Flash Controller Host Memory Management Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managed flash storage devices face limitations in memory management due to limited volatile memory capacity and data loss upon power down, which affects performance and requires time-consuming rebuilding of management tables upon power up.
Innovation Solution
The data storage device utilizes the host device's memory to store and retrieve management data, effectively increasing the controller's internal storage space and enabling faster power-up by using high-speed interfaces like UHS-II for data transfer, and implementing first-party direct memory access (FPDMA) for efficient data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If management tables are stored in volatile memory of the controller, then performance is improved through fast access, but the capacity is limited by manufacturing costs and data is lost upon power down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines volatile memory (for fast access) and non-volatile memory (for persistent storage and expanded capacity) into a unified memory management system. The controller manages both memory types together, allowing management tables to be stored across both mediums, thereby achieving both fast access and increased storage capacity without being constrained by the limitations of either memory type alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested memory structure where non-volatile memory serves as an extension or backup of volatile memory. Management tables can be stored in volatile memory for active use, with corresponding copies or segments stored in non-volatile memory. This nested arrangement allows the system to leverage the speed of volatile memory while utilizing the persistent storage capability and larger capacity of non-volatile memory.
2Productivity
If larger management tables are used to enable increased performance, then performance is improved, but the volatile memory capacity is exceeded due to manufacturing limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension memory architecture (only volatile memory) to a two-dimension architecture by incorporating non-volatile memory. This dimensional expansion allows management tables to be distributed across both memory types, effectively increasing the total available capacity beyond the constraints of volatile memory alone, thereby enabling larger management tables and improved performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to manage both volatile and non-volatile memory types. It can dynamically allocate management table segments across both memory types based on performance requirements and storage availability. This universal memory management capability allows the system to achieve high performance with large management tables without being constrained by the capacity limitations of volatile memory alone.
3Reliability
If management tables are rebuilt after power down, then data integrity is maintained, but time and resources are consumed during power up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing management tables in non-volatile memory before power down. Since non-volatile memory retains data without power, the management tables are already prepared and available immediately upon power up, eliminating the need for time-consuming reconstruction. This preliminary storage action ensures both data integrity and rapid system startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and maintains copies of management tables in non-volatile memory that mirror or supplement those in volatile memory. Upon power down, the copies in non-volatile memory preserve the data. When powered up, these pre-existing copies can be quickly loaded or verified, avoiding the time-consuming process of rebuilding management tables from scratch while ensuring data integrity is maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of memory management storage to a host device are disclosed. A method is performed in a data storage device with a non-volatile memory and a controller operative to manage the non-volatile memory and to generate management data for managing the non-volatile memory. The method includes performing, at a given time, originating at the controller data management transfer to a host device or originating at the controller data management retrieval from the host device.