Flash Memory Metadata Writes to Reduce Garbage Collection Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory systems face challenges with slow write and erase speeds, limited endurance, and the need for garbage collection operations that can delay system performance.
Innovation Solution
A memory system utilizing a flash memory with a meta block and data block, managed by a memory controller with a meta data managing module that employs consecution and dirty meta write operations based on free page availability to optimize write targeting and reduce garbage collection frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If garbage collection operations are performed to secure writable space in flash memory, then writable space is maintained, but system performance is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by proactively managing meta data pages and pre-allocating free pages before they are needed. The memory controller monitors the number of free pages and performs meta data writes in advance to maintain optimal conditions, avoiding the need for reactive garbage collection operations that cause delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of meta data management strategies based on real-time monitoring of free page counts. The system transitions between different meta data write modes (consecutive vs. random) depending on the current state of free pages, allowing flexible adaptation to maintain performance while ensuring sufficient writable space.
2Reliability
If meta data is written using traditional methods, then meta data is stored, but open time of storage device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary meta data writes to maintain a buffer of free pages before they are needed. By proactively writing meta data and maintaining free page availability, the system avoids delays during actual data operations, reducing open time while ensuring reliable meta data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of meta data write strategy based on free page availability. When free pages are abundant, the system uses consecutive write modes for efficiency; when free pages are scarce, it switches to random write modes to distribute wear. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes both storage reliability and operation speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system which includes a flash memory including a meta block and a data block, and a memory controller including a meta data managing module managing meta data to be stored in the meta block. The meta block includes a plurality of pages. The meta data managing module compares a number of free pages of the plurality of pages with a preset number of free pages, and selects a write target page of the meta data by using one of a consecution meta write operation or a dirty meta write operation, depending on a result of the comparison.