Flash Storage Data Placement for SLC Write Rate Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The write rate and performance of Universal Flash Storage (UFS) deteriorate due to the rapid exhaustion of Single Level Cell (SLC) storage space when continuously receiving write requests, leading to data being written into Triple Level Cell (TLC) storage areas, which reduces the overall write rate.
Innovation Solution
A data storage method that classifies data into categories based on access features and service requirements, storing hot or latency-sensitive data in SLC units and cold or latency-insensitive data in TLC units, thereby maintaining optimal write rates and preventing SLC space exhaustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If all data is stored in SLC storage area to improve write rate, then write speed is improved, but storage space is quickly exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage array into multiple storage areas with different characteristics (SLC storage area for high-speed writing, TLC storage area for high-capacity storage). By dividing the storage system into functional segments, it allows data to be routed to appropriate areas based on requirements, thus maintaining high write rates for critical data while preserving overall storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different storage characteristics to different physical regions of the storage array. The SLC area provides high write speed locally, while the TLC area provides high capacity locally. This spatial differentiation of storage qualities enables the system to optimize for both speed and capacity in different locations simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If data is migrated from SLC to TLC storage area, then storage space is preserved, but write rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of incoming data to determine its characteristics (hot/cold, latency-sensitive/latency-insensitive) before storage. This advance categorization allows the system to pre-determine the appropriate storage area, avoiding later migrations and maintaining optimal write rates from the initial storage operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage controller as an intermediary that intelligently routes data to appropriate storage areas based on data characteristics. This mediator prevents direct write operations from deteriorating performance by making informed decisions about storage location, thus preserving both write rates and storage space utilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If SLC storage area is used as cache for next write request, then write rate stability is ensured, but SLC space exhaustion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the storage system universal by enabling different storage areas to serve multiple functions. The SLC area serves both as high-speed write target and as cache for incoming data, while the TLC area serves both as high-capacity storage and as destination for migrated data. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain write rate stability without permanently dedicating all SLC space to caching.
Data Source
AI summary
In an implementation, a data storage method comprises obtaining a write request by a processing apparatus, where the write request includes first data to be written. Determining based on at least one of an access feature and a service requirement of the first data, a first category of the first data at a current moment; and indicating the storage apparatus to store the first data in a first type of storage unit. The first category indicates a programming rate requirement of the first data, and the first type is determined based on the first category.