Abstract: A storage system in one embodiment comprises a host processor, and a solid-state storage device coupled to the host processor and comprising a non-volatile memory and a storage controller. The host processor is configured to initiate an error scanning operation on a designated portion of the non-volatile memory by directing at least one read command to the storage controller. The read command is configured to indicate to the storage controller that data read from the non-volatile memory responsive to the read command is not to be returned to the host processor. For example, the read command may illustratively comprise a Scatter Gather List (SGL) bit bucket descriptor indicating that the data read from the non-volatile memory responsive to the read command is to be discarded rather than returned to the host processor. The storage controller records any detected errors in a media error log and notifies the host processor of such errors.

Abstract: Each SSD in an array is divided into splits that are contiguous LBA ranges of equal capacity. The splits are managed as if they were sub-drives or logical drives and used in RAID groups or other forms of redundancy schemes. A processor external to the SSD collects pending defect data log from the SSDs and determines which splits are associated with reported defects. Failed splits are rebuilt in spare splits using RAID or another redundancy scheme. Repaired splits are returned to service as spare splits. Irreparable splits are marked as lost. In the case of SSD failure the data splits of the SSD are rebuilt to a spare SSD. If enough failed splits of the failed SSD can be repaired then the repaired SSD may be returned to service.

Abstract: Individual storage devices of a RAID group are monitored for faults. A health indicator for each storage device is calculated based on fault growth rate. Non-failed storage device are swapped out based on the health indicator. Techniques for monitoring the storage devices include background media scans and growth list polling.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for improving the performance of a disk drive in a data storage system by enabling the disk drive to “ride through” events that can induce disk drive errors. In response to an error message received from a disk drive, a disk director temporarily places the disk drive into a wait state. While in the wait state, the disk drive is prevented from shutting down, despite the current error and any subsequent errors that the disk drive may experience. The disk drive may continue to service I/O requests while in the wait state, with the disk director monitoring the disk drive performance. After the disk drive exits the wait state, the disk director can determine from the monitored results whether to shut down the disk drive or to permit the disk drive to return to normal operation.