Hardware Storage Node Manager Bypasses CPU Bottleneck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CPU-based file management software creates a communication bottleneck in systems using specialized processors like reconfigurable FPGA units, leading to performance issues due to limited bandwidth and latency in data access between these processors and storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A hardware-based storage node manager is implemented to enable direct data access between specialized processors and storage devices, reducing reliance on CPU-based file management software, and adapting to storage access patterns by adjusting buffer sizes and data fetching based on processing task requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If CPU-based file management software is used to manage data access between specialized processors and storage devices, then file system compatibility and ease of operation are maintained, but communication bandwidth is limited and access latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the file management functionality into two parts: the CPU handles high-level file system operations and compatibility, while the specialized processor handles low-level data access operations. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently at its optimal performance level, with the CPU managing file metadata and the specialized processor managing actual data transfer to storage devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and communication bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer or intermediary mechanism between the specialized processor and storage devices that decouples the data access operations from CPU-based file management software. This intermediary allows the specialized processor to communicate directly with storage devices at higher speeds without being constrained by the bandwidth limitations of CPU-based file management, while still maintaining file system compatibility through the CPU's continued management of file metadata.
2Ease of operation
If CPU-based file management software is used to manage data access between specialized processors and storage devices, then file system compatibility is maintained, but access latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the CPU prepare and pass file metadata and access parameters to the specialized processor before actual data access operations begin. This allows the specialized processor to immediately begin high-speed data access without waiting for CPU-based file management software to handle each individual access request, thereby reducing access latency while maintaining file system compatibility through pre-prepared metadata.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer or intermediary mechanism that decouples the time-critical data access operations from the CPU-based file management software. This intermediary allows the specialized processor to perform data access operations at high speed without being constrained by the latency of CPU-based file management, while the CPU continues to manage file system compatibility in the background.
3Ease of operation
If specialized processors rely on conventional file management software, then ease of operation is maintained, but computational throughput is reduced due to communication bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the specialized processor to serve itself by implementing direct data access capabilities to storage devices. The specialized processor can independently perform data read/write operations without requiring continuous intervention from CPU-based file management software, thereby eliminating communication bottlenecks and improving computational throughput while maintaining ease of operation through retained file system compatibility for metadata management.
4Productivity
If direct data access between specialized processors and storage devices is implemented, then communication bandwidth and computational throughput are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system architecture into distinct functional layers: the CPU layer handles file system compatibility and metadata management, while the specialized processor layer handles high-speed data access operations. This segmentation allows direct data access to be implemented without requiring the entire system to become more complex, as each layer maintains its own simplified interface and responsibility boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the specialized processor with multi-functionality, enabling it to perform both computational tasks and direct storage access operations. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated storage interface hardware, thereby improving communication bandwidth without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same specialized processor handles multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A hardware-based storage node manager enables processing devices to perform file access operations without invoking the file-data access functions of an operating system.