Storage Controller Direct Memory Access Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices face inefficiencies in data transfer operations due to reliance on indirect access methods, which slow down processing speeds and increase latency in reading and writing data between the host and storage medium.
Innovation Solution
A storage device architecture that includes a controller with a processing unit and tightly coupled memory, allowing direct access between the host and memory via dedicated signal lines, bypassing the need for intermediate interfaces, enabling direct load and store operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If indirect access methods are used for data transfer between host and storage medium, then device complexity is reduced, but data transfer speed and operating efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into distinct functional units: a processing unit for command execution and at least one memory unit for data storage. These units are independently addressable by the host, allowing parallel access paths that segment the data transfer workflow and eliminate bottlenecks in the access chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of direct host access to the controller's memory resources, bypassing the traditional sequential path through main memory. This creates a parallel access dimension where the host can directly load/store data to/from the controller's memory units, significantly reducing latency and improving transfer speeds.
2Loss of time
If data must pass through main memory for access, then memory management is simplified, but latency and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Data is pre-loaded into the controller's memory units before being needed by the host system. The processing unit can prepare data in advance and hold it in the controller's memory, so when the host requests the data, it is already available for immediate transfer, eliminating the need to wait for main memory access cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller's memory units act as an intermediary buffer between the host and the storage medium. This intermediary layer allows the host to access data directly without going through main memory, while the processing unit manages the data flow between this intermediary memory and the storage medium, reducing latency.
3Productivity
If direct access paths are implemented, then operating efficiency is improved, but device complexity and interface requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit serves multiple functions: it executes commands from the host, manages data transfer between the storage medium and controller memory, and handles address translation. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into a single unit, managing the increased complexity through functional integration rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating its own memory units and processing unit that can operate independently of the host's main memory. The controller manages its own data buffering, address translation, and transfer operations, reducing the burden on the host system and improving overall operating efficiency through autonomous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a storage medium and a controller configured to control the storage medium. The controller includes an interface unit configured to interface with a host, a processing unit connected to the interface unit via a first signal line and configured to process a direct load operation and a direct store operation between the host and the controller, and at least one memory connected to the interface unit via a second signal line. The at least one memory is configured to temporarily store data read from the storage medium or data received from the host, and is configured to be directly accessed by the host.