Dynamic Metadata Partitioning for Reliable Multi-Host Memory Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory systems face reliability issues due to increased parity areas allocated for metadata, which deteriorate the memory devices' performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A data storage system that partitions metadata areas into sub-metadata areas and dynamically adjusts their sizes and locations based on health information and metadata area setting requests, using a memory pool manager to allocate and manage these areas across multiple host devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a parity area is allocated to metadata of a user in a memory system, then the reliability of the memory devices may be improved, but the reliability of the memory devices may be deteriorated due to increased parity area allocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetadata storage reliabilityVSAvoidmemory device performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the metadata area into multiple sub-metadata areas (first sub-metadata area, second sub-metadata area, etc.) corresponding to different host devices. This segmentation allows for independent management and allocation of metadata spaces, enabling the system to optimize the parity area distribution across multiple segments rather than using a single large parity area, thus improving reliability while maintaining performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic allocation of sub-metadata areas to host devices based on their specific needs and the current state of the memory pool. The memory pool manager can dynamically adjust the size and assignment of metadata areas, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements and optimize the balance between reliability and performance in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the size of stored metadata varies in accordance with host devices in a memory pool, then the adaptability to different host devices is improved, but the complexity of managing metadata areas increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehost device compatibilityVSAvoidmetadata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal metadata management structure where the memory pool manager handles multiple host devices through a common interface and unified allocation mechanism. The sub-metadata areas are managed using consistent rules and procedures, allowing the system to serve diverse host devices with varying metadata requirements through a single, multi-functional management system, thereby reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the memory pool manager continuously monitors the state of metadata areas and host device requirements, and dynamically adjusts allocations accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex manual management, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4597287A1Data storage system and method of managing metadata thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SK HYNIX INC
  • EP4597287A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4597287A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4597287A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided herein may be a data storage system. The data storage system may include a plurality of memory devices, each including a metadata area and a data storage area, and a memory pool manager configured to allocate partial data storage areas of data storage areas to a plurality of host devices, respectively, in response to data storage area allocation requests received from the plurality of host devices, wherein the memory pool manager is configured to generate a plurality of sub-metadata areas by partitioning each metadata area, allocate the plurality of sub-metadata areas to the plurality of host devices, respectively, to correspond to the partial data storage areas allocated to the plurality of host devices and change sizes and locations of the plurality of sub-metadata areas based on at least one of health information of the plurality of memory devices and a metadata area setting request received from the plurality of host devices.