Memory Controller Prefetching Data via Address Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face increased complexity and manufacturing costs due to the need for additional resources and separate layers to prefetch data from auxiliary memory into main memory, which slows down access times.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a memory controller that predicts data access patterns and prefetched data into a faster storage region, modifying physical addresses to enable high-speed access without modifying the host or adding separate layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is prefetched from auxiliary memory into main memory using traditional techniques, then access speed is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional resources and separate layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the prefetch function into the memory controller itself, combining data access control and prefetch operations into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate prefetch layers or additional resources, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to prefetch data from auxiliary memory to main memory at high speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller performs prefetch operations autonomously based on access patterns it detects itself, without requiring external control logic or separate management layers. The controller monitors its own access behavior and automatically initiates prefetch operations, eliminating the need for additional resources while improving access speed
2Productivity
If traditional prefetch techniques are implemented, then data access performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional resources
Solution Approach 1:
By merging prefetch functionality into the existing memory controller, the patent avoids the need for additional hardware components that would increase manufacturing cost. The integrated approach uses the same physical resources to perform both control and prefetch operations, eliminating the need for separate prefetch layers and reducing overall system cost while maintaining improved data access performance
3Speed
If separate layers are added for prefetch operations, then access speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates separate prefetch layers by merging the functionality into the memory controller. The controller directly manages data movement from auxiliary memory to main memory using its existing structural components, thereby maintaining prefetch speed while significantly reducing the number of layers and overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a storage region in which first data is stored and that is accessed using a first virtual address, and a memory controller configured to control stored data stored in the storage region. The memory controller predicts second data to be accessed using a second virtual address based on the first virtual address, prefetches the second data into an external device, and modifies a physical address mapped to the second virtual address so that the prefetched second data is accessible by a host in communication with the storage device.