Memory Controller Buffering for Overlapping Logical Write Addresses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage apparatuses face inefficiencies in data writing and reading speeds due to unnecessary programming of data with overlapping logical addresses, leading to waste of storage medium and accelerated aging.

Innovation Solution

A data storage apparatus with a memory controller that buffers write data and generates program commands with updated logical addresses, avoiding unnecessary programming by comparing and updating buffering information to ensure data is only written once.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If write data is programmed to storage medium without checking for overlapping logical addresses, then data write speed is improved, but storage medium is wasted and aging accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata write speedVSAvoidstorage medium waste

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by checking for overlapping logical addresses before programming data to the storage medium. The memory controller compares the logical address of incoming write data with existing logical addresses in the storage medium, and only programs data if no overlap is detected. This preventive check avoids unnecessary programming operations that would waste storage medium and accelerate aging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If write data with overlapping logical addresses is programmed, then data write throughput is improved, but storage medium lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata write throughputVSAvoidstorage medium lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring logical address overlaps during data writing operations. The memory controller receives write data, checks its logical address against existing addresses in the storage medium, and based on this feedback, decides whether to program the data or discard it. This feedback mechanism ensures that unnecessary programming operations that would reduce storage medium lifespan are prevented, while maintaining efficient data writing when no overlaps exist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If buffer memory is used to store write data before programming, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidmemory controller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using buffer memory to temporarily store write data before programming it to the storage medium. This buffering allows the memory controller to perform logical address overlap checks and other validation operations before committing data to the storage medium, thereby improving data integrity. The buffer acts as an intermediate stage that enables thorough verification without compromising writing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260037179A1Data storage apparatus for managing write data having overlapped logical address, operation method thereof, and memory controller

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A data storage apparatus includes a storage medium and a memory controller. The memory controller may change a buffering address of write data to an address in which new write data is stored when a new write request for the same logical address as a logical address of cached old write data is received and the old write data is not yet programed.