Dynamic Garbage Collection Time Adjustment in Memory Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory devices face inefficiencies in garbage collection operations due to fixed time allocations, which can lead to incomplete memory block cleaning and insufficient memory space when dealing with a large number of valid pages or randomly distributed logical addresses.
Innovation Solution
A memory system that dynamically adjusts the garbage collection operation time based on the number of valid pages, their distribution, and the concentration of logical addresses, ensuring all victim memory blocks can complete the garbage collection within the adjusted time frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed time allocation for garbage collection is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but garbage collection completeness deteriorates when dealing with large number of valid pages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the garbage collection operation time adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically determines the operation time based on the actual workload characteristics including the number of valid pages, their distribution pattern, and logical address concentration. This allows the system to adapt the time allocation to match the actual garbage collection needs, ensuring completeness while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of operation time from a fixed value to a dynamically determined value based on workload parameters. By analyzing the number of valid pages, distribution patterns, and logical address concentration, the controller adjusts the operation time parameter to ensure complete garbage collection. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making the time allocation responsive to actual conditions rather than static.
2Device complexity
If fixed time allocation for garbage collection is used, then operational complexity is reduced, but memory space sufficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains low operational complexity while ensuring memory space sufficiency through dynamic time adjustment. The controller automatically determines the appropriate operation time based on workload characteristics, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration. This dynamic approach ensures that enough time is allocated to complete garbage collection and free sufficient memory space without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the controller analyze workload characteristics (number of valid pages, distribution, logical address concentration) and use this information to determine the appropriate operation time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the operation time is sufficient to complete garbage collection and free adequate memory space, while the automated nature of the feedback loop maintains low operational complexity.
3Reliability
If garbage collection operation time is increased, then garbage collection completeness is improved, but operation time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the operation time parameter by determining it dynamically based on actual workload characteristics rather than using a fixed or uniformly increased time allocation. By analyzing the number of valid pages, their distribution, and logical address concentration, the controller sets the operation time to the minimum necessary to complete garbage collection successfully. This resolves the contradiction by avoiding unnecessary time consumption while ensuring completeness through adequate time allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by allocating operation time proportional to the actual garbage collection needs rather than using a fixed excessive time allocation for all cases. When the workload is small, less time is allocated; when the workload is large, more time is allocated. This ensures garbage collection completeness is achieved without unnecessary time consumption in cases where less time would suffice.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes: a memory device including super memory blocks each having a plurality of memory blocks; a garbage collection operation time manager suitable for determining an operation time of a garbage collection operation according to a number of valid pages, distribution of the valid pages and distribution of logical addresses of the valid pages; and a garbage collection operation module suitable for controlling the memory device to perform the garbage collection operation within the determined operation time.