Solid state drive and memory mode switching method

Abstract

A solid state drive and a memory mode switching method. The memory mode switching method is applicable to a memory, and the memory mode switching method is performed by a controller and includes: receiving a user instruction, wherein the user instruction specifies a specified operation mode of the memory; formatting a storage space of the memory according to the user instruction; and switching the storage space from a current operation mode to the specified operation mode after the formatting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a solid-state drive and a method for switching storage modes. Background Technology

[0002] Most commercially available solid-state drives (SSDs) currently use fixed operating modes, such as pseudo single-level cell (pSLC) and triple-level cell (TLC). Once manufactured, the operating mode of an SSD cannot be changed by the user. When the used space of the SSD exceeds a certain threshold (such as 1 / 3 of its capacity), the SSD firmware automatically switches from pSLC mode to TLC mode, resulting in a relative decrease in read / write speed and durability, but an increase in storage capacity. This automatic switching process cannot be controlled by the user, limiting the balance between high performance and high storage density.

[0003] Such limitations force users who need storage to operate in a high-performance manner (such as gamers or creators) to choose expensive enterprise-grade solid-state drives to meet their needs, and they cannot switch the storage to the desired operating mode according to their usage requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, the present invention provides a method for switching modes of a solid-state drive and a storage device to solve the above problems.

[0005] A memory mode switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to a memory. The memory mode switching method is executed by a controller and includes: receiving a user instruction, wherein the user instruction specifies a specified operating mode of the memory; formatting the storage space of the memory according to the user instruction; and after formatting, switching the storage space from the current operating mode to the specified operating mode.

[0006] A solid-state drive according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a memory and a controller. The memory has storage space. The controller is connected to the memory and is configured to perform: receiving a user instruction, wherein the user instruction specifies a specified operating mode of the memory; formatting the storage space of the memory according to the user instruction; and, after formatting, switching the storage space from the current operating mode to the specified operating mode.

[0007] In summary, according to the solid-state drive and storage mode switching method of one or more embodiments above, users can switch the operating mode of the solid-state drive according to their actual needs, allowing them to flexibly choose the storage operating mode of the solid-state drive (e.g., pSLC, MLC, TLC, QLC, PLC) that suits their own needs and preferences. Accordingly, users can switch between different storage operating modes without changing the hardware architecture of the solid-state drive.

[0008] The above description of the content of this invention and the following description of the embodiments are used to demonstrate and explain the spirit and principle of this invention, and to provide a further explanation of the scope of the patent application of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a solid-state drive according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a memory mode switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a user interface for switching the storage mode of a solid-state drive, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a solid-state drive and a host according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the memory mode switching method for storing warranty information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0015] 1,2: Solid State Drives

[0016] 11,21: Memory:

[0017] 111,211: Storage space

[0018] 12,22: Controller

[0019] 221: Host Interface

[0020] 222: Read-only memory

[0021] 223: Processor

[0022] 224: Buffer

[0023] 225: Flash memory interface

[0024] UI: User Interface

[0025] A1: Host

[0026] S101, S103, S105, S201, S203: Steps Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following detailed description of the features and advantages of the present invention in the embodiments is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. Based on the disclosure, patent claims, and drawings in this specification, any person skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of the present invention. The following embodiments are for further detailed explanation of the viewpoints of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention in any way.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 1 ,in Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a solid-state drive according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the solid-state drive 1 includes a memory 11 and a controller 12. The memory 11 is electrically or communicatively connected to the controller 12, and the memory 11 includes storage space 111.

[0029] The memory 11 may be a flash memory. More specifically, the memory 11 may be a NAND flash memory. The memory 11 may include multiple flash chips, which may be composed of non-volatile storage cells, and the storage space 111 may be the storage space composed of the multiple flash chips. The memory 11 can be used to store data, and this invention does not limit the storage content of the memory 11.

[0030] The controller 12 is used to switch the operating mode of the memory 11 based on user instructions. The controller 12 may include one or more processors, such as a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller, or other processors with signal processing capabilities.

[0031] Please refer to this as well. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,in Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a memory mode switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The memory mode switching method shown can be applied to Figure 1 Solid State Drive 1. (e.g.,) Figure 2 As shown, the memory mode switching method includes: step S101: receiving a user instruction; step S103: formatting the memory storage space according to the user instruction; and step S105: switching the storage space from the current operating mode to a specified operating mode.

[0032] In step S101, the controller 12 obtains the user instruction input by the user. The user instruction can be obtained by the controller 12 through the host's user interface. The user instruction specifies a specific operating mode of the memory 11. In other words, the specified operating mode is the operating mode of the memory 11 specified by the user.

[0033] In step S103, the controller 12 formats the storage space 111 of the memory 11 based on user instructions. The controller 12 can be triggered by user instructions to format the storage space 111 of the memory 11 to clear the data stored in the storage space 111. Furthermore, the controller 12 can only clear the accessible data (user-visible / accessible data) and retain the system data (user-invisible / inaccessible data).

[0034] In step S105, after formatting in step S103, the controller 12 switches the storage space 111 from the current operating mode to the operating mode specified by the user instruction. Further, the controller 12 can switch all of the storage space 111 of the memory 11 to the specified operating mode. In one embodiment, the current operating mode and the specified operating mode can be any two of a plurality of candidate operating modes. The plurality of candidate operating modes may include multi-level cell (MLC) mode, triple-level cell (TLC) mode, quad-level cell (QLC) mode, penta-level cell (PLC) mode, and pseudo single-level cell (pSLC) mode. In other words, the user instruction can be used to switch one of the candidate operating modes (the current operating mode) of the memory 11 to another candidate operating mode (the specified operating mode).

[0035] For example, when the usage requirement is high read / write speed and durability, the specified operating mode can be a pseudo-single-level cell mode; when the usage requirement is large capacity, the specified operating mode can be a multi-level cell mode, a three-level cell mode, a four-level cell mode, or a five-level cell mode. Furthermore, when switching storage space 111 from the current operating mode to the specified operating mode, the capacity of storage space 111 can also be switched accordingly. For example, if the current operating mode is a pseudo-single-level cell mode and the specified operating mode is a three-level cell mode, the capacity of storage space 111 can be switched from 333 gigabytes (GB) to 1 terabyte (TB).

[0036] In one embodiment, step S105 may include the controller 12 selecting one of a plurality of candidate firmware corresponding to the specified operating mode as the target firmware according to the specified operating mode, and executing the target firmware to determine the storage bits of each memory cell operating in the specified operating mode. The plurality of candidate firmware may be used to execute multi-level cell mode, three-level cell mode, four-level cell mode, five-level cell mode and pseudo-single-level cell mode respectively, and the controller 12 may select the target firmware from the candidate firmware according to the specified operating mode.

[0037] According to the solid-state drive and storage mode switching method of one or more embodiments above, users can switch the operating mode of the solid-state drive according to their actual needs, allowing them to flexibly choose the storage operating mode of the solid-state drive that meets their own needs and preferences (e.g., pSLC, MLC, TLC, QLC, PLC listed above). Accordingly, users can switch between different storage operating modes without changing the hardware architecture of the solid-state drive.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 3 ,in Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a user interface for switching the storage mode of a solid-state drive, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The user interface (UI) shown can be displayed on the aforementioned host. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when there are multiple solid-state drives (SSDs), the user interface (UI) allows the user to select the desired operating mode. The UI displays the current operating mode of the selected SSD. Furthermore, when the "Specify Operating Mode" button on the UI is triggered, the selected SSD can execute the aforementioned storage mode switching method to switch its current operating mode to the specified operating mode. It should be noted that... Figure 3 The user interface shown is merely an example and is not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 4 ,in Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a solid-state drive and a host according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the solid-state drive 2 includes a memory 21 and a controller 22. The memory 21 includes storage space 211. The implementation of the memory 21 and storage space 211 can be compared with... Figure 1 The memory 11 and storage space 111 are the same, and will not be described again here.

[0040] The controller 22 includes a host interface 221, a read-only memory 222, a processor 223, a buffer 224, and a flash memory interface 225. The host interface 221 is used to connect to a host A1, which may be the aforementioned host, and can be used to present information such as... Figure 3 The user interface (UI) shown is as follows. The host interface 221 is further connected to the processor 223; the processor 223 is further connected to the read-only memory 222, the buffer 224, and the flash memory interface 225; the flash memory interface 225 is further used to connect to the memory 21.

[0041] The host interface 221 can be used to communicate with the host A1 to manage the read and write requests of the host A1 and to receive user instructions as described above from the host A1. The read-only memory 222 can be used to store the plurality of candidate firmware. The processor 223 can be used to format the storage space 211 of the memory 21 according to user instructions and execute the target firmware corresponding to the specified operating mode. The buffer 224 can be used to temporarily store data to speed up read and write operations. The flash memory interface 225 can be used for communication between the controller 22 and the memory 21.

[0042] Please refer to this as well. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,in Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the storage of warranty information in a memory mode switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be particularly noted that... Figure 5 The steps can also be from Figure 1 The solid-state drive 1 is executed. Figure 5 The steps can be performed to format the storage space of the memory. Figure 2 Before step S103). Furthermore, Figure 5 The steps can be performed at Figure 2 Between steps S101 and S103. For example... Figure 5 As shown, saving warranty information includes: step S201: reading the warranty information stored in the storage space; and step S203: outputting the warranty information to the host.

[0043] In step S201, the controller 22 can read the warranty information of the solid-state drive 2 from the storage space 211, wherein the aforementioned system data may include the warranty information. Furthermore, the processor 223 of the controller 22 can read the warranty information of the solid-state drive 2 from the storage space 211 via the flash memory interface 225. The warranty information may include one or more of the following: the serial number of the solid-state drive 2, its health status, the total number of data entries written by the host A1, the total number of data entries read by the host A1, the number of power-on cycles, and the duration of power-on time.

[0044] In step S203, the controller 22 can output warranty information to the host A1. Further, the processor 223 of the controller 22 can output the warranty information to the host A1 via the host interface 221. In one embodiment, the processor 223 may not store the warranty information in the buffer 224 and directly output the warranty information to the host A1 via the host interface 221; in another embodiment, the processor 223 may first store the warranty information in the buffer 224 and then output the warranty information to the host A1 via the host interface 221.

[0045] According to the solid-state drive and storage mode switching method of one or more embodiments above, by outputting warranty information to the host before formatting the storage space and switching firmware, the problem of losing warranty information due to formatting can be avoided.

[0046] In one embodiment, Figure 2 Step S103 may include receiving a switching command in response to warranty information from the host, wherein formatting is performed after receiving the switching command. The switching command may indicate that the warranty information has been received by the host A1. In other words, after the controller 22 outputs the warranty information to the host A1, the controller 22 may perform formatting only after receiving the switching command from the host A1. By performing formatting only after receiving the switching command without dynamically adjusting the ratio between candidate operating modes, garbage collection required for data migration can be eliminated, thereby avoiding a large number of program / erase (P / E) cycles that could affect the durability of the solid-state drive.

[0047] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the processor 223 may first encrypt the warranty information and then output the encrypted warranty information to the host A1. In other words, the warranty information stored in the host A1 is encrypted information. The encryption process may include one or more of symmetric encryption algorithms, asymmetric encryption algorithms, and hash functions, but the present invention does not limit the encryption method.

[0048] In addition, Figure 2 After step S105, the controller 22 may request warranty information from the host A1 to write the warranty information to the storage space 211 operating in the specified operating mode. This ensures that the warranty information of the solid-state drive 2 can be completely preserved. Corresponding to the embodiment described above that encrypts the warranty information, after obtaining the warranty information number from the host A1, the processor 223 of the controller 22 may first decrypt the warranty information and then write the decrypted warranty information to the storage space 211 corresponding to the specified operating mode.

[0049] It should be noted that one or more embodiments described above can be implemented together.

[0050] In summary, according to the solid-state drive and storage mode switching method of one or more embodiments above, users can switch the operating mode of the solid-state drive according to their actual needs, allowing them to flexibly choose the storage operating mode of the solid-state drive that matches their own needs and preferences (e.g., pSLC, MLC, TLC, QLC, PLC listed above). By formatting after receiving the switching command without dynamically adjusting the ratio between candidate operating modes, garbage collection required for data transfer can be eliminated, thereby avoiding a large number of write / erase cycles that could affect the durability of the solid-state drive. Accordingly, users can switch between different storage operating modes without changing the hardware architecture of the solid-state drive. By writing warranty information to the storage space operating in the specified operating mode, it can be ensured that the warranty information of the solid-state drive is completely preserved.

[0051] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any modifications and improvements made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention are within the scope of patent protection of the present invention. For the scope of protection defined by the present invention, please refer to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A memory mode switching method, applicable to a memory, characterized in that, The memory mode switching method is executed by a controller and includes: Receive a user instruction, wherein the user instruction specifies a specified operating mode of the memory; The storage space of the memory is formatted according to the user's instructions; as well as After formatting, the storage space is switched from a current operating mode to the specified operating mode.

2. The memory mode switching method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Switching the storage space from the current operating mode to the specified operating mode includes: Based on the specified operating mode, select a target firmware corresponding to the specified operating mode from multiple candidate firmwares; and Execute the target firmware.

3. The memory mode switching method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before formatting the storage space of the memory, the method also includes: Read the warranty information stored in this storage space; and Output the warranty information to the host.

4. The memory mode switching method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Formatting this storage space of the memory includes: Receive all replacement instructions from the host in response to the warranty information. The formatting is performed after the switching instruction is received.

5. The memory mode switching method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, After switching the storage space from the current operating mode to the specified operating mode, the method further includes: Write the warranty information to this storage space.

6. The memory mode switching method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The warranty information stored on this host is encrypted.

7. The memory mode switching method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The current operating mode and the designated operating mode are any two of the following: multi-layer cell mode, three-layer cell mode, four-layer cell mode, five-layer cell mode, and pseudo-single-layer cell mode.

8. A solid-state drive, characterized in that, Include: A memory having a storage space; and A controller, connected to the memory, is used to execute: Receive a user instruction, wherein the user instruction specifies a specified operating mode of the memory; Format the storage space according to the user's instructions; as well as After formatting, the storage space is switched from a current operating mode to the specified operating mode.

9. The solid-state drive as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The controller is used to select a target firmware corresponding to the specified operating mode from multiple candidate firmwares, and to execute the target firmware, based on the specified operating mode.

10. The solid-state drive as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The controller is also connected to the host computer and is used to read the warranty information stored in the storage space and output the warranty information to the host computer before formatting the storage space of the memory.

11. The solid-state drive as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The controller is used to receive all switching instructions from the host in response to the warranty information, and the controller performs the formatting upon receiving the switching instruction.

12. The solid-state drive as described in claim 10, characterized in that, After switching the storage space from the current operating mode to the specified operating mode, the controller is also used to write the warranty information into the storage space.

13. The solid-state drive as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The warranty information stored on this host is encrypted.

14. The solid-state drive as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The current operating mode and the designated operating mode are any two of the following: multi-layer cell mode, three-layer cell mode, four-layer cell mode, five-layer cell mode, and pseudo-single-layer cell mode.

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