Cache protection uses solid-state NAND flash memory

LSI Corp. has rolled out the MegaRAID CacheVault technology that uses solid-state NAND flash memory to protect data stored in RAID controller cache. It automatically transfers cached data to flash when power failure occurs and provides flash-based cache protection for LSI MegaRAID 6Gb/s SATA+SAS RAID controller cards. The technology eliminates the need for lithium-ion batteries and hardware maintenance costs that results in a greener, lower total cost cache protection solution.

"Traditionally, data in write cache has been protected from power and server failures using lithium-ion battery backup units that require costly and time consuming hazardous shipping and disposal," said Brent Blanchard, director of worldwide channel sales and marketing, LSI. "CacheVault technology provides customers running small data centers or remote servers—where support staff may not be immediately available—with persistent, non-volatile cache protection that is more environmentally friendly and offers a lower total cost of ownership over the life of the MegaRAID controller."

CacheVault technology is powered by a super capacitor that keeps the electrical current running while DRAM cache memory is written to NAND flash memory during a power or server failure. When power is restored, the DRAM is recovered from flash and the workflow resumes without loss of data.

Built on LSI MegaRAID 6Gb/s SATA+SAS controller cards, the MegaRAID CacheVault (CV) series includes the MegaRAID SAS 9260CV-4i controller with four internal ports priced at $640 and the MegaRAID SAS 9260CV-8i with eight internal ports priced at $850. The low-profile MD2 form factor controllers feature the 800MHz LSISAS2108 RAID-on-Chip IC, 512MB DDRII cache memory and x8 PCI Express 2.0 host interface.