Disk array system, controller, and method for verifying command data written to disk drives
US6496900B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/1435
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A controller and an associated method, which may be embodied within a disk array system, are disclosed for verifying, the integrity of command data written to a disk drive (preferably an Advanced Technology Attachment or ATA drive) before such command data is used to execute a command. The controller, which may be implemented in automated hardware or firmware residing external to the disk drive, initially writes the command data to the disk drive, and then reads back and verifies this data prior to initiating execution of the command. If the written-out and read-back command data are consistent, the controller initiates execution of the command; otherwise, the controller enters into an error state that prevents the potentially corrupt command data from being used by the disk drive. The controller may also read a status code from the disk drive more than once to reduce the likelihood of misread status information.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.