Storage Controller Host Memory Buffering ECC Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices face challenges in ensuring data reliability and efficiency due to the use of volatile memory for mapping tables, which increases area and cost, and requires separate internal buffers that can be costly and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A storage device that utilizes a host memory buffer for data buffering, with a storage controller performing error correction encoding and decoding, and replacing lost data packets with dummy data during errors, allowing for efficient data management without the need for separate internal buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If volatile memory is used for mapping tables and internal buffers, then data access speed is improved, but device area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the buffer function from the storage device itself and relocates it to the host system memory. The storage device no longer needs internal volatile memory for mapping tables and buffers, as these functions are performed in the host's memory space, thereby reducing the storage device's area and cost while maintaining data access speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The host system memory serves multiple functions: it acts as general system memory and simultaneously provides buffering and mapping table storage for the storage device. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for dedicated buffer memory in the storage device, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If separate internal buffers are implemented, then data buffering capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering capability is extracted from the storage device and implemented in the host system. This eliminates the need for complex internal buffer management circuitry in the storage device, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining data buffering capability through the host's memory resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The host system acts as an intermediary that provides buffering services to the storage device. Instead of the storage device having its own complex buffer management, the host's memory and control logic serve as the intermediary buffer layer, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If host memory buffer is used for data buffering, then device cost is reduced, but data reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements error correction code (ECC) mechanisms and data validation procedures that operate beforehand and during data access operations. These protective measures cushion against potential data corruption when using host memory, ensuring data reliability is maintained even though the buffer is external to the storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through error detection and correction codes that monitor data integrity in the host memory buffer. When errors are detected, the system can request retransmission or correction, providing continuous feedback to maintain data reliability despite using external buffering.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device sharing a host memory of a host, the storage device includes a serial interface that exchanges data with the host, and a storage controller that stores buffering data in a host memory buffer allocated by the host through the serial interface. The storage controller performs error correction encoding and error correction decoding on the buffering data.