Storage Debug Logging for Host-Guided Error History Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hosts face difficulties in effectively utilizing debugging information from storage devices due to limited information and challenges in performing smooth debugging operations when errors occur.
Innovation Solution
A storage device capable of logging debugging information based on settings provided by a host, including a non-volatile memory and a device controller that controls logging operations according to a logging target and period, allowing hosts to manage and analyze debugging information efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage device provides limited debugging information, then the device complexity is reduced, but the host's ability to perform effective debugging is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device proactively logs debugging information including command history records and device status records before errors occur, storing them in buffer memory and non-volatile memory. This preliminary action ensures that comprehensive debugging data is available when needed, eliminating the need for real-time information collection during error analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device creates copies of debugging information in multiple storage locations (buffer memory for temporary storage and non-volatile memory for persistent storage). This copying mechanism ensures that debugging data is preserved and can be retrieved by the host without affecting the primary data storage functions.
2Loss of information
If the storage device logs comprehensive debugging information, then the debugging capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The logging mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules: a logging unit that collects debugging information, a buffer memory that temporarily stores the data, and a non-volatile memory that permanently stores it. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive logging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer memory acts as an intermediary between the logging unit and the non-volatile memory. It temporarily holds debugging information, allowing the storage device to manage data flow efficiently and reduce the complexity of direct permanent storage operations for all debugging data.
3Measurement precision
If the storage device stores detailed command history records, then the error analysis capability is improved, but the memory resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device extracts and stores only the essential debugging information needed for error analysis, such as command history records and device status records, rather than storing all possible data. This selective extraction maintains high measurement precision for error analysis while minimizing memory resource consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the storage device implements configurable logging targets and periods, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The logging mechanism is designed to be dynamic, allowing the host to configure logging targets and periods according to specific debugging needs. The storage device can adjust its logging behavior in real-time based on host requests, providing high adaptability while managing configuration complexity through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device and an operating method thereof are provided. The storage device includes a non-volatile memory, an interconnect, a device controller and a buffer memory. The interconnect exchanges data with a host, receives a logging target setting request and a logging period setting request with respect to debugging information from the host, receives a debugging information logging request from the host, and receive a read request from the host. The device controller includes a buffer memory and controls the non-volatile memory, controls a logging operation on the debugging information based on a logging target and a logging period, which are requested by the host, in response to the debugging information logging request, and transmits the debugging information to the host in response to the read request. The device controller is further configured to logs the debugging information in the buffer memory according to the debugging information logging request.