Flash Storage Controller Dynamic Sector Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash storage devices face reduced data storage capacity due to data being organized in sizes less than the fixed sector size, leading to unused bits and inefficient data allocation.
Innovation Solution
A flash storage device with a controller that selects and allocates data among sectors of varying sizes, allowing for efficient data storage by writing data sectors to the flash storage, thereby maximizing storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If data is organized in fixed-size sectors, then data storage structure is simplified, but data storage capacity is reduced due to unused bits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flash storage into multiple sectors with different size configurations. Instead of using a single fixed sector size, the system segments storage space into sectors that can be dynamically allocated based on data requirements, thereby reducing wasted space while maintaining manageable storage organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically selects sector sizes based on the characteristics of the data being stored. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize storage capacity for different data types and sizes, eliminating the static inefficiency of fixed-sector allocations while preserving structural simplicity through automated management.
2Ease of operation
If sector size is fixed, then allocation process is simplified, but storage efficiency decreases due to unused bits
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the sector size parameter dynamically based on data requirements. The controller can select from multiple sector size configurations (e.g., different numbers of data bits and spare bits) to optimize storage efficiency for each allocation operation, while the underlying allocation process remains automated and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The flash storage device is designed to handle multiple sector size configurations within a single storage system. This multi-functionality allows the same physical storage to be efficiently allocated for different data types and sizes, improving overall storage efficiency while maintaining a unified allocation process through the controller.
Data Source
AI summary
A flash storage device includes a flash storage for storing data and a controller for receiving a command containing data and selecting a sector size for the data. The controller allocates the data among data sectors having the sector size and writes the data sectors to the flash storage. In some embodiments, the controller generates system data and stores the system data in the data sectors or a system sector, or both.