Systems and methods for an enhanced controller architecture in data storage systems
US8700834B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F12/0246
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a controller architecture that pairs a controller with a NVM (non-volatile memory) storage system over a high-level, high speed interface such as PCIe. In one embodiment, the NVM storage system includes a bridge that communicates with the controller via the high-level interface, and controls the NVM via an interface (e.g., ONFI). The controller is provided a rich set of physical level of controls over individual elements of the NVM. In one embodiment, the controller is implemented in a higher powered processor that supports advanced functions such as mapping, garbage collection, wear leveling, etc. In one embodiment, the bridge is implemented in a lower powered processor and performs basic signal processing, channel management, basic error correction functions, etc. This labor division provides the controller physical control of the NVM over a fast, high-level interface, resulting in the controller managing the NVM at both the page and block level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.