Flash Memory Data Management with TRIM Unit Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mismatch between file management units in host devices and flash memory systems leads to unnecessary data copy and merging operations, shortening the service life and degrading performance of flash memories due to the inability to directly apply hard disk file systems and the need for a Flash Translation Layer (FTL).
Innovation Solution
A data management method and system that includes a TRIM management table and module to separately manage areas mismatched with the flash memory's data management unit, allowing for efficient deletion operations by marking invalid areas and performing erasing operations at idle times, thus aligning host and flash memory management units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a file system for hard disk is applied to flash memories, then data management is simplified, but unnecessary data copy and merging operations occur due to mismatch between management units
Solution Approach 1:
A TRIM management table is introduced as an intermediary structure between the file system and flash memory. This table maps file management units to flash memory management units, enabling the system to translate deletion requests from the file system into precise TRIM commands for flash memory without causing unnecessary copy and merging operations, thus extending flash memory service life while maintaining ease of data management
2Adaptability or versatility
If a Flash Translation Layer is used to enable free reading/writing, then compatibility with hard disk file systems is improved, but management unit mismatch causes large-scale merging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The TRIM management table segments the data management process into distinct components: file management at the host level and physical memory management at the flash level. By maintaining separate management domains and using the TRIM table to coordinate between them, the system achieves precise deletion operations without triggering large-scale merging, thus improving data operation efficiency while preserving file system compatibility
3Device complexity
If deletion operations are performed without TRIM management, then operations are simpler, but premature wear and degradation of flash memory occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The TRIM management table performs preliminary mapping and validation of deletion requests before executing TRIM commands on flash memory. By pre-processing deletion operations to identify and manage only the necessary flash memory blocks, the system avoids unnecessary write operations and premature wear, extending flash memory service life with minimal increase in operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A data management method of a data storage device having a data management unit different from a data management unit of a user device receives information regarding a storage area of a file to be deleted, from the user device, selects a storage area which matches with the data management unit of the data storage device, from among the storage area of the deleted file, and performs an erasing operation on the selected storage area which matches with the data management unit.