Memory Controller Adaptive Garbage Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-volatile memory devices face delays in write and read operations due to insufficient free blocks, leading to inefficiencies in garbage collection processes, which can prolong response times.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a memory controller that determines the number of free blocks to be created during idle times using block consumption history, allowing for adaptive garbage collection and efficient allocation of resources to manage write operations and maintain optimal block availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If garbage collection operation is performed before write operation when free blocks are insufficient, then write operation can be enabled, but response time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrite operation availabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs garbage collection operations in advance during idle periods to create free blocks before they are needed for write operations. The memory controller monitors idle periods and proactively executes garbage collection to ensure free blocks are available, thereby avoiding delays when write operations need to occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the timing and frequency of garbage collection operations based on real-time monitoring of free block levels and workload conditions. When free blocks fall below a threshold or during detected idle periods, garbage collection is triggered adaptively rather than following a fixed schedule, optimizing the balance between maintaining write availability and minimizing response time delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If garbage collection operation is performed continuously to maintain free blocks, then free block availability is improved, but system productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefree block availabilityVSAvoidsystem throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs garbage collection operations periodically during detected idle periods rather than continuously. The memory controller monitors the memory device for idle periods and schedules garbage collection to occur during these intervals, ensuring free blocks are replenished without interfering with active write and read operations that contribute to system productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own idle periods to perform maintenance operations. By detecting when the memory device is not actively processing write or read requests, the controller automatically initiates garbage collection during these self-identified service windows, thereby maintaining free block availability without requiring external intervention or sacrificing productivity during active operation periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9256528B2Method for operating a memory controller and a system having the memory controller

Publication Date: 2016.02.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method for operating a memory controller includes determining a number of free blocks to be created during an idle time by using a block consumption history, and controlling a non-volatile memory device to perform a garbage collection operation during the idle time to create the determined number of free blocks.