Memory Controller Write Buffer Timing Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid state drives (SSDs) face variability in write command latency due to the full state of the write buffer memory, leading to increased latency and reduced performance when the buffer is full, and existing solutions do not effectively manage this variability to stabilize throughput and reduce power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a controller that manages the write buffer by calculating filling and release times, controlling the transmission of permission signals to maintain a balance between write data storage and compaction processes, and employing an equalized reception mode to distribute data reception evenly, thereby reducing the period of full buffer states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the write buffer memory is used to temporarily store write data, then data transfer speed is improved, but write command latency increases when the buffer is full
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates and predicts when the write buffer will be full based on current fill rate and remaining capacity, then proactively adjusts the permission signal transmission timing to prevent the buffer from becoming full during data reception, thereby avoiding write command latency spikes
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing of permission signal transmissions based on real-time buffer status and predicted fill rates, changing from static fixed timing to adaptive dynamic timing to optimize both data transfer speed and latency performance
2Productivity
If the controller immediately transmits permission signals to receive write data, then throughput is maximized, but buffer full states cause latency variability
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary calculations of buffer fill timing and predicts future buffer states before transmitting permission signals, allowing it to schedule data reception in advance to prevent buffer full conditions and stabilize latency
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual buffer fill status and compares it with predicted values, using this feedback to adjust permission signal transmission timing and optimize both throughput and latency stability
3Productivity
If the write buffer is kept full to maximize data reception, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases due to extended buffer occupancy
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates when the buffer will be full and proactively ends data reception before actual fullness occurs, reducing buffer occupancy time and associated power consumption while maintaining efficient data transfer through optimized permission signal timing
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes a nonvolatile memory unit, a write buffer, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a write command from a host, send a permission signal to the host after the write command is received, receive write data associated with a write command from the host in response to the permission signal, store the write data in the write buffer, and transfer the write data stored in the write buffer to the nonvolatile memory unit. The controller controls a timing of transmitting the permission signal, such that the write buffer is full for no longer than a predetermined length of time.