Memory Control Circuit Unit Segmentation for Garbage Collection Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The efficiency of garbage collection operations in rewritable non-volatile memory storage apparatuses, such as solid state drives, is hindered by the need to move a high percentage of data during garbage collection, leading to reduced write amplification ratio and shortened lifespan due to invalid data sections caused by file allocation table updates.

Innovation Solution

A data writing method that selectively programs data into different physical erasing units based on their usage frequency and type, grouping logical units into areas to optimize data storage and reduce the amount of data that needs to be moved during garbage collection, thereby increasing the efficiency of the garbage collection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If data is written interleavely into the same physical erasing unit for both user data and file allocation table updates, then the storage structure is simple, but the garbage collection efficiency deteriorates due to high invalid data sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage structureVSAvoidgarbage collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage space into two separate areas: a first area for storing user data and a second area for storing file allocation table data. This segmentation prevents interleaved writing of user data and FAT updates into the same physical erasing unit, thereby reducing invalid data sections and improving garbage collection efficiency without significantly complicating the overall storage structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the file allocation table data storage function from the general user data storage area and creates a dedicated second area for FAT updates. This extraction isolates the FAT update operations from user data writes, preventing the creation of invalid data sections in the same physical erasing unit and thereby improving garbage collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Quantity of substance

If garbage collection moves 90% of data due to high invalid data sections, then the data movement volume increases, but the lifespan of the memory storage apparatus shortens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata movement volumeVSAvoidlifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the storage into separate first and second areas for user data and FAT updates respectively, the patent minimizes the creation of invalid data sections. This reduces the volume of data that needs to be moved during garbage collection operations, thereby decreasing wear on memory cells and extending the lifespan of the storage apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of frequent FAT updates (which create invalid data sections) into a benefit by dedicating a separate area for FAT storage. This isolation transforms what would be harmful interleaved writes into beneficial separated operations, reducing garbage collection overhead and extending device lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If garbage collection operates frequently to handle high invalid data sections, then the storage reliability improves, but the write amplification ratio increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage reliabilityVSAvoidwrite amplification ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments storage into separate areas for user data and FAT updates, which reduces the number of invalid data sections created during normal operations. This segmentation allows garbage collection to operate less frequently with lower intensity, thereby reducing the write amplification ratio while still maintaining storage reliability through proper data organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9298610B2Data writing method, memory control circuit unit and memory storage apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.03.29 PHISON ELECTRONICS

AI summary

A data writing method, and a memory control circuit unit and a memory storage apparatus using the method are provided. The method includes: grouping the logical units into a first area and at least a second area according to the write counts of the logical units configured on the memory apparatus. The method also includes: determining whether the logical unit corresponding to the received data belongs to the first area. The method further includes: if the logical unit corresponding to the received data belongs to the first area, programming the received data into a first active physical erasing unit, and if the logical unit corresponding to the received data belongs to the first area, programming the received data into a second active physical erasing unit. Accordingly, the method may improve the efficiency of a garbage collection operation.