Hierarchical Memory Controller Zone Data Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient operation policy in memory devices to store data between processors and memory, particularly to enhance data read speed and operation efficiency, given the increasing speed of hosts and storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device configuration with a hierarchical structure including a first memory device, a second memory device with zones, and storage, managed by a controller that copies frequently read data across these levels to optimize caching and reduce access to slower storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is stored in hierarchical memory structure with multiple zones, then data read speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second memory device is divided into three distinct zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) with different functions. The first zone stores frequently accessed data, the second zone stores less frequently accessed data, and the third zone stores rarely accessed data. This segmentation allows the system to optimize read speed by serving data from appropriate zones while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through clear functional differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the memory structure by organizing memory devices into multiple levels (first memory device, second memory device with zones, and storage). This dimensional organization enables the system to achieve faster read speeds for frequently accessed data while maintaining comprehensive storage capacity, resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity through spatial hierarchy.
2Productivity
If frequently read data is copied across multiple memory zones, then operation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively copies frequently read data from the first memory device to the first zone of the second memory device before it is actually needed. This preliminary action ensures that when data is requested, it is already in the optimal location for fast access, improving operation efficiency. The system monitors access patterns and performs pre-copying operations during low-demand periods, balancing energy consumption with performance gains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where the controller creates replicas of frequently accessed data across multiple memory zones. Instead of moving data physically, the system maintains copies in different zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) based on access frequency. This copying approach improves operation efficiency by enabling fast access from multiple locations while managing energy consumption by selectively copying only high-frequency data.
3Speed
If data is stored in faster memory devices, then data read speed is improved, but storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different storage characteristics to different zones based on their functional requirements. The first zone in the second memory device is optimized for fast access and stores frequently accessed data, while the third zone has larger capacity but slower access characteristics and stores rarely accessed data. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve fast read speeds for active data while maintaining adequate total storage capacity through the combination of all zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The hierarchical memory structure implements a nested organization where the first memory device is contained within the second memory device, which in turn is contained within the overall storage system. This nesting arrangement allows faster memory devices to be embedded within slower, higher-capacity storage, enabling the system to provide fast access for frequently accessed data while maintaining large total storage capacity through the nested hierarchy of memory devices and zones.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes a first memory device storing first data; a second memory device including a first zone storing second data, a second zone storing third data, and a third zone storing fourth data; a storage; and a controller in communication with the first memory device, the second memory device, and the storage and configured to receive one or more requests from a host and control an input and output of data from and to the first memory device, the second memory device, and the storage in response to the one or more requests from the host. The controller is further configured to copy a portion of the first data read from the first memory device to the first zone, copy a portion of the second data read from the first zone to the second zone, copy a portion of the third data read from the second zone to the third zone, and store data read more than a set number of times among data stored in the first memory device and the second memory device in the third zone.