Reconfigurable, multi-function data storage system controller selectively operable as an input channel adapter and a data storage unit adapter

Patent 5335352 Issued on August 2, 1994. Estimated Expiration Date:

August 2, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

High speed data transfer method and apparatus
Patent #: 4688168
Issued on: 08/18/1987
Inventor: Gudaitis , et al.

Input/output device controller for a data processing system
Patent #: 4709329
Issued on: 11/24/1987
Inventor: Hecker

Control of cache buffer for memory subsystem
Patent #: 4780808
Issued on: 10/25/1988
Inventor: Moreno , et al.

Arrayed disk drive system and method Patent #: 5148432
Issued on: 09/15/1992
Inventor: Gordon, et al.

Inventors

Assignee

EMC Corporation

Application

No. 587253 filed on 09/24/1990

US Classes:

710/51Accessing via a multiplexer

Examiners

Primary: Bowler, Alyssa H.
Assistant: Pan, Daniel H.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Bourque; Daniel J.

International Classes

G06F 009/06
G06F 013/10
G06F 013/36
G06F 013/40

Abstract

A reconfigurable, multi-function data controller for use in a data storage system is selectively adaptable for use as a data channel adapter or a storage device adapter. The controller includes a data channel interface having at least one independent, bi-directional channel interface, for transmitting and receiving commands, data and status with one or more host computers. At least one memory interface transmits and receives commands and data to and from at least one high speed semiconductor memory unit. Additionally, a data storage interface controls and transmits data to and from one or more data storage devices such as a disk drive. A multi-function controller director is coupled to the data channel interface, the at least one memory interface, and the data storage device interface, for directing the reconfigurable multi-function data controller to function as either a data channel adapter or as a storage device adapter in response to selected commands received by the director.