Flash Memory Write Method Using Reserved Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory storage systems face performance degradation due to the need for data merge operations when updating data, which increases the time required to execute write commands, especially when the capacity of logical blocks needs to be expanded.
Innovation Solution
A data writing method that selects a reserved physical block from the spare area for updated data, allowing independent assignment and writing, thereby avoiding the data merge operation and reducing the time needed to execute write commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data merge operation is performed when updating data in flash memory, then data integrity is maintained, but the time required to execute write commands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-allocates substitute physical blocks from the spare area before data merge operations are needed. When a write command arrives, the system can directly use these pre-prepared blocks to store updated data without performing time-consuming merge operations, thus reducing write command execution time while maintaining data integrity through the mapping table updates
2Quantity of substance
If the capacity of logical blocks is expanded, then storage capacity is increased, but the time for data merge operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the physical blocks into data area blocks and spare area blocks, with the spare area acting as a separate pool of pre-prepared substitute blocks. This segmentation allows the system to handle large logical block capacities by using multiple substitute blocks from the spare area without requiring sequential merge operations, thus reducing the time penalty associated with expanded storage capacity
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical blocks are alternated to store updated data, then data writing flexibility is improved, but the complexity of block management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping table as an intermediary between logical blocks and physical blocks. This mapping table simplifies the alternation of physical blocks by providing a direct lookup mechanism, reducing the management complexity despite the flexibility gained from using substitute blocks from the spare area for updated data
Data Source
AI summary
A data writing method, a memory controller using the method, and a memory storage apparatus using the method are provided. The method includes selecting a physical block as a reserved physical block for a plurality of updated physical blocks. The method also includes, when a host system is about to write updated data into a logical page belonging to a logical block and a physical page, which corresponds to the logical page, of a substitute physical block, which corresponds to an updated physical block mapped to the logical block, has stored data, independently assigning the reserved physical block to the updated physical block mapped to the logical block and writing the updated data into the reserved physical block. Accordingly, the method can complete data writing without performing a data merge operation, thereby shortening the time for performing a write command.