Dynamic Garbage Collection Threshold for Memory Storage Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing memory management methods for rewritable non-volatile memory modules face performance delays due to frequent garbage collection operations, especially when handling scattered logical addresses, which rapidly consume physical erasing units reserved for table areas, even when the storage apparatus contains minimal user data.
Innovation Solution
A memory management method that dynamically adjusts the threshold for garbage collection operations in the table area based on the number of physical erasing units in the data area, allowing spare units to be used for management table data and postponing garbage collection, thereby enhancing write command execution performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory management circuit performs garbage collection operations frequently to manage physical erasing units, then the validity of data mapping is maintained, but the write command execution performance is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the garbage collection threshold dynamic rather than fixed. The threshold is adjusted based on the number of physical erasing units in the data area, allowing the system to adaptively control when garbage collection occurs. This dynamic adjustment prevents unnecessary garbage collection operations that would delay write commands while ensuring data mapping validity is maintained when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the garbage collection threshold based on the state of physical erasing units in the data area. When the number of physical erasing units in the data area is large, the threshold is raised to reduce garbage collection frequency. When the number decreases, the threshold is lowered to maintain data mapping validity. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
2Quantity of substance
If the memory management circuit reserves physical erasing units for table area, then table data can be stored, but scattered logical addresses rapidly consume these units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by allowing physical erasing units to serve multiple functions. Units in the spare area can be dynamically allocated to either the data area or the table area based on current needs. This multi-functional use prevents rapid consumption of table area units by scattered logical addresses, as units can be flexibly assigned to accommodate different workload patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the allocation of physical erasing units dynamic rather than static. The threshold for allocating units to the table area is adjusted based on the number of units currently in the data area. This dynamic allocation strategy ensures that table data can be stored while preventing inefficient consumption by scattered logical addresses.
3Device complexity
If the memory management circuit uses a fixed threshold for garbage collection, then the control logic is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying data area usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed threshold to a dynamic threshold that adapts to data area usage patterns. The threshold is automatically adjusted based on the number of physical erasing units in the data area, allowing the system to adapt to varying usage patterns without complex control logic. The adjustment rule is straightforward: raise the threshold when data area units are abundant, lower it when units are scarce.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the number of physical erasing units in the data area and using this information to adjust the garbage collection threshold. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying data area usage patterns automatically, maintaining optimal performance without complex control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory management method, and a memory control circuit unit and a memory storage apparatus using this method are provided. The method includes performing a first garbage collection operation corresponding to a data area if the number of physical erasing units associated with the data area is larger than a first threshold; performing a second garbage collection operation corresponding to a table area if the number of physical erasing units associated with the table area is larger than a second threshold; and dynamically adjusting the second threshold according to the number of the physical erasing units associated with the data area.