Storage Controller Dynamic Power Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face inefficiencies in power distribution among storage devices, leading to suboptimal performance and processing capacity, especially when certain devices are intensively accessed, as they rely on uniform power allocation regardless of varying power consumption needs.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a controller that adjusts power distribution based on load requirements by transmitting power control commands to storage devices, recalculating and redistributing power components based on actual power/performance characteristics, allowing for hierarchical operation and optimized power allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If uniform power allocation is used among storage devices, then power distribution is simple and stable, but processing capacity and system performance deteriorate when certain devices are intensively accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation by allowing the controller to adjust power distribution in real-time based on access patterns and load requirements. The controller monitors which storage devices are intensively accessed and increases their power allocation accordingly, while reducing power to devices with lower utilization, thereby optimizing overall system productivity without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors access patterns and performance metrics of storage devices. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically recalculates and redistributes power components to devices that need them most, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing workload conditions and maintains optimal processing capacity
2Productivity
If power is increased to intensively accessed devices, then processing capacity improves, but power consumption and energy waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating power selectively to specific storage devices based on their individual needs and access patterns rather than providing uniform power to all devices. The controller identifies which devices are intensively accessed and concentrates power resources on those specific devices, ensuring that energy is not wasted on devices that do not require high power levels for their current workload
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes power parameters by adjusting the power components supplied to different storage devices based on real-time conditions. The controller recalculates optimal power distribution by changing power levels for individual devices according to their access intensity and performance requirements, thereby improving processing capacity where needed while reducing energy consumption where full power is not necessary
3Productivity
If dynamic power reallocation is implemented, then system efficiency and performance improve, but control complexity and calculation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard storage device controller and as a dynamic power management system. By integrating power allocation and redistribution functions into the existing controller architecture, the patent avoids adding separate complex power management hardware while still achieving dynamic power reallocation to optimize system efficiency and performance
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a storage includes a nonvolatile memory and a controller configured to control the nonvolatile memory. The storage is supplied with first power from a power supply unit. The controller is configured to change power supplied from the power supply unit from the first power to second power based on a power control command transmitted from a host. The power control command includes a first parameter identifying the storage and a second parameter indicative of the second power.