Flash Translation Layer Database Integration for Storage Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing database architectures for flash memory storage systems are inefficient due to the need for frequent deletion operations and duplicate management of log records and page tables, which leads to reduced lifespan and slower operation speeds.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that integrates a flash translation layer (FTL) with a database, using a device driver to manage a mapping table between logical and physical addresses, and a control unit to perform data recovery, thereby omitting the need for separate log record management and page table handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If log-based recovery technique is used to store log records in flash memory, then data recovery capability is improved, but deletion operations increase frequently reducing flash memory lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata recovery capabilityVSAvoidflash memory lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the FTL mapping table management with the database shadow paging mechanism into a unified architecture. The FTL mapping table is integrated with the database's page table, allowing both systems to share the same data structure and management logic, thereby eliminating redundant deletion operations while maintaining both data recovery capability and flash memory lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If shadow paging technique is used to update data without log records, then writing frequency is reduced, but separate page table management increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewriting efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the FTL mapping table with the database shadow paging page table into a single integrated structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate page table management while maintaining the writing efficiency benefits of shadow paging, thus reducing system complexity without sacrificing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If both database and FTL manage mapping operations separately, then data management flexibility is improved, but duplicate work increases reducing operation speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata management flexibilityVSAvoidoperation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the database's logical-to-physical address mapping with the FTL's mapping table into a single unified mapping system. This integration eliminates duplicate mapping operations while preserving the flexibility benefits of having both database and FTL involvement in data management, thereby improving operation speed without sacrificing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2203825B1Apparatus using flash memory as storage and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2014.06.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An apparatus usable with a flash memory as storage and a method of operating the same are provided, which can provide an optimized architecture to a flash memory through combination of a flash transition layer (FTL) with a database. The apparatus includes a flash memory, a device driver to manage a mapping table between logical addresses and physical addresses in accordance with a data operation in the flash memory, and a control unit to perform data recovery of the flash memory by requesting the mapping table through an interface provided by the device driver.