A Storage Architecture for High Speed Signal Processing: Embedding RAID 0 on FPGA

Ningxiao Sun, Qiongzhi Wu, Zhaojian Jin

Beijing Institute of Technology.

DOI: 10.4236/jsip.2012.33050                

Abstract

The article proposes a new architecture based on RAID 0 tech in computer science for signal processing field to store high speed data. It is composed of SSD driven by FPGA, called SSD-based RAID on FPGA. This new architecture features high storage rate, mass capacity and small volume, and it is an efficient solution to store high speed data. The article describes the construction of SRF in details, and shows the test result of a demo system based on the architecture.

Keywords

RAID on FPGA; SSD; High Speed Data Storage

1. Introduction

In signal processing field, the system designer has been greatly forced to choose between real-time processing and the storage capacity of the acquisition signal. In the past, the latter always limits the maximum count rates supported without data loss. Systems which could perform both functions at the same time were usually too costly and complex. To solve these problems the first target is to find a sort of the storage medium [1].

Now, with recent advancements in the computer industry, the cost of NAND flash memory becomes lower and the density of NAND flash memory grows larger, the mass-production of solid state drives (SSD) based on NAND flash memory was launched on a full scale [2]. SSD is strong in shock and its I/O performance is better comparing with the conventional hard disk drive (HHD).

Though the storage rate of SSD increases remarkably compared to HHD, SSD alone is hard to meet most requirements of data acquisition and storage system [3,4]. Therefore, RAID 0 tech in computer science is introduced, and we propose an architecture of RAID, which is based on SSD and driven by FPGA, called SSD-based RAID on FPGA (short for SRF), which features mass capacity, high rate and small volume. In addition, in order to save costs, the architecture of SRF is designed to be adjustable in storage rate and capacity.

2. Architecture of SSD-Based RAID on FPGA

Figure 1 depicts the architecture of the SSD-based RAID on FPGA.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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