Flash Memory File Allocation Table Write Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage apparatuses face inefficiencies in writing multiple small files due to frequent updates in file allocation tables, leading to decreased writing efficiency, especially when using file systems with multiple records of identical management information.
Innovation Solution
A data storage apparatus that receives and records management information in a predetermined order, allowing simultaneous recording of identical management information without waiting for the other, enhancing writing efficiency by enabling collective writing operations and error correction across multiple storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple file allocation tables are provided for reliability, then data reading and writing operations are ensured even when one table is damaged, but writing efficiency is lowered due to frequent updates and multiple writes of identical information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by recording management information into the first file allocation table immediately when received, and proactively prepares to record into the second table. The host device is notified in advance that the second table will be recorded, allowing the system to batch or optimize the recording operation before it occurs, thus improving writing efficiency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device receives notification from the storage apparatus about the recording status of the second file allocation table. This feedback mechanism allows the host to understand the current state of duplicate recording and adjust its operations accordingly, optimizing the overall writing process while ensuring both tables are properly maintained for reliability.
2Reliability
If identical management information is written multiple times to multiple file allocation tables, then redundancy and reliability are improved, but the number of writing operations increases, further lowering writing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the first file allocation table updated and ready for immediate use, while simultaneously preparing the second table in the background. The notification mechanism ensures that the second table recording is initiated without interrupting the host device's workflow, thus maintaining continuous productive operation while ensuring redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by creating a duplicate of the management information in the second file allocation table based on the first table. This copying approach allows the system to maintain redundancy efficiently, as the second table is generated from the first rather than being independently written, reducing the overall writing time and operational overhead.
3Reliability
If the host device waits for confirmation of both file allocation table recordings before proceeding, then data integrity is ensured, but the host device's processing speed and overall system productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The host device performs preliminary actions by recording management information to the first file allocation table immediately and receiving notification that the second table is being recorded. This allows the host to proceed with subsequent operations without waiting for the complete duplication process to finish, thereby maintaining data integrity through the notification mechanism while improving processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by ensuring the first file allocation table is fully recorded and notified to the host, which is sufficient for immediate data integrity. The second table recording is performed as an additional redundant action that does not block the host's workflow, thus achieving adequate reliability without excessive waiting time.
Data Source
AI summary
In response to a write command with regard to an FAT1 area received from a host device, the data storage apparatus collectively records management information with regard to the FAT1 area simultaneously with duplicate management information of identical content as management information with regard to an FAT2 area at consecutive addresses. In response to a write command with regard to the FAT2 area received from the host device subsequent to the write command with regard to the FAT1 area, the data storage apparatus notifies the host device of completion of data writing without recording the management information with regard to the FAT2 area. This arrangement effectively enhances the data writing efficiency in the data storage apparatus having multiple records of identical management information.