Flash Memory Locking Structures for Efficient Data Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data structures in flash memory face performance and lifespan penalties due to the need for multiple reads and writes, especially when implementing locking mechanisms, as small edits require entire page erasure and recreation, leading to inefficiencies in processing large datasets.
Innovation Solution
Implementing locking data structures in flash memory that allow overwrites without erasing existing data by using logical-OR operations and Compare-and-Swap calls, which enable bit-level changes without rewriting to new locations, thereby reducing the number of erasures and improving performance and lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional data structures are used in flash memory, then random edits can be performed quickly, but small edits require entire page erasure and recreation causing performance and lifespan penalties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flash memory page into multiple sub-pages or regions, allowing edits to be performed on individual segments rather than requiring erasure of the entire page. This enables partial page updates without the performance penalty of full page recreation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of addressing at the sub-page level within flash memory pages, enabling fine-grained access and modification of data without affecting other portions of the page. This dimensional segmentation allows efficient small edits while maintaining flash memory's write characteristics.
2Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are implemented in flash memory, then concurrent access control is achieved, but each lock change requires entire lock recreation causing lifespan reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is segmented into multiple lock bits or sub-locks within a page, allowing individual lock changes without requiring recreation of the entire lock structure. This reduces wear on the flash memory while maintaining concurrent access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-allocates lock structures with sufficient capacity to accommodate multiple lock acquisitions and releases without requiring page recreation. This preliminary preparation extends the lifespan of the flash memory by reducing the frequency of erase-write cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If small edits are performed in flash memory, then data updates are made, but multiple reads and writes are required causing performance penalty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flash memory page into segments that can be independently updated. Small edits only require reading and writing the specific segment being modified, rather than reading and writing the entire page, thus improving processing speed for small edits.
4Ease of manufacture
If flash memory is erased in large units, then erasure operations are simplified, but the granularity of data modification is reduced causing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flash memory into pages and sub-pages, maintaining the simplicity of erasing entire pages while enabling efficient modification of smaller sub-page segments. This hierarchical segmentation allows both large-unit erasure and fine-grained modification.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing content in a flash memory. A locking data structure is used to control access to data structures and the locking data structure is implemented in flash memory. The locking data structure is updated by overwriting the data such that the associated data structure is identified as locked or unlocked.