Key-Value Storage Controller Interface Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor memory systems face complexity in managing storage devices due to the need for separate commands for user data and administrative operations, leading to a complicated interface and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a nonvolatile memory and a storage controller that uses key-value (KV) commands to differentiate between user and internal keys, allowing for unified management of data and administrative operations through a key-index system, simplifying the interface and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate commands are defined for user data and administrative operations, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and interface complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single unified command structure that can handle both user data operations and administrative operations. The storage device uses a common read command and write command that can process different types of data (user data, internal data, admin data) based on key prefixes, eliminating the need for separate commands for each operation type while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by using key prefixes to categorize different types of data within a unified command structure. User data keys start with 'u', internal data keys start with 'i', and admin data keys start with 'a'. This segmentation allows the storage device to distinguish between different operation types through the key structure rather than requiring separate commands, thus reducing interface complexity while preserving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple command types are used for different operations, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes operations simpler by providing a universal command interface where the same read and write commands can be used for all types of operations (user data, internal data, admin data). The distinction between operation types is handled automatically through key prefixes, so users don't need to learn multiple command types, improving ease of operation while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate commands are defined for user and admin operations, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by implementing a single unified command processing architecture that handles all operation types through the same command structure. This eliminates the need for multiple separate command processing paths in the storage device, reducing hardware complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving full functional capability for both user and administrative operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges user data operations, internal data operations, and administrative operations into a single unified command processing system. By combining multiple separate command handling mechanisms into one unified structure that uses key prefixes for differentiation, the patent reduces the overall complexity and cost of manufacturing the storage device while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
An operation method of a storage device (120), which includes a nonvolatile memory device (122) , includes receiving a first key-value (KV) command including a first key from an external host device (110) ; transmitting a first value corresponding to the first key from the nonvolatile memory device to the external host device as first user data, in response to the first KV command; receiving a second KV command including a second key, from the external host device; and performing a first administrative operation based on a second value corresponding to the second key, in response to the second KV command. The first KV command and the second KV command are KV commands of a same type.