Sizing a write cache buffer based on emergency data save parameters
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorKirk D. Lamb
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments relate to saving data upon loss of power. An aspect includes sizing a write cache buffer based on parameters related to carrying out this emergency data save procedure. A computer implemented method for allocating a write cache on a storage controller includes retrieving, at run-time by a processor, one or more operating parameters of a component used in a power-loss save of the write cache. The component is selected from the group consisting of an energy storage element, a non-volatile memory, and a transfer logic. A size for the write cache on the storage controller is determined, based on the one or more operating parameters. A write cache, of the determined size, is allocated from a volatile memory coupled to the storage controller.
Claims20
A computer program product for allocating a write cache on a storage controller, the computer program product comprising:
- a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a signal, the program instructions readable by a processing circuit to cause the processing circuit to perform a method comprising:
- retrieving, at run-time, one or more operating parameters of a component used in a power-loss save of the write cache, the component selected from the group consisting of an energy storage element, a non-volatile memory, and a transfer logic;
- determining a size for the write cache on the storage controller, based on the one or more operating parameters;
- and
- allocating the write cache, of the determined size, from a volatile memory coupled to the storage controller.
A computer implemented method for allocating a write cache on a storage controller, the method comprising:
- retrieving, at run-time by a processor, one or more operating parameters of a component used in a power-loss save of the write cache, the component selected from the group consisting of an energy storage element, a non-volatile memory, and a transfer logic;
- determining a size for the write cache on the storage controller, based on the one or more operating parameters;
- and
- allocating the write cache, of the determined size, from a volatile memory coupled to the storage controller.
A storage controller device, the storage controller device comprising:
- a volatile memory;
- a non-volatile storage;
- transfer logic configured to copy, upon a power loss, contents of a write cache in the volatile memory to the non-volatile storage
- an instruction memory;
- and
- a processor, communicatively coupled to said instruction memory, the storage controller configured to perform a method comprising:
- determining an energy consumption rate of the transfer logic during the copy upon power loss, wherein the determining of the energy consumption rate is based on one or more operating parameters of the transfer logic that are obtained at run-time;
- determining a size for the write cache in the volatile memory, based on the energy consumption rate and an amount of energy in an energy storage element that powers the power-loss save;
- and
- allocating the write cache, of the determined size, from the volatile memory.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.