SHF: Small: Redefining IO Abstractions for Non-Volatile, Solid-State Memories: Languages and System Architectures

University Of California-San Diego, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Abstract

As computing systems and society at large becomes more data-centric, the importance of being able to access data quickly and efficiently becomes critical. In current systems, hard disk performance limits overall system performance for data-intensive tasks and ultimately limits our ability to efficiently process massive amount of data quickly. A new class of advanced, solid-state non-volatile memories are poised to revolutionize how computer systems store and access persistent data. These memory technologies are 100s to 1000s times faster than conventional disk drives. However, they require a complete re-engineering of numerous system components as well as the interfaces between those components. Without understanding and implementing these changes, we will never realize the full potential of these memories. In this research, the PIs propose to design, implement, and evaluate new system components and abstractions for accessing non-volatile, solid-state memories. They will construct hardware prototype system, simulation systems, and custom-built software systems to reduce the cost of accessing these memories and make them easier for programmers to use safely and reliably. Redefining the interface and abstractions that programs use to access and manipulate persistent state will have significant effects across all aspects of computer system design. It will require thinking hardware, operating system, programming language, and application-level design decisions and enable new models for data-intensive computation. The PIs will incorporate the programming models, prototypes, and applications into the curriculum of the CSE department at UCSD. Finally, the broad and interdisciplinary scope of the rsearch makes it an excellent tool for recruiting groups that are traditionally underrepresented in computing fields.