Development of Immediate Write Mass Storage Systems for Low Power Consumption

Proposed is a novel method of controlling mass storage devices (MSD) on power up, so as to force an immediate write at the location contiguous to that last written prior to power down. This technique is important for reducing power consumption in battery operated data logging systems employing MSDs. It obviates the necessity for scanning the entire contents until the last written location is found, consuming considerable power in the process. The method is applicable to COTS controllers and COTS MSDs and requires no modification to these items. The technique is implemented with commercially available parts and has applications in battery operated equipments that use MSDs. The proposed effort will determine, for Navy oceanographic applications: optimal MSDs and controllers; design appropriate MSD/controller architecture as related to power switching to conserve battery power; design, fab and test a DEM/VAL unit to operate in a PC and develop a preliminary design for a deployable unit for consideration in Phase II.