Memory Block Compaction Inhibition for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile memory devices, such as Flash devices, face inefficiencies in the compaction process due to the selection of memory blocks for erasure, which can lead to unnecessary copy operations and wear on the memory device, as blocks with imminent data invalidation are often selected for compaction, wasting resources.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to identify memory blocks predictive of imminent data invalidation and inhibit their selection for compaction, using criteria such as recent data invalidation, sequential address invalidation, and high-frequency data access, thereby reducing unnecessary copy operations and separating frequently-accessed data from static data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If memory blocks are selected for compaction based on traditional criteria, then compaction process can proceed, but unnecessary copy operations occur and memory device wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by identifying memory blocks with imminent data invalidation before the compaction process selects them. The memory controller proactively marks these blocks as ineligible for compaction based on prediction criteria (sequential address invalidation, high-frequency access patterns, recent invalidation events), preventing unnecessary copy operations before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring memory block characteristics such as data invalidation patterns, access frequencies, and address sequences. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust compaction block selection, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual memory usage patterns and prevents selection of blocks that would require immediate re-compaction.
2Productivity
If memory blocks with imminent data invalidation are selected for compaction, then compaction can proceed, but memory device wear increases due to frequent re-compaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prevents wear-induced re-compaction by proactively identifying blocks with imminent invalidation using prediction criteria such as sequential address invalidation patterns and high-frequency access monitoring. By marking these blocks as ineligible before compaction selection, the system avoids the wear cycle of compacting blocks that will soon require re-compaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from monitoring data invalidation patterns, access frequencies, and address sequences to dynamically prevent selection of blocks that would increase wear. This continuous feedback loop adjusts compaction decisions in real-time, protecting memory block lifespan based on actual usage behavior.
3Productivity
If all memory blocks are considered for compaction, then compaction coverage is maximized, but data management efficiency decreases due to scattered compaction data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts memory blocks with imminent data invalidation from the compaction candidate pool by marking them as ineligible based on prediction criteria. This separation creates two distinct groups: blocks suitable for compaction and blocks requiring protection, simplifying data management by concentrating compaction operations on stable data blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the memory block population into compaction-eligible blocks and compaction-ineligible blocks based on predicted invalidation patterns. This segmentation allows the compaction process to focus on stable data blocks, improving data management efficiency by reducing the scope of compaction operations and minimizing the complexity of tracking and managing scattered compaction data across all blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for storing data in a memory that includes multiple memory blocks, includes running a compaction process that selects one or more memory blocks containing both valid data and invalid data, copies the valid data from the selected memory blocks to other storage locations, and then erases the selected memory blocks. At least one memory block, which meets a criterion predictive of imminent invalidation of at least some of the data in the block, is identified. Selection of the identified memory block in the compaction process is inhibited.