Host-Initiated Garbage Collection Via Vendor Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in efficiently initiating and managing garbage collection procedures, particularly due to difficulties in determining idle periods and the complexity of modifying kernel code to support host-initiated defragmentation (HID) operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of vendor unique commands allows users to initiate garbage collection procedures directly from a user-accessible application or public interface of the host system, enabling more direct control over memory management and simplifying the configuration of HID operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the kernel attempts to identify an idle period to initiate garbage collection, then the memory system can perform garbage collection during idle time, but the kernel may incorrectly determine idle periods leading to interrupted garbage collection procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a memory management unit (MMU) as an intermediary between the host processor and the memory system. The MMU independently monitors memory access patterns and accurately determines idle periods, replacing the unreliable kernel-based detection. This intermediary component ensures reliable garbage collection initiation without being affected by host system activity detection errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system performs self-service by having the MMU autonomously monitor its own usage patterns and initiate garbage collection when idle periods are detected. The system serves itself by independently managing its own maintenance operations without relying on external host system judgment, thereby ensuring reliable execution of garbage collection procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the kernel code is modified to support host-initiated defragmentation operations, then user control over garbage collection is enabled, but the complexity and time required for configuration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a command interface that copies the functionality of low-level kernel operations into a user-accessible format. Instead of requiring users to modify complex kernel code, the system provides a simplified command structure that replicates the essential garbage collection initiation function, making it accessible at the user level without exposing kernel complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential garbage collection initiation function from the complex kernel environment and isolates it as a standalone command interface. This extraction removes the problematic kernel code modification requirement while preserving the core functionality, allowing users to initiate garbage collection through a simplified, independent interface.
3Speed
If garbage collection is initiated during non-idle periods, then faster response to user requests is achieved, but the garbage collection procedure may be interrupted by access operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the MMU continuously monitors memory access patterns and uses this real-time information to make informed decisions about garbage collection timing. The system feedback loop ensures that garbage collection is only initiated when genuine idle conditions are confirmed, preventing interruptions while maintaining responsive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the MMU proactively identify and mark genuine idle periods in advance. Before initiating garbage collection, the system performs preliminary verification that the idle period is authentic and sufficient duration. This preliminary check prevents premature or interrupted garbage collection while maintaining fast response to user requests.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for host initiated garbage collection are described. In some examples, a user accessible application or public interface of a host system may initiate a garbage collection procedure for a memory system using one or more vendor commands. For example, the host system and the memory system may support a first vendor command to check a fragmentation status or fragmentation parameter of the of the memory system. Additionally, the host system and the memory system may support a second vendor command to initiate a garbage collection procedure at the memory system, or to interrupt an ongoing garbage collection procedure. The host system and the memory system may also support a third vendor command to check the status of an initiated garbage collection procedure.