Storage System Host Memory Access via Virtual Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face limitations due to 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 using commands from the host to establish a communication channel, enabling the storage system to read from and write 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 access 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 mapping host memory addresses to storage system memory addresses. This allows the storage system to access host memory resources without requiring physical hardware changes, effectively copying the memory access capability through software/firmware abstraction layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism that translates host memory access requests into storage system memory operations. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator between the host controller and the storage system, enabling memory access without direct hardware modifications to either component.
2Quantity of substance
If host volatile memory is used to compensate for limited storage system memory, then memory resources are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex hardware modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal memory access interface that allows the storage system to access host memory through standard communication protocols. This multi-functional approach enables the same interface to handle both traditional storage operations and host memory access operations, simplifying operation without requiring separate hardware modifications.
3Productivity
If UMA is implemented for host memory access, then performance is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to hardware changes in both host and storage system controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware-based UMA implementation with a software/firmware-based solution. Instead of modifying physical controller hardware, the patent uses address mapping tables and translation layers implemented in software, thereby maintaining high performance while dramatically improving ease of manufacture and deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system and method for host memory access are provided. In one embodiment, a storage system is provided comprising a memory and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a write command from the host that is recognized by the storage system as a read host memory command; in response to receiving the write command, send an identification of a location in the host memory to the host; and receive, from the host, data that is stored in the location in the host memory. Other embodiments are provided.