Abstract: An improved data storage and retrieval system including a plurality of storage devices controlled by a storage controller. The storage controller includes an interface logic circuitry, a reconstruction logic circuitry, and a controller logic circuitry, all which reside within a single electronic chip. The storage controller receives a user request to retrieve data from the plurality of storage devices, identifies an unresponsive storage device, transmits a signal for reconstructing data associated with the unresponsive storage device, and reconstructs the data associated with the unresponsive storage device. The identifying, transmitting, and reconstructing of data associated with the unresponsive storage device occur in real-time via hardware mechanisms without the need to waste time in communicating and waiting for responses from components residing outside the chip.