Patent ID: 7117310
Filing Date: 2006-10-03
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for maintaining cache coherency between a first controller and a peer controller, the method comprising: updating cache data in a write-back cache memory in the first controller in response to read or write requests from an attached host; buffering information regarding changes to the cache memory in the first controller that affect cache coherency of a mirrored cache memory in the peer controller; and transmitting the buffered information and associated cache data from the first controller to the peer controller to maintain cache coherency between the cache memory of the first controller and that mirrored cache memory of the peer controller, wherein the buffered information saves to maintain cache coherency without requiring a step of informing the peer controller of any cache flush operation performed in the first controller, and wherein the step of buffering further comprises: filling a first buffer while a second buffer is transmitting to the peer controller; sensing completion of transmission of the second buffer to the peer controller; and filling the second buffer while the first buffer is transmitting to the peer controller.