Flash Memory Management Method for Reducing Write Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of flash memory storage systems is hindered by the frequent need to organize valid data, leading to increased execution times for host write-in commands due to insufficient spare physical blocks for data storage.
Innovation Solution
A flash memory management method that groups physical units into data and spare areas, configures logical units with mapping relationships, and marks storage statuses, allowing for efficient data writing by utilizing empty or alternate physical units, thereby reducing the frequency of valid data organization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flash memory storage apparatus frequently organizes valid data in physical blocks of the data area, then the storage reliability is improved, but the execution time of host write-in commands increases drastically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-organizes valid data into contiguous regions within physical blocks before host write operations occur. By maintaining valid data in an organized state in advance, the system eliminates the need for frequent reorganization during write operations, thus reducing command execution time while preserving storage reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the flash memory into distinct areas (data area, spare area) and further segments physical blocks into regions for valid data and invalid data. This segmentation allows independent management of valid data organization, enabling reorganization operations to occur without blocking host write operations on other blocks.
2Productivity
If the flash memory storage apparatus uses alternative physical blocks for storing data, then the storage capacity utilization is improved, but the complexity of managing mapping relationships increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping table as an intermediary data structure that records the correspondence between logical blocks and physical blocks. This mapping table simplifies the management of alternative physical blocks by providing a centralized, easy-to-update record of allocation status, reducing the complexity of tracking which physical blocks are available for data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the allocation and tracking of physical blocks through the mapping table without requiring complex external intervention. When physical blocks are used or freed, the mapping table is automatically updated, enabling the system to self-manage its storage resources efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A flash memory management method for managing a plurality of physical units of a flash memory chip is provided. The flash memory management method includes grouping a portion of the physical units into a data area and a spare area; configuring a plurality of logical units and setting mapping relationships between the logical units and the physical units of the data area. The flash memory management method further includes receiving data and writing the data into the physical unit mapped to a second logical unit among the logical units, and the data belongs to a first logical unit among logical units. Accordingly, the flash memory management method can effectively reduce the number of times for organizing valid data, thereby reducing the time for executing a host write-in command.