Flash Storage Zone Protection Allocation for Open Block Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

As storage systems scale larger, managing open and partially programmed blocks of data or metadata becomes problematic due to power, memory, and cost constraints, leading to inefficiencies in handling data transactions and potential data loss during power outages.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system of credits for managing open blocks in cache memory and enabling/disabling power loss protection for zones in solid-state storage memory, using a credit-based approach to optimize block management and ensure data integrity during power failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power loss protection is enabled for all zones in solid-state storage memory, then data integrity is improved, but power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling power loss protection selectively for specific zones rather than uniformly across all zones. The system identifies zones containing open blocks that require protection and disables protection for zones with closed blocks, creating non-uniform protection coverage that matches actual data vulnerability patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the solid-state storage memory into multiple zones and applies power loss protection independently to each zone. This segmentation allows the system to manage protection resources at a granular level, enabling fine-grained control over which portions of storage receive power loss protection based on their specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If cache memory size is increased to manage more open blocks, then productivity is improved, but cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblock management efficiencyVSAvoidcache memory capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic zone activation and deactivation based on real-time monitoring of open block distribution. Zones are activated when they contain open blocks requiring protection and deactivated when containing only closed blocks, allowing the system to adapt cache memory usage dynamically rather than maintaining static allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring block states and managing zone activation/deactivation without requiring external intervention. The storage device autonomously identifies which zones need protection and adjusts power loss protection settings accordingly, reducing the need for large fixed cache memory allocations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If power loss protection is disabled to reduce power consumption, then data loss risk increases during power outages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata loss risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces zones as an intermediary layer between open blocks and power loss protection mechanisms. Instead of directly protecting individual blocks or applying uniform protection across all storage, the zone-based approach provides an intermediate level of organization that enables selective protection, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining protection where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If all zones are kept active for maximum protection coverage, then reliability is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidzone management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic monitoring and dynamic activation/deactivation of zones rather than continuous operation of all zones. By periodically assessing which zones contain open blocks and adjusting protection settings accordingly, the system maintains adequate protection coverage while reducing the time-averaged power consumption and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12524305B2Dynamic power loss protection allocation of managed flash storage devices

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 PURE STORAGE INC

AI summary

A storage system has zones in solid-state storage memory, with power loss protection. The system identifies portions of data for processes that utilize power loss protection. The system determines to activate or deactivate power loss protection for the portions of data for the processes. The system tracks activation and deactivation of power loss protection in zones in the solid-state storage memory, in accordance with the portions of data having power loss protection activated or deactivated.