Storage Control Firmware Exchange Without Host Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage control firmware exchange methods require temporary disconnection from the host and can result in erroneous responses, complicating the process and impacting system availability.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a host interface control unit and storage control firmware that uses non-volatile memory to store necessary information during firmware activation, allowing for seamless exchange without disconnection or erroneous responses by stopping host command processing, suppressing interrupts, activating new firmware, and maintaining logical connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the storage control firmware activation program is exchanged by resetting the disk control device, then the firmware can be updated, but the connection to the host is temporarily disconnected and the disk cannot be used during the update process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the firmware update process into two independent parts: the host interface control unit (which remains operational) and the storage control firmware (which is updated). This segmentation allows the host interface to continue processing commands while the storage control firmware is updated in the background, eliminating the need to disconnect the host during firmware updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The host interface control unit acts as an intermediary between the host and the storage control firmware. During firmware updates, the host interface control unit continues to handle host commands while the storage control firmware is updated, serving as a mediator that maintains system operation independently of the firmware update status.
2Productivity
If multi-path management is implemented to allow firmware exchange without disconnection, then system availability is maintained, but complex control operations and path management are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions into the host interface control unit and the storage control firmware, allowing the host interface to independently manage host connections while the storage control firmware handles storage operations. This eliminates the need for complex multi-path management mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The host interface control unit autonomously manages the firmware update process without requiring external control operations. It automatically handles the update sequence, maintains host connections, and restores operations without operator intervention, eliminating the need for complex path management control.
3Reliability
If the host interface control unit is reset during firmware exchange, then the storage control firmware can be updated, but the logical connection status with the host is lost and requires restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the host interface control unit from the storage control firmware, allowing the host interface to remain operational while the storage control firmware is updated. This prevents loss of logical connection status and eliminates the need for connection restoration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The host interface control unit maintains continuous operation during the firmware update process, ensuring that the logical connection status with the host is preserved throughout the update. This continuity eliminates downtime and the need for connection restoration.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage control device 2A includes a host interface control unit 3, a storage control firmware A, and electrically rewritable non-volatile memory 7 and, using non-volatile memory 7, stores necessary information during exchange of an activation program of the storage control firmware A, and using the information exchanges the activation program without disconnection to a host 1 and without erroneous response to a command from the host 1.