Storage Controller Linked List Protocol for Metadata Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk storage devices, such as HDDs and SSDs, face inefficiencies in data streaming due to the interruption of user data to manage metadata, leading to suboptimal data transfer and processing overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a linked-list protocol that interleaves user data and metadata entries, allowing continuous data streaming without interruption, where metadata is generated and stored in reserved volatile memory locations, enabling efficient data transfer and processing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metadata is managed by interrupting user data streaming, then metadata can be stored and organized, but data transfer efficiency deteriorates due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data stream into distinct user data packets and metadata packets, allowing them to be transmitted separately through different channels or at different times without interfering with each other. This segmentation enables reliable metadata management while maintaining continuous user data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer or intermediary storage mechanism that temporarily holds metadata or user data during transmission. This intermediary allows the system to manage metadata without interrupting the main data stream, as the buffer absorbs the temporary storage needs.
2Productivity
If data is transferred in packets with defined sizes, then direct memory access efficiency is improved, but processing overhead increases due to packet management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and pre-organizing packet boundaries, sizes, and routing information before actual data transfer begins. This preliminary preparation reduces the processing overhead during the actual DMA operation, as the system doesn't need to make complex decisions during data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the data packets contain embedded metadata about their own structure, routing, and processing requirements. This allows the DMA controller to automatically handle packet management without requiring extensive external intervention, reducing processing overhead.
3Speed
If volatile storage is used for packet buffering, then data transfer speed is improved, but data loss risk increases due to volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic actions by systematically flushing data from volatile storage to stable storage at regular intervals or upon completion of transfer cycles. This periodic synchronization maintains high transfer speeds during operation while ensuring data is periodically secured against loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs beforehand cushioning by maintaining buffer capacity and error correction margins that can absorb potential data loss events. The system is designed with sufficient headroom in its volatile storage and error correction mechanisms to cushion against unexpected data loss before it becomes critical.
Data Source
AI summary
Storage devices including a controller, a first memory coupled to the controller, and a second memory coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to generate a linked list in response to a received access command, the linked list comprising one or more first entries corresponding to user data to be received from or outputted to an external device and one or more second entries for metadata to be generated by the storage device, and having a defined order of the first entries and the second entries corresponding to a defined data structure of a page of data of the first memory.