Memory Controller Volatile Meta-Data Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory systems require significant resources to manage meta-data and meta-logs, leading to inefficiencies in data processing and storage, particularly due to the need for extensive storage and update operations across multiple regions.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a nonvolatile memory device and separate volatile memory regions for meta-data and meta-logs, where meta-data is stored based on logical address ranges and meta-logs are managed to optimize storage and update operations, allowing for efficient data processing and reduced resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If meta-data and meta-logs are managed using conventional methods, then data storage functionality is maintained, but resource consumption increases and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the volatile memory into two separate regions: a first volatile memory region for storing meta-data and a second volatile memory region for storing meta-logs. This segmentation allows independent management of meta-data and meta-logs, enabling parallel processing operations and reducing resource conflicts, thereby improving data processing efficiency while optimizing resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a threshold range mechanism as an intermediary to control when and how meta-logs are merged into meta-data. By comparing the logical address range of meta-data with the predetermined threshold range, the system determines whether to store meta-data directly in the first region or to store it as meta-log in the second region, enabling efficient batch processing and reducing overall resource consumption.
2Reliability
If meta-logs are stored and managed separately, then data integrity is maintained, but storage operations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the logical address range as a dynamic parameter to determine storage behavior. By comparing the logical address range of meta-data with a predetermined threshold range, the system automatically adjusts its storage strategy: storing meta-data directly when within threshold, or storing as meta-log when outside threshold. This parameter-based approach maintains data integrity through structured management while simplifying control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary comparison of the logical address range against the threshold range before executing storage operations. This preliminary action determines the appropriate storage path in advance, preventing complex decision-making during actual storage operations and reducing operational complexity while ensuring data integrity through consistent management rules.
3Loss of time
If meta-data is updated frequently, then data currency is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic merging of meta-logs into meta-data based on threshold conditions. Instead of continuous updates, the system accumulates meta-logs in the second volatile memory region and periodically merges them with meta-data in the first region when the threshold is met. This periodic action reduces processing time by batching operations while maintaining data currency through regular synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary storage of meta-logs in the second volatile memory region before merging them with meta-data. This preliminary action allows meta-logs to be accumulated and organized in advance, enabling efficient batch processing that reduces overall processing time while ensuring data currency is maintained through systematic merging operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system may include: a nonvolatile memory device suitable for storing write-requested data; and a controller including a first volatile memory region suitable for storing meta-data for the write-requested data and a second volatile memory region suitable for storing a meta-log for the meta-data, the controller may store the meta-data or the meta-log according to a logical address range of the meta-data.