Storage Controller Magic Number Handling for Faster LBA Responses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices face long response times when checking logical block addresses before sending user data, as they need to wait for the setting check results, leading to increased response times for normal responses.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a bit string manipulating unit and a special data setting unit that generates a magic number and error detecting codes to facilitate parallel processing of user data and setting checks, allowing for faster data retrieval by managing special data settings within the storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the setting for a logical block address is always checked before performing a normal response, then the accuracy of response selection is improved, but the response time becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing setting information for logical block addresses in a table within the controller. This allows the system to have setting checks already prepared and accessible, eliminating the need for time-consuming runtime checks while maintaining accurate response selection. The setting information is prepared in advance during system initialization or configuration phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a copy of the setting information and storing it in a dedicated table structure within the controller. Instead of checking the original setting data each time, the system maintains a replicated copy that can be quickly accessed and compared during readout operations, significantly reducing response time while preserving response accuracy.
2Productivity
If reading out of user data and checking of the setting for a logical block address are performed in parallel, then the productivity is improved, but the response time still depends on the setting check time
Solution Approach 1:
The setting information is prepared and stored in advance in a table structure, allowing parallel processing to occur without the overhead of runtime setting checks. The controller can simultaneously read user data from the recording medium while independently verifying settings against the pre-loaded table, eliminating the sequential dependency that previously constrained response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the response processing into independent components: user data retrieval and setting verification. By organizing setting information into a separate table structure and allowing independent access to both data and settings, the system enables true parallel execution of these tasks without interference, improving overall productivity while maintaining fast response times.
3Reliability
If a separate management structure for special data associations is implemented, then the reliability of setting management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the setting management function into the existing controller structure by implementing a setting information table within the controller's memory resources. Instead of creating a separate external management system, the setting data is integrated into the controller's existing data structures, maintaining reliable setting management while avoiding additional complexity in the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller's existing memory and processing resources are made multi-functional by using them to store and manage setting information in addition to their primary functions. The same memory resources that store user data are also used to maintain the setting information table, eliminating the need for dedicated separate management structures and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining management reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of a controller, a bit string manipulating unit manipulates a bit string of manipulation target data based on a predetermined rule. A special data setting unit generates a magic number based on a special data setting request from a host interface, obtains an error detecting code for the magic number, and sends the magic number and the error detecting code as manipulation target data to the bit string manipulating unit to obtain a manipulated manipulation target data. The special data setting unit also extracts logical block address information from the special data setting request, and instructs an access unit to write the magic number in the manipulated manipulation target data to a user data storage area and to write the error detecting code in the manipulated manipulation target data to a redundant area in a storage area located by the logical block address information.