Flash Storage Stream ID Merging for Write Amplification Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flash memory devices face inefficiencies in managing and optimizing the input/output operations of multi-stream data, particularly in scenarios where the number of open streams exceeds a threshold, leading to increased write amplification factors and unnecessary overhead.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced that involves receiving stream control commands to merge multiple stream IDs into a target stream ID, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of data by assigning a unique stream ID to merged streams, thereby reducing the number of open streams and optimizing resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the storage device manages multiple open streams separately, then each stream can be independently controlled, but the number of open streams increases leading to increased write amplification factors and overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestream control capabilityVSAvoidwrite amplification factor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple open streams into a single closed stream when the number of open streams exceeds a threshold. This consolidation reduces the number of active stream contexts that need management, thereby decreasing write amplification factors and overhead while preserving the ability to control data flow through the merged stream structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If the storage device maintains many open streams, then more data streams can be processed simultaneously, but resource allocation becomes less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestream processing capacityVSAvoidresource allocation overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic stream management where streams are automatically merged into a closed stream when the open stream threshold is exceeded. This dynamic adjustment optimizes resource allocation by reducing the number of active stream contexts during high-load conditions, thereby decreasing device complexity and overhead while maintaining the ability to process multiple data streams through the merged structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the storage device allows unlimited open streams, then stream flexibility is maximized, but unnecessary overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestream flexibilityVSAvoidoverhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameter of stream state by transitioning streams from an open state to a closed state when the threshold is exceeded. This parameter change (from open to closed) reduces the overhead associated with maintaining stream contexts while preserving the flexibility to control data flow through the merged stream, thereby reducing energy loss without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10082984B2Storage device and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of operating a storage device that controls input/output of multi-stream data according to a stream ID may include receiving, from a host, a stream control command controlling at least a first stream ID and a second stream ID, determining, in response to the received stream control command, a third stream ID including control commands for the first and second stream IDs, and transmitting the third stream ID to the host.