Redundant Storage Read Recovery With ECC and Rotating Parity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state storage systems face data integrity issues due to wear-out mechanisms and failures, leading to errors and reduced reliability in redundant storage systems, where existing RAID systems may not adequately address these challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a combination of modules including a receive module, data read module, regeneration module, and ECC module to read data from a subset of storage elements, regenerate missing data using parity data, and correct errors, while rotating parity data to promote wear leveling and reduce read operations, thereby enhancing data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is read from multiple storage elements in a RAID system, then data redundancy and reliability are improved, but wear on solid-state storage increases due to read disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively identifying and protecting against future failures. It uses wear-leveling algorithms to predict which storage elements are approaching failure thresholds and preemptively migrates data away from these elements before actual failures occur, thereby extending device lifespan while maintaining data integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms including wear-leveling algorithms and data migration protocols that act as mediators between the read operations and physical storage elements. These intermediaries distribute read loads more evenly across all elements and redirect future reads away from elements showing signs of wear, reducing read disturbances on vulnerable elements
2Speed
If read operations are performed frequently to ensure data availability, then data accessibility is improved, but wear-out mechanisms accelerate reducing storage element lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary wear-leveling and data migration operations to proactively identify and protect storage elements before they fail. By predicting which elements are approaching failure thresholds and preemptively redistributing data, the system maintains fast access speeds while preventing accelerated wear-out from frequent reads on vulnerable elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic read-load distribution that adapts in real-time based on the health status of storage elements. The system continuously monitors wear indicators and dynamically redirects read operations away from elements showing signs of degradation, allowing fast access to healthy elements while protecting vulnerable ones from additional wear
3Reliability
If parity data is stored on separate storage elements, then data protection against failures is improved, but the number of storage elements required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes storage elements universal by enabling them to dynamically switch between data and parity functions. Each element can serve as a data element when healthy and as a parity element when needed for protection, allowing the same physical elements to fulfill multiple roles and reducing the total number of elements required for both storage and protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the roles of storage elements based on their health status and system needs. Elements can transition between data and parity functions in real-time, allowing the system to optimize the use of available elements and reduce the overall quantity needed while maintaining adequate protection levels
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to increase data integrity in a redundant storage system. The receive module receives a read request to read data from a logical page spanning an array of N+P number of storage elements. The array of storage elements includes N number of the storage elements each storing a portion of an ECC chunk and P number of the storage elements storing parity data. The data read module reads data from at least a portion of a physical page on each of X number of storage elements of the N+P number of storage elements where X equals N. The regeneration module regenerates missing data. The ECC module determines if the read data and any regenerated missing data includes an error. The read data combined with any regenerated missing data includes the ECC chunk.