Dynamic Buffer Size Adjustment in Data Storage Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to accurately determine the current write buffer size in data storage devices, leading to significant changes in write speed and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a data storage device with a memory controller that calculates the current write buffer size by considering the number of spare memory blocks, written memory blocks, and a predetermined threshold, allowing dynamic adjustment of the buffer size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the write buffer size is fixed or inaccurately estimated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the write speed stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite speed stabilityVSAvoidbuffer size determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the memory controller continuously monitors the number of spare memory blocks and dynamically adjusts the write buffer size configuration. The controller obtains the current number of spare blocks, compares it with the buffer size setting, and adjusts the buffer configuration accordingly to maintain optimal write performance while adapting to changing memory availability conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static buffer size configuration into a dynamic one by enabling the memory controller to adjust the write buffer size in real-time based on the actual number of spare memory blocks available. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain stable write speed across different operational states without requiring a fixed, overly complex determination mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the write buffer size is increased to maintain write speed, then the write speed stability is improved, but the loss of storage space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite speed stabilityVSAvoidstorage space availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic buffer size adjustment where the write buffer occupies only the necessary portion of spare memory blocks based on current conditions. When spare blocks are abundant, a larger buffer can be allocated; when spare blocks are limited, the buffer size is reduced accordingly. This dynamic approach ensures write speed stability while minimizing the loss of usable storage space at any given moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of buffer size from a fixed value to a variable that adapts based on the number of spare memory blocks. The memory controller modifies the buffer configuration parameters dynamically, allocating buffer space only when spare blocks are available, thereby maintaining write performance without permanently sacrificing storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the buffer size is dynamically adjusted based on spare memory blocks, then the write speed stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite speed stabilityVSAvoidmemory controller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a feedback-based control mechanism where the memory controller receives information about the number of spare memory blocks and automatically adjusts the buffer size configuration in response. This feedback loop enables the controller to maintain write speed stability through automated adjustments without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated determination algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12277330B2Data storage device and method for determining buffer size of the data storage device
Publication Date: 2025.04.15 SILICON MOTION INC
  • US12277330B2 patent drawing
  • US12277330B2 patent drawing
  • US12277330B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data storage device includes a memory device and a memory controller. The memory device includes multiple memory blocks which include one or more spare memory blocks not written with data and one or more predetermined memory blocks that are configured as a buffer for receiving data from a host device. The memory controller obtains a total number of remaining erasable count of the memory blocks and determines a setting value of a number of said one or more predetermined memory blocks according to a number of currently remaining spare memory block(s), a number of the predetermined memory block(s) that has/have been written with data among said one or more predetermined memory blocks, a predetermined threshold and the total number of remaining erasable count of the memory blocks, and configures the number of the predetermined memory block(s) as the buffer according to the setting value.