Memory Controller Dynamic Mapping Area Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in quickly processing commands and referencing necessary mapping information due to the dynamic nature of workload and address patterns, leading to suboptimal performance and increased overhead.
Innovation Solution
A memory system and controller that dynamically update a reference parameter based on workload information, determining whether to activate a memory area for storing mapping information between logical and physical addresses, optimizing the storage and retrieval of this information to enhance command processing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mapping information is stored in a memory area outside the memory system, then host can quickly access mapping information, but memory system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides mapping information into two parts: frequently accessed mapping information is stored in a memory area outside the memory system (e.g., host memory) for quick access, while less frequently accessed mapping information remains in the memory device. This segmentation allows the host to quickly access hot mapping information without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a memory controller as an intermediary that manages the mapping information stored outside the memory system. The memory controller handles the coordination between the host and memory device, maintaining the mapping information and managing data transfers, thereby isolating the complexity from both the host and memory device.
2Speed
If memory area is activated to store mapping information, then command processing speed improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically activates or deactivates the memory area outside the memory system based on workload conditions. When workload exceeds a threshold, the memory area is activated to store mapping information for faster access. When workload is low, the memory area is deactivated to save power, thus adapting the system state to current needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of the memory area (activated/deactivated) based on workload monitoring. This parameter change allows the system to switch between power-efficient mode and high-performance mode, optimizing the trade-off between speed and power consumption.
3Speed
If mapping information is cached in memory controller, then access speed improves, but memory controller complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the caching function by storing only frequently accessed mapping information (hot data) in the memory controller's volatile memory, while keeping the complete mapping information in the memory device or external memory area. This selective caching reduces the memory controller's complexity compared to caching all mapping information.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory controller, a memory system including the memory controller and a method for operating the memory system are disclosed. The memory controller updates a reference parameter for a memory area in which at least part of the mapping information is stored and determines whether to activate the memory area based on the reference parameter to effectively execute commands received from a host.