Modeling and performance of MEMS-based storage devices

ABSTRACT

MEMS-based storage devices are seen by many as promising alternatives to disk drives. Fabricated using conventional CMOS processes, MEMS-based storage consists of thousands of small, mechanical probe tips that access gigabytes of high-density, nonvolatile magnetic storage. This paper takes a first step towards understanding the performance characteristics of these devices by mapping them onto a disk-like metaphor. Using simulation models based on the mechanics equations governing the devices' operation, this work explores how different physical characteristics (e.g., actuator forces and per-tip data rates) impact the design trade-offs and performance of MEMS-based storage. Overall results indicate that average access times for MEMS-based storage are 6.5 times faster than for a modern disk (1.5 ms vs. 9.7 ms). Results from filesystem and database bench-marks show that this improvement reduces application I/O stall times up to 70%, resulting in overall performance improvements of 3X.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.4 OPERATING SYSTEMS

Additional Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.7 INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
      B.7.1 Types and Design Styles
          Subjects: Memory technologies
      B.7.2 Design Aids
          Subjects: Simulation

  D. Software
  D.4 OPERATING SYSTEMS

  G. Mathematics of Computing
  G.2 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING
      I.6.7 Simulation Support Systems
          Subjects: Environments

General Terms:
Design, Management, Measurement, Performance, Theory