Memory Controller Block Segmentation for Reclaim Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent need for data reclaiming in nonvolatile memory systems leads to reduced read performance, as each reclaim operation incurs overhead and can unnecessarily degrade data reliability, especially when performed on all pages within a block without differentiation.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with a memory controller that divides blocks into 'normal' and 'weak' domains based on data reliability, allowing for targeted reclaiming and merging of data to reduce the frequency of reclaim operations and maintain performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reclaiming is performed frequently to maintain data reliability, then data reliability is improved, but read performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a memory block into two domains: a first domain containing data that requires frequent reclaiming to maintain reliability, and a second domain containing data that can tolerate less frequent reclaiming. This segmentation allows the system to apply different reclaiming strategies to different data portions, thereby maintaining overall data reliability while reducing the total frequency of reclaiming operations and preserving read performance.
2Reliability
If reclaiming is performed on all pages in a block, then data reliability is maintained, but the frequency of reclaiming increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different reclaiming policies to different domains within the same block based on their specific data characteristics and reliability requirements. The first domain undergoes frequent reclaiming operations to ensure high data reliability, while the second domain undergoes less frequent reclaiming, thereby reducing the overall frequency of reclaiming operations without compromising the reliability of critical data.
3Reliability
If new data is written to a new block without deleting old block, then data integrity is preserved, but overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first domain and second domain within the same block structure, allowing both domains to coexist and be managed together. This merging approach reduces overhead by utilizing the existing block structure rather than requiring separate blocks for different data types, thereby maintaining data integrity while minimizing the additional overhead associated with managing multiple separate blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes a nonvolatile memory having a first block and a memory controller configured to exchange data with the nonvolatile memory. The memory controller includes a first processor to divide the first block into first and second domains, a second processor to generate a reclaim signal by determining whether to perform reclaiming on each of the first and second domains and a third processor performer which reclaims each of the first and second domains according to the reclaim signal and merges the first and second domains.