Flash Memory Controller AI Data Classification SLC TLC Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory systems face data stability and longevity issues due to the storage of important data in lower stability blocks like TLC, which can lead to system damage and require frequent re-installation of the operating system.
Innovation Solution
A flash memory controller equipped with an AI module and microprocessor that determines the importance of data and writes critical data into higher stability SLC blocks, while less critical data is stored in TLC blocks, optimizing storage efficiency and reducing damage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is stored in TLC blocks to maximize storage capacity, then storage efficiency is improved, but data stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating storage locations based on data importance. Critical data (operating system, file system) is stored in SLC blocks with high stability, while non-critical data (photos, videos) is stored in TLC blocks with high capacity. This spatial differentiation of storage quality resolves the contradiction between maximizing storage capacity and ensuring data stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into two distinct parts: SLC blocks for critical data and TLC blocks for non-critical data. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific function optimally, with SLC providing reliability for system-critical files and TLC providing capacity for user data, thereby resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and data stability.
2Quantity of substance
If important data is stored in TLC blocks, then storage capacity is maximized, but system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different storage locations based on data criticality. System-critical data requiring high reliability is stored in SLC blocks, while non-critical data is stored in TLC blocks. This localized quality assignment ensures system reliability is maintained for essential operations while still utilizing high-capacity TLC storage for other data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments data into critical and non-critical categories, storing critical data in SLC blocks and non-critical data in TLC blocks. This segmentation prevents important data from being stored in lower-reliability TLC blocks, thereby maintaining system reliability while maximizing overall storage capacity utilization.
3Device complexity
If all data is stored uniformly without classification, then device complexity is reduced, but data protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the controller automatically classifies incoming data as critical or non-critical and directs it to appropriate storage blocks without user intervention. This automated classification and routing system provides data protection capability while maintaining simplicity for the user, as the system self-manages the complexity of data classification and placement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a flash memory controller including an artificial intelligence (AI) module and a microprocessor. In the operations of the flash memory controller, the AI module receives data from a host device, and determines if the data is important data or unimportant data to generate a determination result. The microprocessor is configured to write the data into a flash memory module according to the determination result, wherein the flash memory module comprises a plurality of first blocks and a plurality of second blocks, and quantity of bits stored in each memory cell within the first blocks is lower than quantity of bits stored in each memory cell within the second blocks. When the determination result indicates that the data is the important data, the microprocessor only stores the data into at least one of the first blocks.