Hybrid Storage Device Dynamic Data Migration Between QLC and SLC Pools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face increasing demands for higher storage density and faster access times due to growing data volumes, particularly with high-resolution graphics and audio content, while also needing to reduce system size and improve responsiveness to user input.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid storage device is implemented, combining memory cells with different configurations for prioritizing storage density and access speed, using quad-level cells for higher density and single-level cells for quicker access, with data dynamically moved between these types based on predicted usage patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If QLC memory cells are used for storage, then storage density is improved, but access speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is segmented into multiple pools with different memory cell types (QLC, SLC, etc.), each optimized for specific characteristics. The controller dynamically segments data across these pools based on access patterns, allowing simultaneous utilization of high-density QLC storage and high-speed SLC storage to resolve the contradiction between storage density and access speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts data placement and migration between different memory cell types based on real-time access patterns and workload characteristics. Frequently accessed data is automatically migrated to faster cell types (SLC), while less frequently accessed data resides in higher-density cell types (QLC), making the storage system adaptive and resolving the static trade-off between density and speed.
2Quantity of substance
If storage capacity is increased to handle larger data volumes, then data volume handling is improved, but access time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively migrating data between storage pools based on predicted access patterns and workload analysis. Before data is actually needed, it is pre-positioned in optimal storage locations, reducing actual access time while maintaining large storage capacity. This anticipatory data placement resolves the contradiction between capacity and access time.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors access patterns, workload characteristics, and performance metrics, using this feedback to dynamically adjust data placement strategies. The system learns from past access behavior and optimizes future data placement, ensuring that frequently accessed data in large-capacity storage is quickly retrievable, thus resolving the capacity-access time trade-off.
3Volume of moving object
If system size is reduced, then device compactness is improved, but storage capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device uses a composite architecture combining multiple types of memory cells (QLC, SLC, and potentially other types) within a unified controller framework. This composite approach allows the system to achieve high storage capacity in a compact form factor by optimally utilizing the strengths of each cell type and dynamically managing data across them, resolving the contradiction between device size and storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure improve data availability by decreasing access times to obtain data from the storage device while still providing high memory density. A method may include receiving, by a controller of a non-volatile solid-state storage device, data with tags to be stored in a first portion configured as a first type and a second portion configured as a second type; receiving, by the controller, a storage command comprising an indicator, wherein at least some data associated with a tag identified by the indicator is stored in the first portion; and writing, by the controller based on receiving the storage command, the at least some data associated with the tag identified by the indicator from the first portion to the second portion. Other aspects are also disclosed.