Flash Memory Backup Using Physical Address Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data backup systems for flash memory storage devices are inefficient due to random access operations and the need for frequent translation between logical and physical addresses, leading to long backup times and potential data loss, especially when backing up operating systems and applications.
Innovation Solution
A data backup system and method that employs a Physical Address to Physical Address (PA-to-PA) approach, where data is accessed continuously without referencing logical-to-physical mapping tables, using a driver module to read and write data directly between flash memory storage devices, and utilizing an Original Defect Block Table (ODBT) to avoid defect blocks and optimize data arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional logical-to-physical mapping translation is used during backup, then data can be accessed through standard file system operations, but backup time increases significantly due to frequent address translation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-translating logical addresses to physical addresses before the backup operation begins. The source storage device generates a mapping table that correlates logical addresses with physical addresses, allowing the backup process to directly access data using physical addresses without repeated translation operations during the actual backup, thus reducing backup time while maintaining standard file system compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping table that acts as a mediator between the logical address space and physical address space. This mapping table is generated beforehand and stored, allowing the backup system to translate logical addresses to physical addresses once before backup begins, rather than performing translation operations for every read operation during backup, thereby resolving the time consumption issue
2Adaptability or versatility
If random access operations are performed on flash memory during backup, then data can be read from any location, but access time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-translating logical addresses to physical addresses before the backup operation begins. The source storage device generates a mapping table that correlates logical addresses with physical addresses, allowing the backup process to directly access data using physical addresses without repeated translation operations during the actual backup, thus reducing backup time while maintaining standard file system compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling sequential reading of data blocks once the initial address translation is complete. Instead of performing random access operations with repeated translation for each data block, the system reads data sequentially using the pre-translated physical addresses, maintaining continuous data flow and eliminating the performance penalty of random access
3Measurement precision
If logical address translation is performed for every read operation during backup, then data can be accessed accurately, but the control unit experiences increased operational burden and backup duration extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-translating logical addresses to physical addresses before the backup operation begins. The source storage device generates a mapping table that correlates logical addresses with physical addresses, allowing the backup process to directly access data using physical addresses without repeated translation operations during the actual backup, thus reducing backup time while maintaining standard file system compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing the complete address translation operation only once before backup begins, rather than performing it for every read operation. The pre-generated mapping table provides all necessary translations in advance, allowing the backup process to focus solely on data transfer without the overhead of repeated translation operations, thereby improving throughput while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A data backup method for backing up target data, through a driver module, from a first storage device to a second storage device is disclosed. The first storage device includes a first storage unit that stores the target data, and a first control unit that accesses the first storage unit based on a first logical-to-physical mapping table. The second storage device includes a second storage unit and a second control unit that accesses the second storage unit based on a second logical-to-physical mapping table. The method includes steps of: reading the target data from the first storage unit without accessing the first logical-to-physical mapping table and transmitting the target data to the driver module; transmitting the target data to the second control unit; and writing the target data to the second storage unit without accessing the second logical-to-physical mapping table.