Flash Memory Drive File Management Volatile Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor nonvolatile memories, such as flash memory, have limited rewrite endurance and lifetime due to concentrated rewriting in file management areas, leading to premature device failure and reduced data transfer rates.
Innovation Solution
A storage device configuration that includes a nonvolatile memory with a file management information section and a volatile memory, where the controller reads and writes file management information from the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory upon power startup and shutdown, reducing the number of rewrite cycles on the nonvolatile memory and improving data transfer rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If file management information is stored and frequently rewritten in the nonvolatile memory, then the storage device can maintain data persistence, but the rewrite endurance of the nonvolatile memory deteriorates rapidly due to concentrated rewriting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two distinct memory types: nonvolatile memory for persistent storage and volatile memory for frequent write operations. This segmentation allows file management information to be stored in the nonvolatile memory while using the volatile memory as a buffer to absorb frequent rewrite operations, thereby protecting the nonvolatile memory from excessive wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The volatile memory acts as an intermediary between the host system and the nonvolatile memory. File management information is first written to the volatile memory, which then periodically or asynchronously transfers the data to the nonvolatile memory. This intermediary approach reduces the frequency of direct write operations to the nonvolatile memory, extending its rewrite endurance while maintaining data persistence.
2Loss of information
If file management information is frequently rewritten in the nonvolatile memory to track history and position information, then the operating system can maintain accurate data tracking, but the lifetime of the storage device becomes extremely short
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the storage functionality by using volatile memory for frequent updates of file management information and nonvolatile memory for persistent storage. This allows the operating system to maintain accurate data tracking through frequent writes to the volatile memory without compromising the lifetime of the nonvolatile memory, as the volatile memory can withstand unlimited write cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The volatile memory serves as a working copy of the file management information stored in the nonvolatile memory. The operating system operates on this copy, performing frequent reads and writes without directly modifying the persistent storage. Periodically, the volatile memory is synchronized with the nonvolatile memory, ensuring data integrity while minimizing wear on the nonvolatile memory.
3Ease of operation
If the controller frequently reads and writes file management information in the nonvolatile memory, then the file system operations can be performed, but the data transfer rate is reduced due to the limited rewrite cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments memory operations by type: volatile memory handles frequent, high-speed write operations for file management information, while nonvolatile memory handles persistent storage. This segmentation enables the controller to perform file system operations with high data transfer rates using the volatile memory, without being constrained by the limited rewrite cycle rates of the nonvolatile memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The volatile memory acts as an intermediary buffer that absorbs the high-frequency data transfer operations. The controller can read and write file management information in the volatile memory at high speeds, and then asynchronously transfer the data to the nonvolatile memory at the latter's slower rate. This intermediary approach decouples the data transfer rate from the nonvolatile memory's rewrite cycle limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device realizing an improvement in rewrite endurance of a nonvolatile memory and an improvement in data transfer rate of write and read operations is provided including a nonvolatile memory; a volatile memory for storing file management information of the nonvolatile memory; a controller for controlling the nonvolatile memory and the volatile memory; and a power supply maintaining unit for supplying power to the nonvolatile memory, the volatile memory, or the controller upon power shutdown. The controller reads the file management information in the nonvolatile memory upon power-on and writes the same in the volatile memory, and read and write operations are performed based on the file management information in the volatile memory, and the file management information in the volatile memory is written in the nonvolatile memory upon power shutdown.