Storage Fast Path Processing to Reduce Command Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
As storage devices increase in size and data demands grow, traditional methods of handling read and write commands through additional CPUs lead to processing overhead and latency, limited by cost, space, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an accelerated processing pipeline within storage devices that utilizes specialized memories to bypass unnecessary steps and prioritize commands suitable for fast path processing, reducing the need for additional CPUs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional CPUs are added to handle increasing data demands, then processing capacity is improved, but device complexity, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing pipeline into multiple specialized functional units (translation engine, compression engine, encryption engine, etc.) that operate in parallel. Each unit handles a specific aspect of data processing, eliminating the need for multiple general-purpose CPUs while maintaining high processing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple CPUs with a dedicated hardware processing pipeline implemented as specialized circuits and engines within the storage device. This substitution provides more efficient data processing by using purpose-built hardware rather than general-purpose processors.
2Productivity
If additional CPUs are added to handle increasing data demands, then processing capacity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-hungry CPU operations with energy-efficient dedicated hardware engines processed directly within the storage device. This substitution significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining or improving processing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data processing functions from the host CPU and relocates them to dedicated hardware engines within the storage device. This extraction eliminates the need for continuous CPU involvement in data processing operations, reducing overall system power consumption.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If translations and processing occur to manage wear leveling, then data lifespan is improved, but processing overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs address translations and data processing operations in advance during data write operations. By pre-processing data and maintaining translation mappings beforehand, the system minimizes processing overhead during subsequent read operations while still implementing wear leveling to extend data lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous background processing for wear leveling and address translation management. By maintaining these operations continuously rather than interrupting data access, the system extends data lifespan without introducing significant latency to read and write operations.
4Speed
If a dedicated processing pipeline is implemented, then response speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional processing pipeline where a single integrated structure performs multiple operations including translation, compression, encryption, and wear leveling. This universal pipeline achieves high response speed while limiting device complexity growth through functional integration rather than separate dedicated hardware for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Processing commands received from a host computing device by a storage device can require a large amount of processing overhead. This demand for ever greater processing power increases as the size of storage devices increase. Traditional methods have added an increasing number of processors or CPUs to handle these requirements. However, by utilizing a fast path accelerated processing pipeline, additional processors may not be necessary. An accelerated processing pipeline can be configured to bypass one or more steps that are required by non-priority processing pipelines. Each received command can be parsed to determine if it is suitable for accelerated processing. The command can be required to access data in a limited region of the memory device, or to have any data necessary to process the command already in a cache memory. Upon completion of verifications, commands can be placed in a priority queue that is processed before a non-priority queue.