Enhanced first level storage cache using nonvolatile memory
AssigneeSanDisk Corporation
InventorsKevin Conley, E. Thompson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A memory module is interposed between a host and a disk drive. The memory module includes a solid-state nonvolatile memory used for caching data sent by the host for storage in the disk drive. Caching takes place under the control of a memory controller in the memory module and may be transparent to the host. The disk drive may remain spun-down when data is cached, saving power. The destination for host data may be determined based on desired speed, power consumption and expected need for that data. A host may send specific commands to the memory module to enable additional functions.
Claims17
A detachable memory module for connecting between a host system and a disk drive system, comprising:
- a first input/output connector for connecting to a host system, the first input/output connector conforming to a first standard;
- a second input/output connector for connecting to a disk drive system, the second input/output connector conforming to a second standard;
- a nonvolatile memory array;
- a controller connected to the nonvolatile memory array and interposed between the first input/output connector and the second input/output connector to intercept communication between the first and second input/output connectors;
- and
- a housing that encloses the nonvolatile memory array and the controller.
A memory system implemented in a host system for control of a disk drive connected to the host system, comprising:
- a solid-state non-volatile memory array;
- a controller connected to the solid-state nonvolatile memory array, the controller managing storage of data in the solid-state nonvolatile memory array, the controller intercepting communication from a host microprocessor to the disk drive and determining which host data to store in the disk drive and which host data to store in the solid-state nonvolatile memory array;
- the controller and the solid-state memory array mounted on a printed circuit board;
- and
- the printed circuit board contained within a housing that also contains the host microprocessor.
A memory module removably interposed between a host system and a primary bulk storage memory system in a manner that is not transparent to the host, comprising:
- a first connector connected to a host system;
- a second connector connected to the primary bulk storage memory system;
- a nonvolatile memory array;
- a controller that is in communication with the host system through the first connector, with the primary memory system through the second connector and with the nonvolatile memory array, the controller intercepting a first command from the host to the primary bulk storage memory system and the controller determining whether to access the primary bulk storage memory or the nonvolatile memory array in response to the first command, the controller receiving a second command from the host to the memory module, the second command directed to the memory module and not the primary bulk storage memory system as a result of a determination by the host to access the memory module and not the primary bulk storage memory system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.