Flash Device Dynamic Over Provisioning Ratio Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current SSDs have fixed over provisioning ratios, which limits their ability to optimize performance and service life, as they cannot dynamically adjust to changing user storage needs, leading to poorer random write performance and shorter service life.

Innovation Solution

A data processing method and apparatus that dynamically adjusts the over provisioning ratio by configuring multiple over provisioning levels for a flash device, allowing for real-time adjustments based on user storage space capacity intervals and corresponding adjustment parameters, enabling dynamic optimization of the over provisioning space capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed over provisioning ratio is set for the flash device, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to varying data storage conditions deteriorates and the service life is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the over provisioning ratio through multiple over provisioning levels (first level, second level, third level) that can be switched based on data storage conditions. The flash device transitions from a fixed ratio to a dynamic system where the controller automatically adjusts the over provisioning ratio according to the amount of data stored, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through predefined adjustment levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the over provisioning ratio parameter from a fixed value to a variable that can take multiple discrete values corresponding to different over provisioning levels. By defining adjustment parameters for each level (first adjustment parameter, second adjustment parameter, third adjustment parameter), the system enables parameter transformation based on storage conditions, improving adaptability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed over provisioning ratio is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the performance stability deteriorates and the service life is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidperformance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the over provisioning ratio to change based on data storage conditions. The controller monitors storage usage and automatically transitions between different over provisioning levels, improving performance stability and service life while maintaining relatively simple device structure through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the data storage condition and adjusts the over provisioning ratio accordingly. When data storage reaches certain thresholds, the system automatically triggers transitions between over provisioning levels, creating a closed-loop control system that improves performance stability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the over provisioning ratio is increased to improve random write performance and service life, then the service life and random write performance are improved, but the cost increases and the user available space capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoiduser available space capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the over provisioning ratio, allowing the system to increase the ratio (and thus service life) only when necessary based on data storage conditions. When data volume is low, a higher over provisioning ratio is applied to extend service life; when data volume is high, the ratio is reduced to maximize user available space. This dynamic approach optimizes both service life and user capacity without permanently sacrificing either.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the over provisioning ratio from a fixed parameter to a variable parameter that can be adjusted across multiple levels. By implementing adjustment parameters for each over provisioning level, the system can change the ratio to match actual storage needs, thereby improving service life when beneficial while preserving user available space capacity when the high ratio is not needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple over provisioning levels are configured for dynamic adjustment, then the adaptability and service life are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the over provisioning adjustment into multiple discrete levels (first level, second level, third level) with predefined adjustment parameters. This segmentation approach allows the system to achieve high adaptability through multiple adjustable states while managing complexity by organizing adjustments into distinct, manageable levels rather than continuous variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities through multiple over provisioning levels that can be switched based on storage conditions. The dynamic nature is achieved through automated controller logic that monitors data volume and triggers appropriate level transitions, providing high adaptability while keeping device complexity manageable through algorithmic control rather than hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11960393B2Data processing method and apparatus, and flash device
Publication Date: 2024.04.16 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US11960393B2 patent drawing
  • US11960393B2 patent drawing
  • US11960393B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flash device includes user storage space for storing user data and over provisioning space for garbage collection within the flash device. The flash device receives an operation instruction, and then performs an operation on user data stored in the user storage space based on the operation instruction. Further, the flash device identifies a changed size of user data after performing the operation. Based on the changed size of data, a target adjustment parameter is identified. Further, the flash device adjusts the capacity of the over provisioning space according to the target adjustment parameter.