Dynamic Over Provisioning for SSD Write Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid state drives (SSDs) enter a write-protected mode when the data storage region and over provisioning region run out of space, requiring user intervention for file deletion to exit this mode, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A data storage device with a storage controller that allocates memory blocks from the data region to the over provisioning region, performing garbage collection and restoring memory blocks based on status information and file system use rates to prevent write protection and extend storage space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the over provisioning region is enlarged to prevent write-protection mode, then the reliability is improved, but the data storage capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of write-protection modeVSAvoiddata storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the over provisioning region size based on real-time monitoring of memory block status. The storage controller continuously monitors the number of valid memory blocks in the data region and dynamically reallocates blocks between the data region and over provisioning region, allowing the system to adaptively balance between preventing write-protection mode and maintaining data storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of over provisioning region size based on the use rate of the file system. When the file system use rate exceeds a threshold indicating high storage utilization, the system enlarges the over provisioning region by allocating additional memory blocks from the data region, thereby preventing write-protection mode while minimizing the impact on data storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If manual file deletion is required to exit write-protection mode, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mechanism simplicityVSAvoiduser intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage controller implements self-service functionality by automatically monitoring the storage status and performing reallocation of memory blocks without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously detects when the over provisioning region needs to be enlarged and executes the reallocation process, thereby eliminating the need for manual file deletion to exit write-protection mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the storage controller continuously monitors the number of valid memory blocks and the use rate of the file system. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the over provisioning region size, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to storage conditions without user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10089031B2Data storage and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Data storage is provided which includes a nonvolatile memory device including a plurality of memory blocks divided into a first region being an over provisioning region and a second region, and a storage controller allocating at least one memory block, corresponding to an unconcerned sector, from among memory blocks of the second region to the first region. It may be possible to adjust the number of reserved memory blocks in the over provisioning region.