Interleaved NVM Direct Access Mode Allocation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Interleaved non-volatile memory (NVM) systems face challenges in efficient allocation of direct access mode (DAM) space due to fragmentation, leading to limited utilization of memory capacity and potential failure in allocating new or expanding existing DAM spaces, as traditional methods fail to find contiguous free memory areas across interleaved modules.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system and method that maps memory space status across interleaved NVM modules to select a contiguous region with both free and block access memory space, frees up block access memory space as needed, and allocates it for direct access mode, optimizing DAM space allocation by using lists of free memory regions and relocation techniques to ensure maximum capacity utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional memory allocation methods are used in interleaved NVM systems, then memory allocation is simple, but memory capacity utilization is limited due to fragmentation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory capacity utilizationVSAvoidallocation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory allocation process into distinct components: a memory allocation manager that oversees multiple interleaved NVM modules, individual module allocators that track free space in each module, and a coordination layer that distributes allocation requests. This segmentation allows the system to manage fragmentation across multiple modules while maintaining efficient utilization of total memory capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a memory allocation manager as an intermediary layer between the host system and the interleaved NVM modules. This mediator coordinates allocation requests across multiple modules, tracks fragmentation status, and makes intelligent decisions about where to allocate space, thereby improving overall capacity utilization without requiring changes to the underlying NVM hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If contiguous free memory areas are required for DAM space allocation, then allocation reliability is improved, but allocation flexibility deteriorates due to fragmentation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveallocation reliabilityVSAvoidallocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic allocation strategies that adapt to changing memory conditions. The allocation manager continuously monitors free space and fragmentation across interleaved modules, adjusting allocation decisions in real-time. When contiguous space is available, it allocates reliably; when fragmentation occurs, it dynamically switches to non-contiguous allocation across multiple modules, maintaining both reliability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the allocation parameter from requiring strict contiguity to allowing non-contiguous allocation across interleaved modules. By modifying this key parameter, the system can accommodate fragmented memory conditions while still providing reliable DAM space allocation. The allocation manager tracks logical contiguity even when physical contiguity is not possible across module boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If memory space is mapped across interleaved NVM modules, then DAM space allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDAM space allocation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory mapping function into modular components: a top-level memory space map that tracks overall allocation across interleaved modules, and individual module-level maps that track local free space and fragmentation. This segmentation allows efficient DAM space allocation by enabling the system to query and update specific module states without processing the entire memory space, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If block access memory space is freed for DAM allocation, then memory utilization is improved, but access time increases due to data relocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory utilizationVSAvoiddata relocation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively freeing block access memory space only when necessary for DAM allocation, rather than performing full memory defragmentation or relocation. The allocation manager identifies specific blocks that can be converted from BAM to DAM usage, freeing only the minimum necessary space to satisfy allocation requests, thereby improving memory utilization while minimizing data relocation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10282287B2Interleaved direct access mode in byte addressible memory and related devices and systems

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Memory devices and systems having direct access mode (DAM) space allocation across interleaved non-volatile memory (NVM) modules, as well as methods of allocating direct access mode (DAM) space across interleaved non-volatile memory (NVM) modules are disclosed and described.