Hybrid SLC MLC Flash Storage Controller Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices face a trade-off between high storage capacity, processing speed, and reliability, as SLC flash memories offer faster processing but lower capacity, while MLC flash memories provide greater capacity but slower processing and lower rewritability.
Innovation Solution
A storage device configuration that combines a binary SLC flash memory for high-speed, high-reliability data management with a multivalued MLC flash memory for increased capacity, using a controller to logically combine these areas and prioritize the SLC memory for frequently rewritten data like the file allocation table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If MLC flash memory is used for the entire storage area, then storage capacity is increased, but processing speed and rewritable capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into two distinct storage areas: a first storage area using binary SLC flash memory for high-speed operations, and a second storage area using multivalued MLC flash memory for high-capacity storage. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between speed and capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of flash memory are assigned to different regions of the storage device based on local requirements. The first storage area (head portion) uses SLC memory with superior speed and rewritability characteristics, while the second storage area (tail portion) uses MLC memory with higher density, creating local quality variations that satisfy diverse performance requirements simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If MLC flash memory is used for the entire storage area, then storage capacity is increased, but rewritable capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into two distinct storage areas: a first storage area using binary SLC flash memory for high-speed operations, and a second storage area using multivalued MLC flash memory for high-capacity storage. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between speed and capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of flash memory are assigned to different regions of the storage device based on local requirements. The first storage area (head portion) uses SLC memory with superior speed and rewritability characteristics, while the second storage area (tail portion) uses MLC memory with higher density, creating local quality variations that satisfy diverse performance requirements simultaneously.
3Quantity of substance
If data management information is stored in MLC flash memory, then storage capacity is maximized, but data writing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The head portion of the storage area is specifically designed with SLC flash memory to provide high-speed writing capability for data management information, while the tail portion uses MLC flash memory for high-capacity data storage. This local quality differentiation ensures that critical management operations occur at high speed without compromising overall storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Data management information such as file allocation tables is pre-positioned in the high-speed SLC memory area before actual data operations occur. This preliminary placement of management structures in the optimized region enables faster data access and management operations throughout the storage device.
4Ease of operation
If data management information is frequently rewritten, then file system functionality is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to lower rewritable capability
Solution Approach 1:
The head portion of the storage area is specifically designed with SLC flash memory to provide high-speed writing capability for data management information, while the tail portion uses MLC flash memory for high-capacity data storage. This local quality differentiation ensures that critical management operations occur at high speed without compromising overall storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Data management information such as file allocation tables is pre-positioned in the high-speed SLC memory area before actual data operations occur. This preliminary placement of management structures in the optimized region enables faster data access and management operations throughout the storage device.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes: a binary flash memory that has a first storage area and a capacity of storing two values per cell; a multivalued flash memory that has a second storage area and a capacity of storing at least three values per cell; and a controller configured to arrange the first storage area ahead of the second storage area, logically combine the first storage area with the second storage area to form a single combined storage area, and perform data reading and data writing from and into the combined storage area. Data management information is stored in a head of the combined storage area according to a predetermined file system. The storage device of this arrangement has the advantages of both an SLC flash memory and an MLC flash memory.