Storage System Host Memory Access via Command Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face limitations due to the limited volatile memory resources, necessitating the use of volatile memory in hosts to compensate, but existing solutions like Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) require hardware changes and are not widely adopted.
Innovation Solution
A storage system and method that allows access to host volatile memory without hardware changes by recognizing specific commands from the host to establish a communication channel, enabling the storage system to read and write data directly to the host memory, thereby overcoming the limitations of UMA while maintaining its advantages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) is used to provide storage system access to host volatile memory, then memory capacity is improved, but hardware complexity increases due to required hardware changes in controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the host volatile memory space within the storage system by receiving memory mapping information from the host and creating a virtual address space that mirrors the host memory. This allows the storage system to access host memory through software-based virtualization rather than hardware modifications, resolving the contradiction between expanded memory capacity and hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual memory mapping layer as an intermediary between the storage system and host memory. This intermediary translates storage system memory access requests into host memory access operations, enabling indirect access to host volatile memory without requiring direct hardware integration or controller modifications
2Quantity of substance
If host volatile memory is used to compensate for limited storage system memory, then memory resources are improved, but system reliability worsens due to potential data loss during power loss or errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a backup mechanism where data being written to the storage system is temporarily held in a buffer before being transferred to the storage medium. During normal operation, this buffer acts as a cushion against data loss. Upon detecting power loss or errors, the system retrieves backup data from the storage medium and restores it to the buffer, preventing data loss and resolving the reliability concern while maintaining access to host volatile memory
3Speed
If communication channel to host memory is maintained open for data access, then access speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically manages the communication channel with the host memory by opening it when data access operations are required and closing it when not needed. The system receives memory mapping information and opens the communication channel selectively based on access patterns, maintaining high data access speed when necessary while reducing energy consumption during idle periods through adaptive channel management
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system and method for host memory access are provided. In one embodiment, a storage system is configured to receive a write command from a host that is recognized by the storage system as a read host memory command and receive a read command from the host that is recognized by the storage system as a write host memory command. This provides a communication channel that allows the storage system to access the host memory. The storage system can use the host memory as a backup write cache and/or to stream data of different types stored in different areas of the host memory. Hibernation can be avoided, and timeout delays can be ignored. Other embodiments are provided.