Flash Memory Controller Segregating Valid and Invalid Pages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory devices face inefficiencies due to storing irrelevant data together, leading to increased garbage collection operations and reduced available storage space, as they lack disk and file information to manage data effectively.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device and method that utilize disk and file information from a host device to process requests, storing this information in a separate memory and using a controller to manage physical addresses, thereby optimizing storage and reducing garbage collection operations by segregating valid and invalid pages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If flash memory stores data without disk information and file information, then the device structure is simple, but the number of blocks containing both valid and invalid pages increases and storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage management by introducing separate information memory to store disk information and file information, distinct from the storage memory. This segmentation allows the controller to manage valid and invalid pages separately, improving storage efficiency without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information memory that acts as a mediator between the host device and storage memory. This intermediary stores disk information and file information, enabling the controller to make informed decisions about data placement and garbage collection, thereby improving storage efficiency.
2Device complexity
If flash memory stores irrelevant data together in the same block, then the device structure is simple, but the available storage space decreases and garbage collection operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data management by storing disk information and file information separately in an information memory, enabling the controller to identify and segregate valid pages from invalid pages. This prevents irrelevant data from being stored together, maximizing available storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from the stored disk information and file information to make intelligent decisions about data placement. By continuously referencing this information, the controller can avoid storing invalid data in blocks that should contain only valid data, thereby preserving storage space.
3Device complexity
If flash memory lacks disk information and file information, then the device structure is simple, but the cost of garbage collection operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by storing disk information and file information in the information memory before garbage collection operations are needed. This pre-stored information enables the controller to quickly identify victim blocks containing mostly invalid pages, reducing the time and energy required for garbage collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by using the stored disk information and file information to automatically identify optimal victim blocks for garbage collection. The controller leverages this self-stored information to make autonomous decisions, reducing the need for complex external management and minimizing garbage collection costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device include a storage memory, an information memory suitable for storing disk information and/or file information transmitted from a host device, and a controller suitable for processing a request on the data memory, which is received from the host device, based on the disk information and/or the file information stored in the information memory.