JPH08147113A - Computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide the computer system which always realizes the array control of normal address conversion or parity operation even at the time of using different file control programs together by switching. CONSTITUTION: A disk array device 200 is provided where plural disk devices are arranged like an array and are operated in parallel and have SCSI interfaces 211 and store plural file control programs, and a calculation control means 100 is provided which is provided with an extended bus 120 connected to interfaces 211, a bus converted 115 connected to the extended bus' 120, a main memory 111, and a CPU 110 which reads out the file control programs stored in disk array devices 200 to store them in the main memory 111 through the extended bus 120 and the bus converter 115 and makes the array control algorithm for the disk array device 200 and constitution information related to this device coincide with or common to each file control program stored in the main memory 111 to process the data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention also includes a disk array system for realizing array control such as data distribution and parity generation by software in an array type disk system in which a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array. Regarding computer systems.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Instead of a magnetic disk device (hard disk device) which has been conventionally used alone, a plurality of magnetic disk devices are moved in parallel to speed up reading / writing, and reliability is increased by a redundant configuration. A disk array device (RAID: Redundant Array of External Storage Device)
Inexpencive Disks are being considered (Paper: "A Case
for Redundant Arrays of Inexpencive Disks (RAID) ",
David A. Patterson, Garth Gibson, and Randy H. Kat
z, Computer Science Division Department of Electri
cal Engineering and Computer Science, University o
f California Berkelay). In the above paper, the levels are given numbers 1 to 5 depending on the configuration of the disk array device. As is well known, RAID level 3 is expected to improve performance for sequential file access for transferring a large amount of data, and RAID level 5 is expected to improve performance for random access in which a large number of small-sized reads and writes occur. (Nikkei Electronics 1993/4/26 No.576 P.77-91 "Special disk array device").

Array control will be described below with reference to FIG. The disk array device has a plurality of magnetic disk devices. Array control is to define how to distribute data among the plurality of disk devices, how to create redundant data, and where to store the redundant data. As shown in FIG. 9, data block columns 0 to 5 are recorded in a disk array device composed of four magnetic disk devices. In FIG. 9A, array control is performed as follows. Two blocks of data to be written are distributed to each disk device in order from the disk device number 1. The disk device No. 4 is used to hold redundant data (parity data) in order to improve reliability.
The redundant data (parity data) P1 is obtained by calculating the exclusive OR (XOR) of the block 0, the block 2, and the block 4. Also, redundant data (parity data)
P2 is the exclusive OR (XOR) of block 1, block 3 and block 5. When reading data, the data is read from each disk device in two blocks in order from the disk device No. 1.

In FIG. 9B, array control is performed as follows. Data to be written is distributed block by block to each disk device in order from the disk device number 1. The data is also distributed to the disk device No. 4. The distribution of data in this way does not allow for redundancy. For example, here, the data recorded by the array control rule of FIG.
When the data is read out using the array control rule of FIG. 9B, the following data block string is obtained. [0] [2] [4] [P1] [1] [3] The read data string is not constructed correctly and meaningful data cannot be read. In this way, array control rules (algorithms) in disk array devices
Is an extremely important factor.

Hereinafter, in the present specification, a distributed set method of data (how to distribute data and where to store redundant data) is called address conversion. The generation of redundant data is called a parity operation. Many disk array products are currently on the market using the above-mentioned disk array algorithm and a new array control algorithm. Such disk array products can be broadly classified into two types depending on where the array control is performed. (1) Hardware-controlled disk array (2) Software-controlled disk array In a hardware-controlled disk array, array control is performed by dedicated hardware and its firmware. FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the hardware control disk array.
Shown in The host computer 900 is mainly the CPU 91
0 and a main memory 911, and has an expansion bus 913 through a bus converter 912. As an expansion bus, IS
A (Industry Standard Architecture), EISA (Ex
tended Industry Standard Architecture), PCI (P
eripheral Component Interconnect) and the like.
The SCSI card 914 is connected to the expansion bus 913. S
CSI (Small Computer System Interface) is an interface that is generally used at present for connecting peripheral devices such as an external storage device. The hardware control disk array device 930 is connected from the SCSI card 914 through the SCSI bus 920.

Hardware controlled disk array 930
Is composed of array control hardware 931 and a plurality of magnetic disk devices 932. In the hardware-controlled disk array, array control of parity calculation and address conversion is performed by the array control hardware 931 fixed according to the number of magnetic disks. Strictly speaking, not only the hardware but also the firmware on the hardware is used. In the hardware control disk array, the array control hardware 931
It is also known to use a method of directly connecting to the expansion bus 913 of the host computer 900. A software-controlled disk array (a product called software RAID that performs software distribution (address conversion) and parity generation (parity calculation) by software) is NIKKEI.
OPEN SYSTEMS December 1993 (n
o. 9) pp. 156-160.

[0007]

In a computer system that has been conventionally used, it is necessary to use a plurality of file control programs together. In the conventional hardware control type disk array, the array control algorithm is on the dedicated array control hardware as described above, and therefore the array control algorithm is not included in the file control program in the OS (Operating System). Even if the OS is switched, the array control algorithm remains unchanged and data can be read and written without problems. However, since the array control algorithm is provided on dedicated array control hardware, it must be prepared according to the type (for example, scale) of the hardware disk array device, which is extremely expensive as a hardware disk array device. Had the problem of becoming. On the other hand, in the software-controlled disk array, there is a problem that the case of using a plurality of file control programs together is not considered.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.
In a software-controlled disk array system, even if two or more different file control programs are switched and used together, the array control algorithm is always invariable and normal address translation and parity operation array control can be realized with high reliability. To provide a computer system having the characteristics. Another object of the present invention is to
In a software-controlled disk array system, the array control algorithm is not changed even when the system is started up, for example, when the power is turned on, and normal address conversion and parity operation array control can be realized with high reliability. To provide a computer system.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plurality of disk devices arranged in an array, each disk array operating in parallel, and connected to the disk array. An array control algorithm for the disk array and a calculation control unit for matching or sharing the configuration information about the disk array and performing at least data division processing and combination processing on the disk array by a plurality of different file control programs. Is a computer system characterized by.

The present invention further comprises a disk array in which a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array, each of which operates in parallel, has a disk interface, and stores a plurality of different file control programs. An expansion bus connected to the disk interface, a bus converter connected to the expansion bus, a main memory, and each file control program stored in the disk array is read out and the main memory is passed through the expansion bus and the bus converter. A CPU for storing at least one of the file control programs stored in the main memory, and performing at least data processing on the disk array by matching or sharing the array control algorithm for the disk array and the configuration information about the disk array. Computation control means having It is a computer system comprising a. Also, in the computer system of the present invention, a boot in which the calculation control means stores a boot control program for storing each file control program in the main memory by matching or commonizing the array control algorithm and the configuration information. It is characterized by having a ROM. The present invention is also characterized in that, in the computer system, an expansion boot ROM storing at least a program for reading data from the disk array is provided on the expansion bus of the calculation control means. In the computer system according to the present invention, an expansion boot ROM storing at least a program for reading data from the disk array and an expansion RAM storing at least data read from the disk array are provided on an expansion bus of the calculation control means. It is characterized by having and.

According to the present invention, a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array and each disk array operates in parallel, and a holding means for holding an array control algorithm for the disk array and configuration information about the disk array. A computer system comprising: a host computer control system that shares the array control algorithm and configuration information held in the holding means and processes the disk array with a plurality of different file control programs. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the computer system, the holding means is provided in the disk array, and the array control algorithm and the configuration information held in the holding means can be transferred to the host system. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the computer system, the holding means is provided in the host system, and the host system can read the array control algorithm and the configuration information held by the holding means. To do. According to the present invention, in the computer system, the holding means is provided in the host system and an expansion bus for connecting to the disk array is provided, and the host system holds the array control algorithm and the array control algorithm. It is characterized in that the configuration information can be read out through the expansion bus. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the computer system, the holding means is constituted by a non-volatile rewritable storage means. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the computer system, at least data division processing and data combination processing are performed as an array control algorithm for the disk array. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the computer system, at least a data dividing process, a combining process, and a redundant data process are performed as an array control algorithm for the disk array. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the computer system, the configuration information relating to the disk array includes at least the number of disk devices, a unit for dividing the data, and a RAID level.

According to the present invention, a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array and each disk array operates in parallel, and a holding means for holding an array control algorithm for the disk array and configuration information about the disk array. Based on the array control algorithm read from the holding means and the rule obtained by the configuration information,
The transferred data is divided and written in the disk array, and further, the data is read from the disk array, combined and transferred based on the rule obtained from the array control algorithm and the configuration information read from the holding means. A computer system comprising: a calculation control unit that controls a disk array.

The present invention further includes a disk array in which a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array, each of which operates in parallel, and has a disk interface, is connected to the disk interface of the disk array, and is an array for the disk array. An expansion bus having an expansion board having a holding means for holding a control algorithm and the configuration information on the disk array, a bus conversion means connected to the expansion bus, a boot ROM storing a boot file control program, The storage means executes the boot file control program stored in the boot ROM according to the array control algorithm and the configuration information read from the holding means of the expansion board via the expansion bus and the bus converter, and stores it in the disk array. Basic software Basic software having a file control program for use in the main storage means is stored in the main storage means according to the array control algorithm and configuration information read from the holding means of the expansion board via the expansion bus and the bus converter. And a calculation control means having a CPU for executing a basic software file control program of the basic software to perform at least data division processing and combination processing on the disk array through the bus conversion means and expansion bus. A computer system characterized by the above.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array, each of which operates in parallel, has a disk array having a disk interface, and has an expansion board having an expansion board connected to the disk interface of the disk array. A bus, a bus conversion means connected to the expansion bus, a holding means for holding an array control algorithm for the disk array and configuration information about the disk array, and a boot ROM storing a boot file control program; Storage means and basic software file control program stored in the disk array by executing the boot file control program stored in the boot ROM according to the array control algorithm and configuration information read from the holding means of the boot ROM To Storing the basic software to be stored in the main storage means, and executing the file control program for the basic software of the basic software stored in the main storage means according to the array control algorithm and the configuration information read from the holding means of the boot ROM. Then, the computer system is provided with a calculation control means having at least a CPU for dividing and combining data into the disk array through the bus converting means and the expansion bus.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array, each operates in parallel, has a disk interface, and has an array control algorithm for the array and a disk array for holding the configuration information of the array. An expansion bus having an expansion board connected to the disk interface of the disk array, a bus conversion unit connected to the expansion bus, a boot ROM storing a boot file control program, a main storage unit, and Basic having a file control program for basic software stored in the disk array by executing a boot file control program stored in the boot ROM according to an array control algorithm and configuration information read from the disk array via an expansion bus Software is the main description above Means for executing the basic software file control program stored in the main storage means in accordance with the array control algorithm and configuration information read from the disk array via the expansion bus A computer system is provided with a calculation control means having at least a CPU for performing division processing and combination processing of data through a conversion means and an expansion bus.

According to the present invention, a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array, each of them operates in parallel, has a disk interface, and has a disk array for holding an array control algorithm and configuration information. Connected with the disk interface, extended boot R
An expansion bus having an expansion board including an OM, a bus conversion unit connected to the expansion bus, a boot ROM connected to the bus conversion unit and storing a boot file control program, a main storage unit, and The boot file control program stored in the boot ROM or the expansion boot ROM is executed according to the array control algorithm and the configuration information read from the disk array according to a command from the expansion boot ROM of the expansion bus, and stored in the disk array. Basic software having a file control program for basic software is stored in the main storage means, and the basic software stored in the main storage means according to an array control algorithm and configuration information read from the disk array via an expansion bus. File control program for Is the bus conversion device and a computer system comprising the calculation control means having a CPU for performing at least division processing and combination processing of data through the expansion bus to the disk array running.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array, each of which operates in parallel, has a disk interface, and has a disk array for holding an array control algorithm and configuration information. Connected with the disk interface, extended boot R
An expansion bus having an expansion board including an OM and an expansion RAM, a bus conversion unit connected to the expansion bus, a boot ROM connected to the bus conversion unit and storing a boot file control program, and a main memory Means, and an extension file control program including an array control algorithm and configuration information read from the disk array according to a command from the extension boot ROM of the extension bus.
M is stored in the disk array by executing the boot ROM or the boot file control program stored in the extended boot ROM using the extended file control program including the stored array control algorithm and configuration information. Basic software having a file control program for basic software stored in the main storage means, the disk array or the expansion RAM
The basic software file control program stored in the main storage means is executed in accordance with the array control algorithm and the configuration information read from the memory array via the expansion bus to perform at least data division processing and combination processing on the disk array. A computer system including a calculation control unit having a CPU.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array, each operates in parallel, has a disk interface, and the array control algorithm for the disk array and the configuration information on the disk array are the same or common. A disk array in which a plurality of different file control programs are stored in an integrated manner, an expansion bus connected to the disk interface of the disk array, a bus converter connected to the expansion bus, and a boot storing a boot control program ROM, main memory, and each file control program stored in the disk array, the array control algorithm and the configuration information based on the boot control program stored in the boot ROM through the expansion bus and bus converter. Match or share Out only stored in the main memory,
Matching or common array control algorithm stored in the main memory CP for executing each file control program according to each file control program rhythm and configuration information to process at least data to the disk array
A computer system comprising a calculation control means having U and U.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of storage devices arranged in an array are operated in parallel, and data transferred from a host system is divided into a plurality of storage devices and written into the plurality of storage devices according to a predetermined rule to write the plurality of storage devices. A disk array system that reads data that is divided and held in a device, combines it according to a certain rule, and transfers it to a higher-level system. Array control that retains data division / combination procedures and configuration information of the disk array system. A software type disk array control in which an algorithm and configuration information holding means is provided, and data division processing and combination processing are controlled by software in accordance with the procedure and configuration information read from the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means. It is a disk array system characterized by comprising a host system for executing. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the disk array system, the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means are provided in a storage device arranged in an array. In the disk array system according to the present invention, the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means are PCMCIA or JEID.
It is characterized in that it is provided in the card defined by A. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the disk array system, the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means are storage means rewritable by a host system, and the storage means is a non-volatile storage means.

Further, according to the present invention, in a computer system including an arithmetic unit (CPU) and a main storage device, the disk array system is used, and a program used when the power of the computer system is turned on is the array control algorithm and the array control algorithm. A computer system is characterized in that a procedure for dividing / combining data and configuration information of a disk array system is read from configuration information holding means and array control is performed. According to the present invention, in the above computer system, when the power is turned on, the computer system apparatus reads the basic software held in the disk array system by array control, and transfers the execution to the basic software so that the basic operation of the disk array system is completed. The feature is that software can be started up. Further, according to the present invention, in the computer system, by holding a redundant array control algorithm in the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means, a failure occurs in a part of a storage device constituting the disk array system. The feature is that even if the storage device cannot read or write, the basic software can be started using the redundant configuration.

The present invention also provides, in the disk array system, the array control algorithm held by the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means, and
The configuration information can be read from at least two or more different file control programs.

[0022]

In computer systems in software-controlled disk array devices, there has recently been a demand for the combined use of a plurality of file control programs. Specifically, an example can be seen in the startup (boot) sequence of a computer system. When you power on your computer system,
Using the file control program of BIOS (Basic Input Output System), IPL (Initial Program Load
r) loads the OS (Operating System) (this O
To distinguish S from each other, it is called "first OS"). First O
S basically reads and writes using BIOS. And recently, in order to use more advanced OS,
OS to another OS (this is called "second OS")
Is set up. The second OS booted from the first OS has a file control program optimized for the OS to improve performance. In this way, the BIOS and the file control program of the first OS intervene in order to start up the target OS (“second OS” in the above example). However, in the present invention, when the file control program includes array control,
The array control algorithm of the file control program of the first OS and the array control program of the file control program of the second OS match in the basic part (mainly the address translation and parity generation method). The array control algorithm of the BIOS file control program used by the IPL also matches. Particularly, in the software-controlled disk array, the array control algorithm is described in the file control program, and in the present invention, the array control algorithm of the first file control program before switching and the array control algorithm after switching. In the array control algorithm of the file control program of No. 2, since the array control algorithms match at least in the basic part (mainly the address conversion and parity generation method), always maintain compatibility even if the file control program is switched. You can As described with reference to FIG. 9, even if the array control algorithm is different between the first file control program and the second file control program, the read data is always read even when reading data. It becomes a correct data string, and necessary data can be written in the correct data string even when writing data.

Further, according to the present invention, in a computer system in a software-controlled disk array system, since the BIOS file control program used by the IPL has an array control algorithm, a file control program including the array control algorithm is used. Array control can be performed before it is executed, that is, array control can be performed during the boot sequence for booting the system. Therefore, always BI
It is possible to solve the inconvenience of having to start up the target second OS through the OS and the file control program of the first OS, and the remarkable effect that even if the number of OS is increased, it is not affected at all. It plays.

Further, according to the present invention, the array control algorithms in all the file control programs can be unified by the above configuration, and it is possible to prevent the data read / write from being disabled due to the mismatch of the array control algorithms. Further, according to the present invention, the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means are provided in the storage device constituting the disk array system, so that the storage device itself can hold the array control algorithm and the configuration information. Even when only the storage device constituting the array is connected to another higher-level system, the file control program of the higher-level system can read the array control algorithm and configuration information unique to the storage device. Further, according to the present invention, the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means are set to PCMCIA or JEID.
When the card and the plurality of magnetic disk devices connected to the card are connected to another host system by being provided in the card specified by A, the file control program of the host system is The array control algorithm and configuration information held on the card can be read.

Further, according to the present invention, the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means are constituted by the non-volatile storage means, so that the array control algorithm and the configuration information held in the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means can be held by the host system. It can be changed and can be retained. Further, according to the present invention, a program used when the host system starts up the system, such as when the power is turned on, reads the array control algorithm and the configuration information from the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means, and controls the array, so that the host system starts up. From the beginning, the array control algorithms can be matched. The method of reading the array control algorithm and the configuration information from the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means is used when the power of the computer system is turned on, and by using the redundant array control algorithm, the disk array of the software control method is used. Even with the device
It is possible to realize a computer system that can cope with a storage device failure from the time of system startup.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a computer system including a disk array system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

(1) System Configuration A computer system equipped with the disk array system of the present invention is roughly composed of two parts. That is, it is a magnetic disk device group 200 composed of a host computer 100 and a plurality of magnetic disk devices 210. The hardware configuration of the host computer 100 is
A CPU 110, a main memory (main memory) 111, and a boot (BOOT) ROM 11 which are mutually connected via a bus.
2, the CPU 110, main memory 111, boot ROM
A bus converter 115 connected to the bus converter 112 via a bus, and a SCSI connected to the bus converter via an expansion bus 120.
(Small Computer System Interface) card 125. The CPU 110 has an expansion bus 120 through the bus converter 115. Expansion bus 120 is an IS
A (Industry Standard Architecture), EISA (Ex
tendedIndustry Standard Architecture), PCI (Pe
ripheral Compornent Interconnect) is common. In addition, PCMCIA (Person
al Computer Memory Card International Associatio
n) or JEIDA (Japan Electronic Industry
A card defined by the Development Association) can also be used. Of course, the host computer can be configured by using other expansion buses.

The SCSI card 125 is used for the expansion bus 120.
Connect to. In the configuration of FIG. 1, there is only one SCSI card, but a plurality of SCSI cards can be added to the expansion bus 120.
You can also connect to the top. This SCSI card 125
Therefore, the SCSI bus 250 is provided. The SCSI bus is generally used in current computer systems for connecting auxiliary storage devices (magnetic disk devices, optical disk devices, tape cartridges, etc.), printers and the like. In the configuration of FIG. 1, the SCSI card 12
Three magnetic disk devices 210 are provided on the SCSI bus 250 from No. 5. Three magnetic disk devices 210
Each have a SCSI interface and are daisy chained to the SCSI bus 250.

Software (program) in the host computer 100 includes a main memory 111 and a boot RO.
It can be held in the M112 and the magnetic disk device 210. Further, the programs held in the main memory 111 and the boot ROM 112 can be directly executed by the CPU 110. The program stored in the magnetic disk device 210 uses the file control program stored in the main memory 111 or the boot ROM 112 to scan the SCSI card 12
5, after being loaded into the main memory 111 through the expansion bus 120 and the bus converter 115, the CPU 110 can execute the program. Generally, the main memory 111 is composed of a volatile storage means (mainly DRAM), and therefore no executable program exists in the main memory 111 when the power is turned on. For this reason, in a general computer system, the boot ROM
With 112. The contents of ROM (Read Only Memory)
It does not disappear even when the power is cut off. This boot RO
IPL (Initial Program Loader) in M112
A program (502) showing a procedure for reading an OS (Operating System) called a program and a program (501) called a BIOS are held. BIOS
(Basic Input / Output System) is an input / output (writing to auxiliary storage device, reading from auxiliary storage device, input processing from keyboard,
It is a set of basic control programs that perform display).

(2) Array Control Algorithm and Configuration Information Retaining Means Here, the array control algorithm and configuration information retaining means 10 provided by the present invention will be described. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means 1
0 is provided in the SCSI card 125. The array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means 10 is EEPRO.
M (Electrically Erasable Programable Read Only Me
mory), flash memory, or SRAM (static RAM) backed up by a battery. By providing the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding unit 10 having such a configuration, the contents thereof can be rewritten as necessary under the control of the CPU 110,
Further, the rewritten contents can be always held. The array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10 includes an array control algorithm (an algorithm that describes how to divide and write data, and how to combine and read data) and configuration information (configure an array. The number of magnetic disk devices to be used, the minimum unit of data to be divided (stripe size), RAID level, etc. are held. Array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10
There are roughly three conceivable methods for describing the algorithm and the configuration information stored in the above.

The first is a method of holding only the configuration information necessary for array control. The necessary configuration information mainly includes the number of magnetic disk devices constituting the array, the minimum unit of data to be divided (stripe size), the RAID level, and the like. The file control program calculates the array control by using the held configuration information as a coefficient. The second is a method of holding an object format program that can be directly executed by the CPU 110. With this method,
By transferring the processing to the program read from the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding unit 10, the array control can be performed as it is. However, the object format program is the CPU 1 that executes the program.
There are 10 types of drawbacks. In this method, the configuration information can be included in the program, or the configuration information can be separated.

The third method is an array control algorithm and a method of holding a text (document) describing the configuration information as a script (description language). The array control algorithm and configuration information reading means 20 described later are
The script is read from the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10. The array control algorithm and configuration information reading means 20 interprets the read script and converts it into an object program executable by the CPU 110. In this method, the configuration information can be included in the script, or the configuration information can be separated.

(3) Array Control Algorithm and Configuration Information Reading Means In the present invention, the array control algorithm and configuration information read from the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10 is composed of a program for reading the array control algorithm and configuration information. Means 20 are provided.
Array control algorithm and configuration information reading means 20
Is an IPL 502 or BIOS 501 held in the boot ROM 112 and an OS held in the main memory 111.
It is realized as software (program) together with the file control program 551 of 550. That is, the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 20 is a program for reading the algorithm and configuration information.

(4) Operation Example 1 As described above, there are roughly three methods of describing the algorithm and configuration information held in the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10. In the following, description will be made using the second "method of holding a program in an object format that can be directly executed". Further, the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means 10 are connected to the SCSI card 12.
It is composed of the upper 5 EEPROM.

Initialization of holding means The array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10 stores the array control algorithm as a program in the form of an object and the configuration information as its parameters. The configuration information is defined as follows and stored in advance in the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10. Configuration information Number of configurations = 3 RAID algorithm = 5 Parity allocation method = Left-Asymmetric stripe size = 32768 Configuration disk ID number [0] = 0 Configuration disk ID number [1] = 1 Configuration disk ID number [2] = 2 implementations In the example, the three magnetic disk devices 210 are RAI
Used in D5 algorithm. The main parameters that are important in the RAID5 algorithm are the parity allocation method and stripe size. Here, the parity allocation method is set to "Left-Asymmetric" and the stripe size is set to 32768 bytes. The SCSI target IDs of the three magnetic disk devices were set to 0 to 2. This target ID is held in the constituent disk ID number [n].

The array control algorithm is stored as a program in object format. This program performs a process of converting a logical address related to array control into a physical address by using the above configuration information as a parameter (this process is hereinafter referred to as “address conversion”). Here, this “address conversion” is shown in FIG. Here, the stripe size is 32 KB (32768 bytes).
And has a capacity of 256 KB (= 32 × 8), “Left
It will be described as a RAID-5 disk array device of the "-Asymmetric" arrangement method. The RAID 5 disk array device is recognized as one logical drive by the IPL that uses the file control program and the application on the OS. Therefore, an application or the like can be processed in the same manner as a conventional single magnetic disk device without being aware that it is composed of a plurality of disk devices.

As shown in FIG. 11, logical drive data is actually stored in three physical drives (three magnetic disk devices 210 in this embodiment) in order for each stripe size. Further, parity data (P01, P23, P45, P67) is stored to improve reliability. P01 is an exclusive OR (XOR) of the data in stripe 0 and stripe 1. As shown in the figure, in the logical drive, the logical addresses are continuous from 0 to 256 KB, but in order to actually read the data from the physical drive, it is necessary to calculate from which physical drive device and where the data should be read. There is.
For example, stripe 0 (logical address 0 to 32 KB)
Is read, the physical addresses 0 to 32 KB of the physical drive No. 0 are read. When reading stripes 4 and 5 (logical addresses 128 to 192 KB), the physical addresses of physical drive 1 are 64 to 96 KB.
Then, the physical addresses 64 to 96 KB of the physical drive No. 2 are read.

In RAID5, the process of writing data is more complicated than reading. For example, when writing data to stripe 0 (logical address 0 to 32 KB) (data to be written is called new data), first, physical address 0 to 32 KB of physical drive 0 (called old data) is written. , Physical addresses 0 to 32 KB of physical drive No. 2 (this is called old parity) are read. Next, the exclusive OR (XOR) of the new data, the old data, and the old parity is calculated to generate the new parity. Finally, the new data is set to the physical addresses 0 to 3 of the physical drive 0.
The new parity is written to the physical address 0 to 32 KB of the physical drive No. 2 in 2 KB. Also, stripes 4 and 5
When writing data to the number (logical address 128 to 192 KB), first, the XOR of the data in the stripe No. 4 to be written and the data in the stripe No. 5 is calculated to generate a new parity. Finally, the data in the stripe 4 is stored in the physical address 1 to the physical address 64 to 96 KB.
Then, the data in the stripe No. 5 is written to the physical addresses 64 to 96 KB of the physical drive No. 2, and the new parity is written to the physical addresses 64 to 96 KB of the physical drive No. 0.

In this embodiment, the configuration information and the object format program are shipped from the factory while being held in the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means 10 in the SCSI card 125. Of course, a user who uses this system by preparing a utility program can make changes. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the following programs are stored in each stripe.・ OS # 1 for stripes 0 and 1 ・ OS # 2 for stripes 2 and 3 ・ Application # 1 for stripes 4 and 5 Power-on process Here, power is turned on to the computer system The processing in the case of being performed will be described. When the computer system is powered on, the CPU 110 causes the boot ROM 11
2. Run the IPL program in 2. IPL502 is
Array control algorithm and configuration information reading means 2 in the boot ROM 112 prior to all read / write commands
0 is used to read the array control algorithm and configuration information from the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10. In the case of this embodiment, an object format program for address conversion and the following configuration information are read. Configuration information (this configuration information will be referred to as configuration information 900 hereinafter) Number of configurations = 3 RAID algorithm = 5 Parity allocation method = Left-Asymmetric stripe size = 32768 Configuration disk ID number [0] = 0 Configuration disk ID number [1] = 1 configuration disk ID number [2] = 2 The IPL 502 reads a file using the file control program of the BIOS 501, and this file control program performs processing using the read configuration information 900 and the address conversion program. . According to the configuration information 900, the address conversion program recognizes that it is a RAID 5 configured with three magnetic disk devices (SCSI target IDs 0, 1, 2) and a “Left-Asymmetric” arrangement method and a stripe size of 32 KB.

Booting OS # 1 by IPL The IPL 502 holds O in stripes 0 and 1 (logical addresses 0 to 64 KB) for the BIOS 501.
A command is issued to read S # 1 (in this embodiment, OS # 1 is stored in stripes 0 and 1). BIOS
Upon receiving the read command, the 501 uses the address translation program to calculate where the stripes 0 and 1 are held, and issues the read command to the target physical drive. In this embodiment, stripe 0 is read from physical address 0 to 32 KB of physical drive 0, and stripe 1 is read from physical address 0 to 32 KB of physical drive 1 and stored in the main memory 111.
When the reading of both stripes 0 and 1 is completed, the BIOS 501 reports to the IPL 502 that the reading of OS # 1 is completed. Upon receiving the completion report, the IPL 502 transfers execution to the OS # 1 (550) on the main memory 111. As a result, OS # 1 is activated. In this embodiment, the OS # 1 is a single file, but in an actual computer system, it is necessary to read a plurality of files for booting the OS.

File control of OS # 1 In this embodiment, OS # 1 is also a file control program 5
Have 51. This file control program also has an array control algorithm and configuration information reading means (program) 20. From IPL 502 to OS # 1 (5
When the execution shifts to 50), first, OS # 1 (550)
Prior to all read / write commands, the array control algorithm and configuration information reading means 20 is used to read the address translation program and the configuration information 900 from the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10. After that, O
When S # 1 reads and writes, these address conversion programs and the configuration information 900 are used. The file control program 551 uses the read configuration information 900 to set the three magnetic disk devices (SCSI target ID
It is recognized that the RAID5 is a “Left-Asymmetric” arrangement method with 0, 1, 2) and a stripe size of 32 KB.

For example, consider the case of reading the application # 1 held in the stripes 4 and 5 (logical addresses 0 to 64 KB). When the file control program receives this read command, it uses the address conversion program to calculate where stripes 4 and 5 are held, and issues a read command to the target physical drive. In the case of the present embodiment, stripe 4 is read from physical address 64 to 96 KB of physical drive 1,
Stripe number 5 is physical address 64 of physical drive 2
From 96 KB to the main memory 111. In addition, for example, stripe number 6 (logical addresses 192 to 22)
Consider the case of writing data # 1 in 4 KB). First, the physical address of physical drive 0 is 96 to 128 KB
(This is called old data) and the physical address of physical drive 2 is 96 to 128 KB (this is called old parity).
Read out. Next, the exclusive OR (XOR) of the new data, the old data, and the old parity is calculated to generate the new parity. Finally, the new data is written in the physical address 96-128 KB of the physical drive 0, and the new parity is written in the physical address 96-128 KB of the physical drive 2.

Booting OS # 2 by OS # 1 Here, it is considered to boot OS # 2 from OS # 1. In this embodiment, OS # 2 is stored in stripes 2 and 3 (logical addresses 128 to 192 KB). OS
When # 1 receives the OS # 2 startup command, it commands the file control program to read stripes 2 and 3. The file control program uses the address conversion program and the configuration information 900 to read OS # 2 onto the main memory 111. This procedure is the same as the reading of the application # 1. When the reading of OS # 2 is completed, OS # 1 transfers its execution to OS # 2.
As a result, OS # 2 is activated.

File Control of OS # 2 In this embodiment, OS # 2 also has a file control program. This file control program is also OS # 1
The array control algorithm and the configuration information reading means (program) 20 are also provided. When the OS # 2 starts up, the OS # 2 uses the array control algorithm and configuration information reading means 20 in advance of all the read / write instructions to use the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 1
The address translation program and the configuration information 900 are read from 0. After that, when the OS # 2 reads / writes, these address translation programs and the configuration information 900 are used. The file control program 551 uses the read configuration information 900 to set the three magnetic disk devices (SCSI
"Left-Asymm configured with target ID 0, 1, 2)
Etric "placement method, stripe size 32KB RAI
Recognize as D5. By processing in this way, O
From S # 2, for example, application # 1 and OS
The data # 1 written from # 1 can be read. Further, even if the OS # 2 writes the data # 2 to the stripe No. 7 (logical address 224 to 256 KB), the data # 2 can be used by both the OS # 1 and the OS # 2.

If the file control program of OS # 2 cannot perform array control, if the file control program of OS # 2 started up from OS # 1 does not have the disk array control function, OS # 2 uses RAID5. It is completely unknown how data is stored in the three magnetic disk devices 210 configured by
The written data # 1 of # 1 cannot be read. If the OS # 2 independently writes data to these magnetic disk devices, the already stored OS # 2
1 or application # 1, or even the parity data held to improve reliability may be overwritten.

If OS # 2 has its own array control algorithm, consider here that OS # 2 has its own array control algorithm. For example, consider a case where the following array control configuration information is included. Configuration information (this configuration information is hereinafter referred to as configuration information 910) Number of configurations = 3 RAID algorithm = 5 Parity allocation method = Right-Asymmetric stripe size = 32768 Configuration disk ID number [0] = 0 Configuration disk ID number [1] = 1 configuration disk ID number [2] = 2 The file control program of OS # 2 does not have the array control algorithm and configuration information reading means 20, but has the array control algorithm and configuration information independently in the file control program. . Therefore, BIOS and OS
It has no means to match the array control algorithm and configuration information with # 1. Configuration information 900 and 910
The difference is that the parity allocation method is "Left-Asymmetric"
And "Right-Asymmetric". In Figure 12, "Righ
t-Asymmetric "placement method (" Left-Asymmetric "
Is shown in FIG. 11).

Consider a case where the application # 1 (stored in the stripes 4 and 5) is read by the OS # 2. OS # 1 using the "Left-Asymmetric" placement method
Then, stripe No. 4 was read from physical address 64 to 96 KB of physical drive No. 1, and stripe No. 5 was read from physical address 64 to 96 KB of physical drive No. 2. With this, the application # 1 was correctly read. However, "Right-Asymmetri
c ”arrangement method In OS # 2 using the arrangement method, stripe 4 has physical addresses 64 to 96 of physical drive 0.
The stripe number 5 is read from the physical address 64 to 96 KB of the physical drive number 1. Therefore, the parity data (P45) and the data corresponding to stripe No. 4 are read, and the application # 1 cannot be read correctly. Here, an example of read failure due to a difference in the parity arrangement method is shown, but it is clear that the file cannot be correctly read / written if any one of the number of constituents, the RAID algorithm, the stripe size, and the constituent disk ID number is different. As described above, it is extremely important to match the array control algorithm and the configuration information on the BIOS and each OS.

(5) Effects By processing as described above, both the BIOS and the file control program of the booted OS (# 1, # 2), the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means 10
By using the array control algorithm and the configuration information held in, the array control algorithm can be shared. As a result, even if the OS is switched including the IPL, unified array control can always be performed on the magnetic disk device group 200. When it is necessary to change the array control algorithm and the configuration information, in the conventional disk array system, all the file control programs had to be changed. However, by using the present invention, the array control algorithm and the configuration information can be changed. It is only necessary to change the array control algorithm and the configuration information held in the holding means 10. As a result, there is no risk of read failure due to mismatch of array control algorithm or configuration information and data loss due to writing.

Further, as in this embodiment, the boot ROM
By providing the algorithm and configuration information reading means 20 in 112 and performing array control by the BIOS program,
Even in a computer system that uses a software-controlled disk array device, an array-controlled external storage device can be used even after the power is turned on. Further, as an array control method, an algorithm having redundancy (for example, RAID5 or RA used in this embodiment, or RA
ID1, RAID3, RAID4, etc.)
It is possible to construct a computer system having reliability even for the OS read by the PL. For example, in the case of the present embodiment using RAID5 as the array control algorithm, even if any one of the three magnetic disk devices 210 constituting the disk array fails and cannot read / write at power-on, By the principle of RAID5,
Reading and writing can be continued using the parity data stored in another magnetic disk device.

RAID (Redundant Arrays of In
For the level of expensive disks, see Performance Consequencs of Parity Placement in Disk Arrays (Performance Consequenc
es of Parity Placement in Disk Arrays: Edward K. L
ee and Randy H. Katz: Computer Science Division Ele
ctrical Engineering and Computer Science Universit
y of California at Berkeley Berkeley, California 94
720 pp.190-199).

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a computer system including a disk array system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. First in Figure 1
The difference from the first embodiment is that the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means 10 provided on the SCSI card 125 in the first embodiment are provided in the magnetic disk device 210. The algorithm and configuration information reading means (program) 20 provided in the IPL or OS file control program is an array control algorithm of the magnetic disk device 210 connected to the SCSI bus 250 and an array control algorithm from the configuration information holding means 10. Also, the configuration information is read. The file control program is
The plurality of magnetic disk devices 210 are array-controlled according to the read array control algorithm and the configuration information. The array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10 may be provided with a nonvolatile storage element such as an EEPROM in the magnetic disk device 210 as in the first embodiment, or on the magnetic storage medium 215 of the magnetic disk device. It is also possible to provide a specific area in and hold it in that area. Second
In this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the array control algorithm and the algorithm and configuration information held in the configuration information holding means 10 may be initialized in advance at the time of product shipment, or this system is used. The user may perform initialization. When the user is asked to perform initialization, the utility program is used as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the CPU 110 uses the utility program to send the parameters input by the user through the input means connected to the bus to the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10 provided in the magnetic disk device 210. Hold. In this case, a SCSI command for reading / writing a new array control algorithm and configuration information holding means may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the array control algorithm / configuration information holding means 10 may be provided with the array control algorithm / configuration information holding means 20 in all the magnetic disk devices 210 constituting the disk array. However, it may be provided only in a specific magnetic disk device 210. By providing all magnetic disk devices 210, even if one magnetic disk device fails due to a disk failure, it is possible to read algorithms and configuration information from other magnetic disk devices. Also in the configuration of the second embodiment,
The other basic operations are the same as those shown in the first embodiment.

As described above, the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means 10 are stored in the magnetic disk device 21.
By providing it in 0, the magnetic disk device itself that constitutes the disk array system can hold the array control algorithm and the configuration information. For example, consider that only the magnetic disk device group 200 is reconnected to another host computer 101 having the same configuration as the host computer 100. Even if the host computer 101 is replaced, the IPL5 on the host computer 101
02 and the algorithm and configuration information reading means 20 provided in the file control program 551 of the OS 550,
The array control algorithm and configuration information can be read from the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10 in the magnetic disk device 210. As described above, even if the disk device group 200 is connected to the computer system, array control can be supported without the need to add or change the program to the computer system 101.

As shown in FIG. 3, even if a magnetic disk device group 201 having an array control algorithm and configuration information different from that of the magnetic disk device group 200 is connected to the host computer 100, the algorithm and configuration information reading means 20. Reads array control algorithm and configuration information from the magnetic disk device groups 200 and 201, respectively, and reads and writes to the magnetic disk device group 200 using the array control algorithm and configuration information read from the magnetic disk device group 200. Reading and writing to the device group 201 is performed by the magnetic disk device group 20.
By using the array control algorithm and the configuration information read from 1, it is possible to simultaneously support a plurality of different array control algorithms. Also at this time, there is no need to add or change the program in the computer system 100.

<< Third Embodiment >> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a computer system including a disk array system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. First in FIG.
The difference from the first embodiment is that the array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10 provided on the SCSI card 125 in the first embodiment are provided in the boot ROM 112. If the array control algorithm and the configuration information are held on the boot ROM 112 in this manner, these changes cannot be easily made. Therefore, in this embodiment, the method of holding only the first holding method configuration information described above is used. The IPL 502 and the algorithm and configuration information reading means (program) 20 provided in the file control program 551 of the OS 550 read the configuration information held in the boot ROM 112. An IPL (based on BIOS) or a file control program of the OS array-controls a plurality of magnetic disk devices 210 according to the read array control algorithm. Also, BIOS
As the function command 501, a command for reading the array control configuration information is prepared. With such a configuration, the present invention can be easily realized only by changing the boot ROM 112 of a computer system that is currently generally used.

When the power is turned on, the IPL 502 uses the configuration information held in the boot ROM 112 itself,
The connected magnetic disk devices 210 are array-controlled to read the OS 550. Also, the loaded OS5
The file control program 551 of 50 first reads configuration information from the boot ROM 112 (using a BIOS function call), and performs array control using the read configuration information. Each file control program having array control (corresponding to IPL and OS) has the same basic part of the array control algorithm (mainly address conversion and parity generation method) as long as the other file control programs themselves have the same algorithm. It doesn't matter if they are different. Generally, the IPL program in the boot ROM 112 has limited resources that can be used when the power is turned on. Specifically, the usable amount of the main memory 111 is limited, or the CPU 110 is executed in a 16-bit address space. However, when the OS 550 read by the IPL 502 starts up and control is transferred to the OS 550, such a limitation disappears. This makes it possible to use a larger main memory 111 or a 32-bit address space. Further, if the OS 550 is a multitasking, multithreading compatible OS, it is even possible to perform a plurality of reads and writes (this is called asynchronous I / O) at the same time. For example, the IPL 502 has a configuration that does not support asynchronous I / O, and the OS 550 uses a file control program that supports asynchronous I / O. The use of asynchronous I / O improves the read / write performance of the host computer with respect to the magnetic disk device 201.

With the above configuration, the IPL 502, which has few system resources, can execute a simple file control program, and can execute a more advanced file control program when the OS capable of effectively utilizing the resources is started up. it can. Thereby, the file control program in the IPL 502 can be simplified. In addition, various OS 5 read by switching from the magnetic disk device group 200
For each 50, a file control program suitable for the characteristics of the OS can be configured.

<Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a computer system including a disk array system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Third in FIG.
The difference from the above embodiment is that a part of the boot ROM is provided on the SCSI card 125. Hereinafter, the boot ROM provided on the SCSI card 125 is replaced by the extended boot ROM 1
Call 30. A file control program 131 for array-controlling the plurality of magnetic disk devices 210 connected to the SCSI card 125 and an array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10 are provided in the extended boot ROM 130. A sequence at power-on of a computer system using the present invention will be described. When the computer system is powered on, the CPU 110
Executes the IPL program in the boot ROM 112. The IPL 502 first checks what kind of expansion card is connected to the expansion bus 120 of the host computer. And the expansion card is the expansion boot R
Also check if you have OM. IPL502
When an expansion card is detected and an expansion boot ROM is detected on the expansion card, the program in the expansion boot ROM 130 executes processing unique to the expansion card. In the configuration of FIG. 5, SCSI on the expansion bus 120
The card 125 is detected, and the expansion boot ROM 130 on the SCSI card 125 is detected. Therefore, IPL5
When 02 reads and writes to the magnetic disk device 210 connected to the SCSI card 125, the file control program in the extended boot ROM 130 is used. A file control program 13 in which an array control algorithm is inserted in the extended boot ROM 130.
Since 1 is provided, array control can be performed for a plurality of magnetic disk devices 210.

By performing the processing as described above, the S-ROM can be processed without changing the boot ROM in the host computer.
By providing the extended boot ROM 130 on the CSI card 125, array control can be performed on the plurality of magnetic disk devices 210 connected to the SCSI card 125. Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the extended boot ROM 13
An array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 10 is further provided in 0. As shown in the third embodiment, the performance can be improved by configuring the file control program for each OS for each OS. Therefore, the OS 550 started up from IPL is
The array control algorithm and the configuration information are read from the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding unit 10 in the extended boot ROM 130 by using the algorithm and the configuration information reading unit (program) 20 provided in the file control program 551 of the OS. The file control program 551 uses the read array control algorithm and configuration information to read the plurality of magnetic disk devices 21.
0 is array controlled. As a result, the file control program 551 of the OS 550 can perform optimal file control for the OS 550.

<Fifth Embodiment> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a computer system including a disk array system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fourth in FIG.
The difference from the above embodiment is that a part of the expansion boot ROM provided on the expansion card is composed of RAM. Hereinafter, this RAM is referred to as expansion RAM 135. Then, the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means 10 are provided in the magnetic disk device 210. Also, extended boot RO
An algorithm and configuration information reading means (program) 20 is provided in M130. IPL502 is SCS
When the extended boot ROM 130 on the I card 125 is detected, the execution is first shifted to the initialization program in the extended boot ROM. The initialization program reads the array control algorithm and the configuration information from the array control algorithm and the configuration information holding means 10 in the magnetic disk device 210 by using the algorithm and the configuration information reading means (program) 20, and then reads them on the SCSI card 125. Extended RA
Put in M135. In the present embodiment, the array control algorithm and the algorithm held in the configuration information holding means are stored in the object format. This object is a file control program that contains the array control algorithm and configuration information.

When the expansion program finishes reading the file control program, the initialization program IPLs the processing.
Return to 502. When the IPL 502 reads from or writes to the plurality of magnetic disk devices 210 connected to the SCSI card 125, the file control program read in advance in the expansion RAM 135 is used. The file control program contains the array control algorithm and configuration information. Therefore, SCSI card 1
It is possible to read / write by performing array control of a plurality of magnetic disk devices 210 connected to 25. With respect to the booted OS 550 as well, the file control program in which the array control algorithm and the configuration information stored in the expansion RAM 135 are inserted is read using the algorithm and configuration information reading means (program) 20, and the file control program is stored in the OS. Based on the magnetic disk device group 2
00 data read processing based on data division processing and data combination processing including parity calculation (address conversion processing)
Can be written.

<< Sixth Embodiment >> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a computer system including a disk array system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the OS is stored in the group of magnetic disk devices 932 in advance,
The purpose is to store the array control algorithm and the configuration information that match each OS. By doing so, C
When the PU 110 switches and reads the OS from the magnetic disk device group and stores it in the main storage device (memory) 911, a fixed array control algorithm and configuration information are always obtained for each OS, so the magnetic disk is always operated under the same conditions. Reading based on data division processing and writing of data combining processing (address conversion processing) including parity calculation can be performed on the device group.

[0064]

According to the present invention, the array control algorithm can be unified in a computer system that requires a plurality of different file control programs in a software-controlled disk array. There is no fear of data read failure or data loss due to writing, and it is possible to perform data read processing based on data division processing and write data combining processing including parity operation with high reliability to the disk array. An effect that the application can be expanded corresponding to the OS is achieved. Further, according to the present invention, in a computer system in a software-controlled disk array system, an array control algorithm is provided in an IPL program in a boot ROM or an extended boot ROM to perform array control in a boot sequence. Can and OS
There is an effect that the system can be started by booting. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a computer system capable of performing array control even after the power is turned on even in a disk array system of software control system, and further, a redundant algorithm is used as an array control algorithm. As a result, a highly reliable computer system can be constructed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer system including a disk array system which is a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram (a switching example of a host computer) showing a configuration of a computer system including a disk array system which is a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer system including a disk array system according to a second embodiment of the present invention (an example in which two different magnetic disk device groups are connected to one host computer).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer system including a disk array system which is a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer system including a disk array system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer system including a disk array system which is a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer system including a disk array system which is a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a data division method by array control according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an array control algorithm and a method for holding and setting the number of disks and a RAID level in a configuration information holding unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a conventional hardware-controlled disk array device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing RAID 5 of a Left-Asymmetric arrangement method.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a RAID 5 of a right-asymmetric arrangement system.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Array control algorithm and configuration information holding means 20 ... Algorithm and configuration information reading means 100 ... Host computer, 101 ... Host computer 110 ... CPU, 111 ... Main memory, 112 ... Boot ROM 115 ... Bus converter, 120 ... Expansion bus , 125 ...
SCSI card 131 ... Extended boot ROM, 131 ... File control program 135 ... Extended RAM, 200, 201 ... Magnetic disk device group 210 ... Magnetic disk device, 211 ... SCSI interface 215 ... Magnetic storage medium, 250 ... SCSI bus, 5
01 ... BIOS 502 ... IPL, 550 ... OS, 551 ... File control program

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical indication location G06F 13/14 330 C 7368-5E (72) Inventor Taka Oeda 1099 shares of Ozenji Temple, Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Company Hitachi Systems Development Laboratory (72) Inventor Ikuya Yagisawa 1099 Ozenji, Aso-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Hitachi Systems Development Laboratory (72) Inventor Kato Kato 810 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina, Kanagawa Hitachi, Ltd. Office system division

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array,
A disk array that operates in parallel, and a plurality of file control programs that are connected to the disk array and that have the same or common array control algorithm for the disk array and the configuration information about the disk array and that are different for the disk array. A computer system comprising at least a calculation control unit that performs a data division process and a data combination process. 2. A plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array,
An expansion bus connected to the disk interface of the disk array, and a bus conversion connected to the expansion bus, each disk array operating in parallel and having a disk interface and storing a plurality of different file control programs And a main memory, and each file control program stored in the disk array is read out and stored in the main memory through the expansion bus and the bus converter, and the disk array is stored for each file control program stored in the main memory. A computer system comprising an array control algorithm and a CPU for performing at least data processing on the disk array by matching or commonizing configuration information about the disk array. 3. The calculation control means is provided with a boot ROM storing a boot control program for storing each file control program in the main memory by matching or commonizing the array control algorithm and the configuration information. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The computer system according to claim 3, wherein the expansion bus of said calculation control means is provided with an expansion boot ROM storing at least a program for reading data from said disk array. 5. An expansion bus of said calculation control means is provided with an expansion boot ROM storing at least a program for reading data from said disk array, and an expansion RAM storing at least data read from said disk array. The computer system according to claim 3, characterized in that: 6. A plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array,
Disk arrays each operating in parallel, holding means for holding an array control algorithm for the disk array and configuration information on the disk array, and the disk sharing the array control algorithm and the configuration information held by the holding means A computer system comprising: a host computer control system that processes a plurality of different file control programs for an array. 7. The computer according to claim 6, wherein the holding means is provided in the disk array, and the array control algorithm and the configuration information held in the holding means can be transferred to the host system. system. 8. The holding means is provided in the host system,
7. The computer system according to claim 6, wherein the host system is configured to read the array control algorithm and the configuration information held in the holding means. 9. The holding means is provided in an expansion bus provided in the host system for connecting to the disk array, and the host system holds an array control algorithm and configuration information held in the holding means by an expansion bus. 7. The computer system according to claim 6, wherein the computer system is configured to be read out through. 10. The computer system according to claim 6, wherein said holding means is constituted by a non-volatile rewritable storage means. 11. The computer system according to claim 6, wherein at least data division processing and data combination processing are performed as an array control algorithm for the disk array. 12. The computer system according to claim 6, wherein the array control algorithm for the disk array is at least data division processing, data combination processing, and redundant data processing. 13. The computer system according to claim 6, wherein the configuration information regarding the disk array includes at least the number of disk devices, a unit for dividing the data, and a RAID level. 14. A disk array in which a plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array and each of which operates in parallel, a holding means for holding an array control algorithm for the disk array and configuration information on the disk array, and the holding means. Based on the rules obtained from the array control algorithm and the configuration information read from, the transferred data is divided into the disk arrays and written, and further obtained by the array control algorithm and the configuration information read from the holding means. A computer control means for controlling the disk array which reads out data from the disk array, combines the data, and transfers the data, based on a specified rule. 15. A disk array having a plurality of disk devices arranged in an array, each operating in parallel and having a disk interface, connected to the disk interface of the disk array, and an array control algorithm for the disk array and An expansion bus having an expansion board having a holding unit for holding the configuration information about the disk array, a bus conversion unit connected to the expansion bus, a boot ROM storing a boot file control program, and a main storage unit. A basic file stored in the disk array by executing a boot file control program stored in the boot ROM according to an array control algorithm and configuration information read from a holding means of the expansion board via an expansion bus and a bus converter. File for software Basic software having a control program is stored in the main memory means, and the basic software stored in the main memory means according to the array control algorithm and configuration information read from the holding means of the expansion board via the expansion bus and the bus converter. A calculation control means having a CPU for executing a basic software file control program of the software and performing at least data division processing and data combination processing on the disk array through the bus conversion means and expansion bus is provided. Characteristic computer system. 16. An expansion bus having a plurality of disk devices arranged in an array, each operating in parallel, having a disk array having a disk interface, and having an expansion board connected to the disk interface of the disk array, A bus conversion means connected to the expansion bus; a holding means for holding an array control algorithm for the disk array and configuration information about the disk array; a boot ROM storing a boot file control program; and a main storage means. The boot R according to the array control algorithm and configuration information read from the holding means of the boot ROM
The boot file control program stored in the OM is executed to store the basic software having the file control program for the basic software stored in the disk array in the main storage means and read from the holding means of the boot ROM. A basic software file control program of the basic software stored in the main storage means according to an array control algorithm and configuration information, and at least data division processing is performed on the disk array through the bus conversion means and expansion bus. And a computer control unit having a CPU for performing a combining process. 17. A plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array, each of which operates in parallel, has a disk interface, and has an array control algorithm for the array and a disk array for holding configuration information of the array, An expansion bus having an expansion board connected to the disk interface of the disk array, a bus conversion unit connected to the expansion bus, a boot ROM storing a boot file control program, a main storage unit, and the disk array. The boot ROM according to the array control algorithm and configuration information read via the expansion bus
To execute the boot file control program stored in the disk array to store the basic software having the basic software file control program stored in the disk array in the main storage means, and from the disk array via the expansion bus. The file control program for the basic software stored in the main storage means is executed according to the array control algorithm and the configuration information that are read out, and at least data division processing and combination processing are performed on the disk array through the bus conversion means and expansion bus. Do C
A computer system comprising a calculation control unit having a PU. 18. A disk array for arranging a plurality of disk devices, each of which operates in parallel, has a disk interface, and holds an array control algorithm and configuration information. An expansion bus having an expansion board connected to the expansion boot ROM; a bus conversion unit connected to the expansion bus; a boot ROM connected to the bus conversion unit and storing a boot file control program; The boot ROM or the extended boot RO according to storage means and an array control algorithm and configuration information read from the disk array according to a command from the extended boot ROM of the expansion bus.
The boot file control program stored in M is executed to store the basic software having the basic software file control program stored in the disk array in the main storage means, and the basic software is stored in the disk array via the expansion bus. The file control program for the basic software stored in the main storage means is executed according to the array control algorithm and the configuration information read out by means of the bus conversion means and the expansion bus, and at least data division processing and combination are performed on the disk array. A computer system comprising a calculation control unit having a CPU for performing processing. 19. A disk interface for arranging a plurality of disk devices, each operating in parallel, having a disk interface, and holding an array control algorithm and configuration information. An expansion bus having an expansion board that is connected and has an expansion boot ROM and an expansion RAM, a bus conversion unit connected to the expansion bus, and a boot connected to the bus conversion unit and storing a boot file control program. An expansion file control program including an array control algorithm and configuration information read from the disk array in response to a command from the ROM, the main storage means, and the expansion boot ROM of the expansion bus is stored in the expansion RAM, and the stored array is stored. Extension file containing control algorithm and configuration information The boot ROM or extended boot R using a control program
The boot file control program stored in the OM is executed to store the basic software having the file control program for basic software stored in the disk array in the main storage means, and the basic software is stored in the disk array or the expansion RAM. A CPU that executes a file control program for basic software stored in the main storage means in accordance with an array control algorithm and configuration information read via an expansion bus to perform at least data division processing and connection processing for the disk array. A computer system comprising a calculation control unit having: 20. A plurality of disk devices are arranged in an array, each of which operates in parallel, has a disk interface, and the array control algorithm for the disk array and the configuration information regarding the disk array are matched or shared to be different. A disk array storing a plurality of file control programs, an expansion bus connected to a disk interface of the disk array, a bus converter connected to the expansion bus, a boot ROM storing a boot control program,
The main memory and each file control program stored in the disk array are matched or shared by the array control algorithm and the configuration information based on the boot control program stored in the boot ROM through the expansion bus and the bus converter. At least for the disk array by executing each file control program in accordance with each file control program rhythm and configuration information, which is stored in the main memory and stored in the main memory A computer system comprising a calculation control means having a CPU for processing data.