the storage device can maintain simple data collection process, but it cannot clearly identify the influence of host device on storage device errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines storage device data and host device data into a single log dump file. The storage controller receives a log dump request, collects error data from the storage device through the first bus, and simultaneously collects data from the host device through the second bus, merging both data sources into one comprehensive log file for unified analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller acts as an intermediary that facilitates data collection from both the storage device and the host device. It receives the log dump request, coordinates data collection from multiple sources through different buses, and consolidates the data into a unified format, eliminating the need for separate data collection processes.
2Reliability
If the storage device collects data from multiple sources through different buses, then it can clearly identify host device influence on errors, but it increases the complexity of data collection process
Solution Approach 1:
The storage controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle both storage device data collection and host device data collection through different buses. It can receive commands through the first bus, access external devices through the second bus, and consolidate data from multiple sources, making a single component perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the storage device stores only storage device error data, then the data collection process remains simple, but the debugging capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges storage device data and host device data into a single log dump file. The storage controller receives a log dump request, collects error data from the storage device through the first bus, and simultaneously collects data from the host device through the second bus, merging both data sources into one comprehensive log file for unified analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a nonvolatile memory device (NVM) and a storage controller. The NVM includes a first region configured to store user data and a second region not allocated to a user. The storage controller is configured to be connected with a host device through both a first-type bus and a second-type bus different from the first-type bus. The storage controller is configured to receive a first and second request from the host device through the first-type bus. In response to the first request, the storage controller is configured to perform an operation on the NVM. In response to the second request, the storage controller is configured to store first data associated with the storage device in the second region and access the second-type bus to obtain second data of at least one external device obtained by the host device and store the second data in the second region.