Data Storage Pre-Boot Interface via Auxiliary Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex data storage systems, increased boot times due to serial component booting lead to operational inefficiencies and delays, as downstream components wait for upstream network components to synchronize, potentially resulting in inaccurate operations if upstream components are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with independent interfaces connecting to both a host controller and an auxiliary controller, allowing the auxiliary controller to provide pre-boot system information such as a real-time clock value and user data before synchronization, enabling concurrent booting and operation regardless of upstream component availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If downstream components wait for upstream network components to synchronize before booting, then system synchronization accuracy is improved, but boot time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary controller provides pre-boot system information (such as real-time clock values and configuration data) to the data storage device before the host controller is fully synchronized and online. This preliminary action allows the storage device to boot up with accurate system information without waiting for the upstream host controller to complete its synchronization process, thereby reducing boot time while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
2Loss of time
If downstream components boot independently without waiting for upstream components, then boot time is reduced, but system synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An auxiliary controller is introduced as an intermediary component between the host controller and the data storage device. The auxiliary controller receives system information from the host controller and forwards it to the storage device in advance, enabling the storage device to boot independently with accurate system information. This intermediary mechanism decouples the boot process of downstream components from the synchronization status of upstream components, allowing fast booting while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
3Productivity
If multiple independent interfaces are provided for data storage device, then booting flexibility and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system interface is segmented into two independent paths: a primary interface for data transmission between the host controller and storage device, and an auxiliary interface for system information transfer. This segmentation allows different types of communications to occur through dedicated channels, improving operational efficiency by enabling concurrent booting and data operations while managing complexity through clear functional separation of the interface roles.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system and associated method of using may generally have at least a data storage device that has independent first and second interfaces respectively connecting the data storage device to a host controller and an auxiliary controller. The auxiliary controller can be configured to provide system information to the data storage device prior to a synchronized connection being established between the data storage device and the host controller.