Memory Controller Meta-Information Storage for SPO Resilience
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory systems face delays in processing commands due to the time required for mapping information between logical and physical addresses, especially during sudden power-offs, which can lead to synchronization failures and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a meta-information storage device that stores and updates mapping information in a nonvolatile memory, allowing for quick access and synchronization of mapping segments, even during power outages, by using a memory controller that manages flag information for synchronization and access counts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mapping information is stored in volatile memory for fast access, then command processing speed is improved, but data loss occurs during sudden power-off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of mapping information in nonvolatile memory (meta-information storage device) while maintaining the original in volatile memory (memory area). This copy serves as a backup that persists during power failures, allowing rapid recovery without losing mapping data, thus resolving the contradiction between fast access and data persistence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively stores mapping information in nonvolatile memory before power failure can occur. By maintaining updated copies in advance in the meta-information storage device, the system ensures that mapping data is already preserved and can be immediately retrieved after power restoration, preventing data loss without impacting access speed.
2Reliability
If mapping information is frequently updated to maintain accuracy, then synchronization is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides mapping information into segments stored in the memory area, with corresponding meta-information stored separately in the meta-information storage device. This segmentation allows selective updates of only the necessary portions rather than entire mapping tables, reducing update time while maintaining synchronization accuracy for changed segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the essential synchronization information (meta-information) from the full mapping data and stores it separately in nonvolatile memory. This extraction allows the system to verify and update mapping accuracy by checking compact meta-information rather than processing complete mapping tables, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining reliability.
3Speed
If complete mapping information is stored in memory area for quick access, then access speed is improved, but memory resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing all mapping information in the memory area, the system stores only essential meta-information in the nonvolatile memory device and maintains a smaller set of active mapping segments in the memory area. This copying approach allows rapid access to frequently used mappings while using nonvolatile storage for comprehensive backup, reducing memory resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new storage dimension by using nonvolatile meta-information storage device alongside the volatile memory area. This creates a hierarchical storage structure where the memory area holds active segments for fast access and the nonvolatile device holds complete mapping information, effectively distributing data across different storage dimensions to optimize both speed and resource usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a memory system, a memory controller and a meta-information storage device. By providing a memory device configured to store mapping information between a logical address and a physical address, a memory controller configured to control the memory device and control a memory area in which mapping segments including some of the mapping information are stored and a meta-information storage device configured to store meta-information on the memory area, it is possible to provide a memory system, a memory controller and a meta-information storage device capable of processing a command received from a host as quickly as possible even when an SPO occurs.