Controller Garbage Collection Termination Nonvolatile Memory Lifetime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data storage devices face challenges in optimizing garbage collection operations to balance available storage capacity and the lifetime of nonvolatile memory devices, as aggressive garbage collection can shorten device lifespan while extending capacity, and existing methods lack effective termination conditions based on over-provisioning ratios.

Innovation Solution

A data storage device with a controller that sets and adjusts termination conditions for garbage collection operations based on the over-provisioning ratio of nonvolatile memory devices, performing the operations to generate sufficient free memory blocks while considering the device's lifetime, thereby optimizing operational performance and extending the memory device's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If aggressive garbage collection operation is performed to extend available storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but lifetime of nonvolatile memory device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable storage capacityVSAvoidlifetime of nonvolatile memory device

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the termination condition of garbage collection operations based on the over-provisioning ratio. The controller modifies operational parameters (termination thresholds) according to the current state of the nonvolatile memory device, changing from fixed aggressive collection to adaptive parameter-based control that balances capacity and lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the over-provisioning ratio and using this information to adjust the termination condition of garbage collection operations. The controller receives feedback about the memory device's current state and modifies its behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that responds to actual device conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If garbage collection operation is performed to generate free memory blocks, then storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefree memory blocksVSAvoidcomplexity of garbage collection control

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the control logic by changing from complex multi-condition evaluation to a single parameter-based termination condition. Instead of evaluating multiple criteria simultaneously, the system uses a straightforward threshold comparison based on the over-provisioning ratio, reducing computational complexity while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11182290B2Data storage device and operating method thereof for performing a garbage collection operation in consideration of a lifetime of a nonvolatile memory device

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A data storage device includes a nonvolatile memory device; and a controller suitable for setting a termination condition of a garbage collection operation based on an over-provisioning ratio of the nonvolatile memory device, performing the garbage collection operation, and terminating the garbage collection operation according to the termination condition.