Host-Storage Memory Cooperation via CXL for Faster Garbage Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face inefficiencies in management operations such as garbage collection and wear leveling due to latency and non-deterministic processing of log data retrieval, which affects decision-making and reduces the lifespan of the storage device.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a cache coherent protocol like CXL to share real-time management log data between a host computing device and a storage device, allowing for immediate updates and improved decision-making through host-device collaboration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional storage device management operations are used, then the storage device can function, but latency in log data retrieval reduces management efficiency and decision-making speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement operation efficiencyVSAvoidlog data retrieval latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cache coherent protocol as an intermediary mechanism between the host computing device and storage device. This protocol enables real-time sharing of management log data through a shared cache memory system, eliminating the need for slow sequential data retrieval and allowing both devices to access updated information simultaneously without latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading management log data into the shared cache memory before it is needed for decision-making. The cache coherent protocol ensures that data is continuously updated and available in advance, allowing the host and storage device to make management decisions without waiting for data retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If management operations are performed sequentially, then the storage device can maintain control, but non-deterministic processing affects decision-making consistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecision-making consistencyVSAvoidmanagement operation determinism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the storage device continuously monitors its own state and management operations, then feeds this information back to the host computing device through the cache coherent protocol. This real-time feedback loop ensures both devices are working with identical, up-to-date information, eliminating non-deterministic behavior and ensuring consistent decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates equipotentiality by providing the host computing device and storage device with equal access to management log data through the shared cache memory. Both devices operate from the same data source simultaneously, eliminating information asymmetry and ensuring that management decisions are made based on consistent, deterministic information for both parties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the storage device manages all operations independently, then the device has full control, but the host cannot optimize based on real-time storage state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehost optimization capabilityVSAvoiddevice autonomous management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the management capabilities of both the host computing device and storage device by implementing a collaborative model. The storage device maintains autonomous management operations while simultaneously sharing real-time state information with the host through the cache coherent protocol, allowing the host to contribute optimization strategies based on real-time storage state without compromising device autonomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12386516B2Systems and methods host and device cooperation for managing a memory of the device

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for host and device cooperation. In some embodiments, a storage device comprises a first memory for storing data; a second memory configured with a cache coherent protocol; and a processing circuit coupled to the first memory and the second memory. The processing circuit is configured to: store, in the second memory, information for managing the storage device, wherein the information is shared with a computing device via the cache coherent protocol; receive a first value from the computing device, the first value associated with a first block of the first memory; and take an action with respect to the first block based on the first value, wherein the action is for managing the first memory.