Memory Controller Data Temperature Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory management systems for non-volatile storage mediums like flash memory face inefficiencies due to limited storage space and high write amplification, which is exacerbated by the mixing of hot and cold data in the same blocks during garbage collection, leading to unnecessary write operations.
Innovation Solution
A memory system and method that determine valid pages based on data temperature and delay garbage collection for blocks with hot data, allowing more time for hot data to be invalidated, thereby reducing write amplification by separating hot and cold data into different blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If garbage collection is performed on blocks containing both hot and cold data, then storage space is reclaimed, but write amplification increases due to unnecessary write operations on hot data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data into hot data and cold data based on access patterns, and further segments storage blocks into hot data blocks and cold data blocks. This segmentation allows the garbage collection process to selectively operate only on cold data blocks, avoiding unnecessary write operations on hot data while still reclaiming storage space effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different parts of the storage system by maintaining separate management policies for hot and cold data blocks. Cold data blocks are subject to garbage collection while hot data blocks are protected, creating local quality differences that optimize overall system performance by reducing write amplification in critical areas.
2Productivity
If hot data is frequently rewritten in the same blocks, then data accessibility is maintained, but the lifespan of the memory device decreases due to excessive write operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into separate hot data blocks and cold data blocks, allowing hot data to be confined to specific blocks that are excluded from garbage collection. This segmentation enables frequent rewriting of hot data without the compounding effect of garbage collection writes, thereby extending the overall lifespan of the memory device while maintaining data accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of data into hot and cold categories based on access patterns, and preliminarily assigns hot data to protected blocks before garbage collection operations occur. This preliminary action prevents hot data from being subjected to future garbage collection writes, proactively extending device lifespan while preserving data accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system include a memory device including a plurality of blocks, each of the blocks having a plurality of pages, and a controller suitable for determining valid pages from among the plurality of pages based on data temperature, and performing a garbage collection process based on a number of valid pages and data temperature of the valid pages.