Dynamic Memory Allocation for Data Storage Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices face a trade-off between storage capacity and manufacturing cost, requiring a balance in allocating memory resources to optimize operating speed and efficiency, especially in handling sequential and random data access requests.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a controller that dynamically allocates a flexible memory region between a system region and a buffer region based on the attributes of data requests from a host device, adjusting sizes according to the type of data access to enhance operating speed and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the storage capacity of the working memory device is increased to improve operating speed, then the access speed and efficiency are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory allocation where the working memory device's storage capacity is not fixed but can be adjusted based on operational needs. The controller dynamically allocates memory space between the address mapping table and data buffer regions, allowing the system to optimize access speed for different workloads without requiring a permanently larger memory device, thus avoiding increased manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of memory allocation by dividing the working memory device into variable regions. The address mapping table region and data buffer region can be resized based on the characteristics of data access patterns. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve high access speeds for both sequential and random access operations without needing to increase the total memory capacity, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness.
2Productivity
If a large working memory device is allocated to store the address mapping table, then the address conversion efficiency is improved, but the memory resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The working memory device is segmented into at least two distinct regions: an address mapping table region and a data buffer region. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while sharing the same physical memory resource. The address mapping table region stores translation information for efficient address conversion, while the data buffer region handles data operations, thereby improving overall memory resource utilization without compromising address conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The working memory device serves multiple functions simultaneously by implementing a unified memory structure that accommodates both the address mapping table and data buffer. This multi-functional design allows a single memory device to perform both address translation and data caching operations, improving versatility and resource utilization while maintaining the productivity benefits of having dedicated regions for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the working memory device is used for both address mapping and data buffering, then the memory resource utilization is improved, but the allocation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback mechanisms to monitor memory usage patterns and dynamically adjust the allocation between the address mapping table region and data buffer region. Based on feedback regarding access patterns and memory utilization, the system can reallocate memory spaces to optimize performance, thereby maintaining allocation efficiency even while achieving high memory resource utilization through unified memory management.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes a first memory device, a second memory device including a system region and a buffer region and a controller suitable for controlling the first memory device in response to a request from a host device, and allocating the system region and the buffer region according to an attribute of data involved with the request from the host device.


