Memory Controller Reusing Hibernation Storage Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing devices that support a hibernation state, the reserved hibernation storage space is largely unused during normal operation, leading to inefficiencies in storage management and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The method involves reserving hibernation storage space in non-volatile storage devices for hibernation-related information and reusing it for other storage tasks, such as over-provisioning and caching, by identifying and utilizing storage locations within this space for data storage and management functions while the system is in a normal state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hibernation storage space is reserved in non-volatile storage device, then hibernation functionality is ensured, but storage space utilization efficiency deteriorates during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space is dynamically allocated between hibernation functionality and normal storage operations. During normal operation, the reserved hibernation space is reused for caching and other storage tasks, and only reclaimed when hibernation is about to be entered. This dynamic reallocation resolves the contradiction by making the storage space adaptable to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The reserved hibernation storage space serves multiple functions: it is used for hibernation data storage when needed, and simultaneously reused for caching user data and other storage tasks during normal operation. This multi-functionality approach allows the same physical space to fulfill different purposes at different times, improving overall utilization efficiency while maintaining hibernation capability.
2Reliability
If hibernation storage space is left unused during normal operation, then data integrity for hibernation is maintained, but storage throughput deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller acts as an intermediary that manages the reserved hibernation storage space. It intelligently allocates this space for caching and storage tasks during normal operation, while ensuring that the space is reclaimed and made available for hibernation data when needed. The controller monitors and manages the space allocation, maintaining data integrity while improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
User data is cached in the reserved hibernation storage space before actual storage operations are completed. This preliminary caching action allows faster data access during normal operation, and the data is subsequently moved to permanent storage locations. This preliminary use of the reserved space improves storage throughput without compromising the ability to store hibernation data when needed.
3Productivity
If reserved hibernation storage space is reused for storage tasks, then storage speed is improved, but risk of data loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the state of the reserved hibernation storage space and the host system's operational state. When hibernation is detected or requested, the controller receives feedback and immediately stops using the reserved space for caching, ensuring data is preserved for hibernation. This feedback-driven control resolves the contradiction by dynamically adjusting space usage based on system state.
Solution Approach 2:
Before the host system enters hibernation, the memory controller performs preliminary actions to clear and prepare the reserved hibernation storage space. This ensures that when hibernation data needs to be written, the space is clean and available, eliminating the risk of data loss from previous caching operations. The preliminary preparation maintains storage speed benefits while ensuring data integrity for hibernation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for data storage includes, in a host system that operates alternately in a normal state and a hibernation state, reserving a hibernation storage space in a non-volatile storage device for storage of hibernation-related information in preparation for entering the hibernation state. While the host system is operating in the normal state, a storage task other than storage of the hibernation-related information is performed using at least a portion of the reserved hibernation storage space.