Methods and systems for coupling multiple initiators to SATA storage devices
First Claim
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1. An interposer for coupling multiple active storage controllers to a SATA storage device, the interposer comprising:
- a multiplexer for selectively coupling SATA signals between the SATA storage devices and a selected storage controller of the multiple active storage controller; and
control logic coupled to the multiplexer for automatically controlling the multiplexer to select the selected storage controller.
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Abstract
An interposer (port selector) and associated systems and methods coupling an SATA storage device to multiple, concurrently operable, storage controllers (multiple initiators). The interposer allows automatic selection of one of a plurality of a storage controllers for active coupling to the corresponding storage device. Features of the interposer and its operation detect automatically which storage controller presently requires coupling to the device and, transparently with respect to both the storage controllers and a storage device, effectuate the desired coupling.
30 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An interposer for coupling multiple active storage controllers to a SATA storage device, the interposer comprising:
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a multiplexer for selectively coupling SATA signals between the SATA storage devices and a selected storage controller of the multiple active storage controller; and
control logic coupled to the multiplexer for automatically controlling the multiplexer to select the selected storage controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An interposer for selectively coupling a SATA storage device and a plurality of controllers, the interposer comprising:
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detection means for detecting a request by a select controller of the plurality of controller to initiate a transfer to the storage device; and
multiplexing means responsive to the detection means for coupling the select controller to the storage device. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A storage system comprising:
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a plurality of storage controllers;
a SATA storage device; and
an interposer coupled between the SATA storage device and each of the plurality of storage controllers for selectively coupling a selected controller of the plurality of storage controllers to the SATA storage device wherein the interposer is operable to select the selected controller based solely on in-band SATA information generated by the plurality of storage controllers. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for selectively coupling multiple active storage controllers to a SATA device comprising the steps of:
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a) detecting a request to start a transfer between a requesting controller of the plurality of storage controllers and the SATA storage device;
b) coupling the requesting controller to the SATA device; and
c) transmitting idle information to the plurality of storage controllers other than the requesting controller. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification