Adaptive Garbage Collection for Sequential Memory Access Patterns

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory devices face inefficiencies in garbage collection methods, leading to unnecessary resource usage and reduced lifespan due to unoptimized sequential and non-sequential garbage collection techniques, which do not account for the logical sequence of data operations.

Innovation Solution

A controller is employed to monitor read and write operations, determining the type of garbage collection based on ratios and thresholds to optimize resource usage, thereby selecting between sequential and non-sequential garbage collection methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional garbage collection methods are used, then memory space can be reclaimed, but unnecessary read and write operations occur leading to increased write amplification and reduced device lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice lifespanVSAvoidwrite amplification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic garbage collection by continuously monitoring read and write operation patterns and adapting the garbage collection strategy in real-time. The controller dynamically switches between sequential and non-sequential garbage collection methods based on detected access patterns, optimizing resource usage and reducing unnecessary operations that contribute to write amplification and device wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring read and write operation counts and using this information to determine the optimal garbage collection approach. The controller receives feedback about access patterns and adjusts its garbage collection behavior accordingly, selecting sequential garbage collection when appropriate to minimize operations and reduce write amplification, thereby extending device lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If sequential garbage collection is always used, then data access patterns are optimized, but unnecessary operations occur when data is not sequentially accessed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory performanceVSAvoidunnecessary operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic garbage collection by continuously monitoring read and write operation patterns and adapting the garbage collection strategy in real-time. The controller dynamically switches between sequential and non-sequential garbage collection methods based on detected access patterns, optimizing resource usage and reducing unnecessary operations that contribute to write amplification and device wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of garbage collection based on monitored conditions. By detecting whether read and write operations follow sequential patterns, the controller adjusts the garbage collection parameter (sequential vs. non-sequential mode) to match the actual data access behavior, avoiding unnecessary operations and optimizing memory performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-sequential garbage collection is always used, then flexibility is maintained, but resource usage efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegarbage collection flexibilityVSAvoidresource usage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic garbage collection by continuously monitoring read and write operation patterns and adapting the garbage collection strategy in real-time. The controller dynamically switches between sequential and non-sequential garbage collection methods based on detected access patterns, optimizing resource usage and reducing unnecessary operations that contribute to write amplification and device wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of garbage collection based on monitored conditions. By detecting whether read and write operations follow sequential patterns, the controller adjusts the garbage collection parameter (sequential vs. non-sequential mode) to match the actual data access behavior, avoiding unnecessary operations and optimizing memory performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12481586B2Sequential garbage collection

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

An example apparatus for sequential garbage collection can include a memory device including a plurality of memory blocks associated with a plurality of logical block addresses (LBAs). The example apparatus can include a controller coupled to the memory device. The controller can be configured to monitor a quantity of read operations and a quantity of write operations associated with a plurality of command sizes performed on a portion of the plurality of memory blocks. The controller can be configured to monitor a quantity of read operations and a quantity of write operations associated with a particular LBA. The controller can be configured to determine a type of garbage collection operation to perform based on the monitoring.