Storage Controller Dynamic Link Configuration for Throughput Mismatch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems face inefficiencies due to differing read and write throughputs in memory devices, leading to suboptimal data transfer speeds and voltage supply issues, as typical host devices cannot discern the internal state of memory devices, resulting in default settings being used for connection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a storage controller with a resource management IP that collects storage throughput information and adjusts link attributes for Tx and Rx paths based on internal device state, allowing for independent configuration of clock speeds and power modes, enabling optimal data transfer by selecting appropriate descriptors and config values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If default settings are used to connect host device and memory device, then compatibility is maintained, but data transfer speed is suboptimal due to inability to identify internal state
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device provides feedback about its internal state (read/write throughput characteristics) to the host device through descriptor information. This enables the host to adjust link attributes dynamically based on actual device capabilities rather than using fixed default settings, thereby optimizing data transfer speed while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device autonomously generates and provides descriptor information containing its internal state characteristics without requiring external probing or configuration. The host device can then use this self-provided information to automatically configure optimal link attributes, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while achieving high performance.
2Productivity
If independent clock speeds are set for Tx and Rx paths, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link configuration transitions from static default settings to dynamic independent configuration of Tx and Rx clock speeds. Based on the descriptor information revealing internal state differences, the host can set different clock speeds for transmission and reception paths, allowing each path to operate at its optimal speed rather than being constrained by symmetric default configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (clock speeds) of the Tx and Rx paths independently based on the memory device's internal characteristics. By adjusting these parameters according to actual read/write throughput differences revealed in the descriptors, the system achieves higher data transfer efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Use of energy by moving object
If optimal voltage supply is provided based on internal state, then power efficiency is improved, but measurement precision is required to detect internal state
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device performs preliminary characterization of its own internal state and encodes this information in the descriptor before the host begins data transfer operations. This advance preparation eliminates the need for real-time probing or complex measurement during operation, allowing the host to immediately apply appropriate voltage supply settings based on pre-revealed characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The descriptor information acts as an intermediary that conveys the memory device's internal state characteristics to the host device. Rather than requiring direct measurement or complex communication protocols, the pre-packaged descriptor serves as a mediator that provides all necessary information for optimal voltage configuration, simplifying the detection and measurement process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A storage system is provided. The storage system includes a storage device including a plurality of nonvolatile memories configured to transmit storage throughput information, and a host device configured to change connection configurations for the storage device based on the storage throughput information, wherein the host device changes the connection configurations by changing configurations for transmitter and receiver paths between the storage device and the host device independently.