A Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) array is a disk array where part of the physical storage capacity is used to store redundant information about user data stored on the remainder of the storage capacity. The redundant information enables regeneration of user data in the event that one of the array’s member disks or the access path to it fails. Data regeneration is an important function in RAID controllers and is best performed by dedicated hardware under the control of a microprocessor. The Virtex-II Pro FPGA can perform both the hardware and software functions required for a RAID parity generator and data regeneration controller. This reference design uses burst mode SYNCBURST SRAM memory accesses and an internal block SelectRAM+ memory to provide an extremely efficient hardware design in a Virtex-II Pro FPGA.

Access the entire application note on the Xilinx, Inc. website.