Flash Memory Controller Backup Cost Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in handling power failures during data writing in NAND Flash storage devices, leading to potential data loss and high energy consumption due to the need for extensive data backup.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that optimize the writing process by categorizing data and selecting blocks based on backup cost, minimizing the amount of data that needs to be backed up by identifying and utilizing blocks with the lowest backup cost, such as empty blocks or blocks containing only data of the same file type, and implementing policies to reduce unnecessary backups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data backup is performed to protect against power failures, then data reliability is improved, but energy consumption and time required for backup increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating data categories (e.g., critical vs. non-critical) and applying different backup strategies to different blocks based on their content characteristics. Instead of uniform backup, the system evaluates each block's data type and applies selective backup only where necessary, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability for essential data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by backing up only the necessary portion of data rather than all data. The system determines the minimum required backup based on power failure risk assessment and data importance, performing backup only on critical data segments rather than complete blocks, thus reducing energy and time requirements.
2Reliability
If data backup is performed to protect against power failures, then data reliability is improved, but writing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-evaluating block characteristics and data categories before the actual write operation. The system预先 determines which blocks require backup based on their content and power failure risk, so that during the write process, only the necessary backup operations are executed, minimizing performance impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent differentiates backup requirements by local block characteristics and data categories, applying backup only to specific blocks that contain critical data. This localized approach avoids unnecessary backup operations across all blocks, thereby maintaining high writing performance for blocks that don't require backup while ensuring reliability for critical data.
3Reliability
If all data is backed up to ensure power failure protection, then data reliability is maximized, but backup cost in terms of time and energy increases proportionally with data amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial backup by calculating and executing only the minimum necessary backup based on risk assessment. Instead of backing up all data, the system identifies and backs up only the critical portions, reducing backup time and energy consumption while maintaining adequate reliability protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the backup parameter from complete data backup to selective backup based on data category and block characteristics. The system dynamically adjusts backup scope according to power failure risk parameters and data importance, optimizing the balance between reliability and time/energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for enhancing efficiency in power failure handling in flash memory devices is disclosed. The method includes the controller of a storage device receiving a page of data, selecting a block having a desired back-up cost and copying previously stored data in the selected block to a back-up block prior to writing the received page to the selected block based on a category of the previously stored data. The system includes non-volatile memory having a plurality of operative blocks, at least one spare block and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a page of data, select an operative block in the memory having a desired back-up cost, and copy previously stored data in the selected block to a spare block based on a category of the previously stored data prior to writing the received page to the selected block.