Data Storage Controller Memory Persistence via PCIe Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems face challenges in ensuring persistent data storage during power loss events, as conventional methods like uninterruptable power supplies and power generators are costly and do not fully address data loss issues.
Innovation Solution
A RAID on chip-based data storage controller exposes volatile local memory as addressable memory to a host system, mapping it to a PCIe compliant memory space, and uses backup logic to copy data to non-volatile memory upon power events, ensuring data persistence through power restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If volatile memory is used for low-latency storage, then access speed is improved, but data persistence during power loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines volatile memory (for speed) and non-volatile memory (for persistence) into a unified storage system. The controller merges these two memory types so that the host system accesses them through a single interface, achieving both low-latency access and data persistence without requiring separate management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller acts as an intermediary between the host system and the combined volatile/non-volatile memory system. It transparently handles data placement, caching, and persistence operations, allowing the host to access fast volatile memory while the controller ensures data is safely stored in non-volatile memory during power events.
2Reliability
If uninterruptible power supplies are deployed to protect volatile memory, then data persistence is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power protection function from the main volatile memory system and places it directly in the storage controller. By integrating non-volatile memory and power event detection within the controller, the system eliminates the need for external uninterruptible power supplies while maintaining data persistence during power events.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller performs self-protection against power loss by monitoring power events and automatically triggering data persistence operations. The controller independently detects power failures and ensures data is saved to non-volatile memory without requiring external power protection infrastructure.
3Loss of time
If volatile memory is exposed directly to host system, then access latency is reduced, but data loss risk during power events increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning data in volatile memory for fast access while simultaneously maintaining persistence capabilities. The controller proactively manages data between volatile and non-volatile memory, ensuring that frequently accessed data resides in fast memory while backup copies or critical data are maintained in persistent storage before power events occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage controller exposes information stored in a locally managed volatile memory store to a host system. The locally managed volatile memory store is mapped to a corresponding portion of a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) compliant memory space managed by the host system. Backup logic in the data storage controller responds to a power event detected at the interface between the data storage controller and the host system by copying the contents of the volatile memory store to a non-volatile memory store on the data storage controller. Restore logic restores a data storage controller state by copying the contents of the non-volatile memory store to the locally managed volatile memory store upon the application of power such that the data in the volatile memory store is persistent even in the event of a loss of power to the host system and or the data storage controller.