Buffer Memory Boot Partition Preloading for Response Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage devices face challenges in improving response speed, particularly during boot partition operations, as they rely on traditional methods that do not optimize data preloading before host requests are received.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a buffer memory and a memory controller that performs a preloading operation by storing part of the boot partition data from the boot partition area into the buffer memory upon power supply, independent of host requests, utilizing a boot partition manager to facilitate this process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If boot partition data is read from memory device only after host request, then memory access is simple and straightforward, but response speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preloading mechanism that reads boot partition data from the memory device into a buffer memory before the host actually requests it. The memory controller detects power-on events and automatically triggers preloading of boot partition data (such as boot loaders or operating system kernels) into a dedicated buffer area, so that when the host requests this data, it can be served immediately from the buffer rather than reading from slow memory device, thus improving response speed without significantly complicating the overall system architecture
2Speed
If boot partition data is preloaded into buffer memory upon power supply, then response speed improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preloading of boot partition data upon power-on events, which is an appropriate time for such operations since the system is already powered and preparing for operation. By timing the preloading to occur only at power-on rather than continuously, the patent balances the need for fast response with energy conservation, as the preloading happens once during system initialization rather than repeatedly consuming energy
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller automatically detects power-on events and triggers the preloading operation without requiring host intervention or continuous monitoring. The system serves itself by having the memory controller monitor power supply status and autonomously initiate the preloading of boot partition data when power is detected, reducing the need for complex power management logic and minimizing energy overhead
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein may be a data storage device and a method of operating the same. The data storage device having improved response speed may include a buffer memory configured to hold data, a memory device including a user area reserved for storing user data from a host and configured to be accessed by a first procedure, and a boot partition area reserved for storing boot partition data and configured to be accessed by a second procedure different from the first procedure and a memory controller coupled to and in communications with the buffer memory and memory device and configured to, upon receipt of power from a power supply, control the buffer memory and the memory device to perform a preloading operation by storing, in the buffer memory, part of boot partition data from the boot partition area before a request from the host is received.