Flash Memory Controller Zone Buffer Alternation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited capacity of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) in storage devices restricts the number of zones that can be opened for data writing, limiting the performance enhancement of storage devices like solid-state drives (SSDs) in NVMe specifications.
Innovation Solution
A flash memory controller method that configures a flash memory module into a zoned namespace with multiple zones of equal size, using a microprocessor to alternate data storage between two buffers within each zone buffer, optimizing memory space allocation and efficient data writing to the flash memory module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dedicated memory spaces are allocated for each opened zone in DRAM, then data writing performance is improved, but the number of zones that can be opened is limited due to DRAM capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory management into multiple levels: the flash memory module is divided into multiple zones, each zone is assigned a zone buffer in DRAM, and each zone buffer contains multiple page buffers. This hierarchical segmentation allows efficient management of limited DRAM resources while supporting multiple concurrent zone operations, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining write performance and increasing the number of opened zones.
2Productivity
If more zones are opened for data writing, then storage device performance is enhanced, but DRAM capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory allocation where zone buffers and page buffers are allocated and deallocated based on the actual number of opened zones. When zones are closed, their associated memory spaces are freed for other uses. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maximize the number of concurrently opened zones without permanently exceeding DRAM capacity, thereby enhancing storage device performance within available memory constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of memory allocation from static (fixed dedicated spaces) to dynamic (flexible allocation based on opened zones). The controller adjusts the number and size of active zone buffers according to the current operational state, allowing the same DRAM capacity to support varying numbers of opened zones based on performance requirements and workload conditions.
3Productivity
If dedicated memory spaces are allocated for each zone, then data writing efficiency is improved, but memory space utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanism where memory spaces associated with closed zones are discarded (deallocated) and recovered (made available for reuse). When a zone is closed, its zone buffer and page buffers are released back to the memory pool, preventing wasted memory allocation. This ensures that dedicated memory spaces are only allocated when needed for active zones, maintaining writing efficiency for opened zones while optimizing overall memory utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a control method of a flash memory controller is disclosed, wherein the flash memory controller is configured to access a flash memory module, and the control method comprising: allocating a memory space within a memory for storing data from the host device; dividing the memory space into a plurality of zone buffers, wherein each of the zone buffers is used to store data corresponding to one zone having an opened state; and for a first zone buffer of the plurality of zone buffers, controlling a first buffer and a second buffer within the first zone buffer to alternately store data of a first zone from the host device and write the data of the first zone to a zoned namespace of the flash memory module.