Flash Memory Priority Operation Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time systems using flash memory experience delays in response time when a high-priority operation is requested during an ongoing operation, as existing methods unconditionally suspend the current operation, leading to increased lifetime reduction of the flash memory due to frequent erase operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that calculate the remaining time of an ongoing operation and compare it with the operation suspension time, allowing selective suspension of the current operation to prioritize high-priority tasks, thereby reducing response time and preventing flash memory lifetime reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the currently performed operation is unconditionally suspended when a high-priority operation is requested, then the response time for high-priority operations is improved, but the flash memory lifetime is reduced due to increased number of erase operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of operation suspension from a fixed unconditional rule to a dynamic decision based on comparing remaining time and suspension time. The control logic evaluates whether remaining_time > suspension_time before suspending erase operations, thereby adapting the suspension behavior to specific operational contexts and reducing unnecessary suspensions that would harm flash memory lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic decision-making by continuously monitoring the remaining time of ongoing operations and comparing it with the suspension time required. This dynamic approach allows the system to adaptively choose whether to suspend operations based on real-time conditions, rather than following a static unconditional suspension policy.
2Loss of time
If the currently performed operation is unconditionally suspended when a high-priority operation is requested, then the response time for high-priority operations is improved, but the operation suspension time and resumption time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the suspension decision from a fixed unconditional rule to a dynamic parameter-based decision. By comparing remaining_time with suspension_time, the system optimizes the actual suspension duration, suspending only when it results in net time savings for high-priority operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of suspension time and remaining time before making the suspension decision. This preliminary action allows the system to predict whether suspending will actually reduce total response time, avoiding suspensions that would extend the overall operation duration.
3Reliability
If the currently performed operation is completed without suspension when a high-priority operation is requested, then the flash memory lifetime is preserved, but the response time for high-priority operations is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operation completion policy from a fixed rule to a dynamic parameter-based decision. By evaluating remaining_time versus suspension_time, the system determines the optimal approach (suspend or complete) for each specific situation, balancing lifetime preservation with response time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by continuously monitoring operational parameters and adjusting the suspension decision based on real-time conditions. This allows the system to switch between completing operations and suspending them based on what is optimal for each specific context.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus and method for operating a flash memory according to a priority order, in which a fast response is insured. The apparatus includes a time calculation unit which calculates an operation execution time required to perform a first operation, a remaining time calculation unit which calculates a remaining time until completion of the first operation based on the calculated operation execution time if a second operation having a higher priority than that of the first operation is requested during performing of the first operation, and an operation processing unit which compares the calculated remaining time with an operation suspension time requested to suspend the first operation and determines whether to suspend the first operation in accordance with a result of the comparison.