Disk aggregation

Abstract: A method for partitioning a disk array into logical storage units distinct from the physical storage units within the array. A set of individual drives within the array are partitioned into multiple partitions. Corresponding partitions from the individual drives are grouped together to form a logical unit which is addressed as, and functions as, an independent disk array. The partitions within the logical unit are addressed as, and function as, disk drives within the logical array. Thus, a single set of disk drives may be divided into two or more logical storage units, each functioning as an independent disk array, and each employing a different RAID level scheme for storing data. Alternatively, multiple sets of disk drives within the array can combined together into a logical storage unit which functions as a single set of drives. Corresponding drives from each set of drives are addressed as a single disk drive within the logical unit. Thus a logical unit is formed having twice or more the capacity of a single set of disk drives. Finally, The two logical disk arrays described above may be utilized together to organize a plurality of disk drives into several logical arrays, some formed from partitions of disk drives, some from combining groups of unpartitioned disk drives, and others formed from combining unpartitioned drives together with partitions of drives. Each logical array may employ a different scheme for storing data.

Abstract: A system for integrating incompatible hard disk partitioning systems in a single hard disk drive provides a method for installing and operating multiple incompatible absolute zero sector operating systems on the same hard disk drive with a first operating system and its associated boot loader located at absolute physical sector zero and a second operating system and its associated boot loader located at an absolute physical sector other than zero The system includes a second BIOS that automatically offsets physical addresses for disk requests from the second operating system so that correct absolute physical address of the disk is accessed This facilitates the use of a single hard disk drive in dual-compatible computers which functions selectively in an IBM AT compatible mode and a non-IBM AT compatible mode

Abstract: A dual disk drive peripheral data storage system is disclosed. The dual disk drive is a combination of a hard disk drive and a solid state disk drive whereby the solid state buffer memory that is typically used as a data cache for the hard disk drive is partitioned such that one portion provides the memory for the solid state disk drive while another portion remains as the cache for the hard disk. The dual disk drive provides the capability for a user to repartition the solid state buffer memory such that the sizes of the solid state disk drive memory and cache memory can be adjusted to increase the data transfer rate with a host computational system.

Abstract: A multiple disk drive array storage device emulates the operation of a single disk drive. The array storage device includes a large buffer memory and a plurality of asynchronously-operating disk drives. A full physical track of data from each of the disk drives within the array is stored within the buffer memory and concatenated to create a large logical track of data. The large buffer memory and asynchronously-operating disk drives results in a data transfer rate that is faster than the standard disk drive architecture.