Map Cache Buffer Allocation in Flash Translation Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage apparatuses using memory devices face challenges in managing map cache buffers efficiently, leading to potential operation errors and increased maintenance costs due to direct access and correction of map-related data structures by multiple modules, which complicates the dependency between these modules.
Innovation Solution
A data storage apparatus with a nonvolatile memory device and a processor, incorporating a flash translation layer (FTL) that includes a map module for managing the map cache data structure and a map cache allocation module to handle allocation requests, reducing the need for direct access and correction by other modules, thereby minimizing operation errors and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple modules directly access and correct the map-related data structure, then operational flexibility and direct control are improved, but the risk of operation errors increases and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a map module as an intermediary between other modules and the map cache data structure. The map module centrally manages all access and corrections to the map-related data structure, preventing direct access by multiple modules. This intermediary approach maintains operational flexibility while reducing operation errors by ensuring controlled, centralized management of the data structure.
2Speed
If multiple modules directly access and correct the map-related data structure, then direct control and responsiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data structure management functionality from multiple modules and consolidates it into a dedicated map module. This separation removes the complexity of inter-module dependencies regarding map cache management, while the map module provides rapid response to allocation requests through its specialized design.
3Ease of manufacture
If other modules directly access and correct the map cache data structure, then ease of implementation is improved, but maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The map module serves as an intermediary that simplifies implementation for other modules (they only need to interact with the map module's interface) while reducing maintenance costs by centralizing all map cache data structure management logic in one place, making debugging and updates more efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage apparatus includes a nonvolatile memory device, a processor configured to control operation of the nonvolatile memory device, and a memory loaded with a flash translation layer (FTL) including modules, the memory including a map cache buffer configured to cache at least one map segment. The modules include a map module configured to manage a map cache data structure related to the map cache buffer and a map cache allocation module configured to receive, from a module other than the map module, an allocation request for an allocating region having a required size in the map cache buffer; provide the allocation request to the map module; receive allocable size information from the map module; and provide the allocable size information to the module.