Integrated Memory Assembly Data Relocation for Fragmentation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile semiconductor storage systems face inefficiencies due to data fragmentation, leading to wasted space as valid data becomes separated by invalid data, necessitating a method to reclaim space by relocating and compacting data within the memory array.
Innovation Solution
An integrated memory assembly with a control die and memory die that relocates data from one set of physical addresses to another, updating the logical to physical address translation table to compact data and remove gaps, thereby optimizing storage efficiency without transferring data to the memory controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is stored in memory blocks and overwritten or deleted, then data storage capacity is increased, but data fragmentation occurs and space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control die performs preliminary data relocation and compaction operations before the memory becomes fully fragmented. By proactively moving valid data to contiguous locations and updating L2P tables, the system prevents severe fragmentation from developing, maintaining space efficiency without requiring frequent full-memory relocation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control die autonomously manages data relocation and compaction operations without requiring intervention from the host system. It monitors memory usage, identifies fragmented data, and automatically relocates valid data while updating address translation tables, enabling the memory system to self-optimize its space utilization.
2Ease of operation
If the storage system performs address translation using L2P tables, then logical address management is improved, but data relocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The L2P table is segmented into multiple pages stored in the memory array, with each page containing translations for a subset of logical addresses. The control die manages these segments independently, allowing efficient updates and reducing the complexity of relocating entire address translation structures during data relocation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control die acts as an intermediary between the host system and the memory array, managing L2P table updates during data relocation. It reads relevant L2P pages, updates physical address mappings for relocated data, and writes updated pages back to memory, simplifying the overall relocation process by centralizing translation management.
3Power
If data relocation is performed by the memory controller, then data transfer capability is sufficient, but power consumption and transfer time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the data relocation function from the external memory controller to the internal control die, changing the spatial dimension of where relocation occurs. This internal relocation eliminates the need for data to traverse the external interface, reducing both power consumption and transfer time while maintaining full relocation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control die performs data relocation operations autonomously within the integrated memory assembly, serving its own data management needs without requiring external controller intervention. This self-service approach reduces power consumption by keeping data transfers internal and eliminates external transfer time delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is disclosed for relocating data in a non-volatile storage system. An integrated memory assembly has a control die and a memory die that contains the memory cells. The control die contains control circuitry that relocates data from one set of physical addresses on the memory die to another set of physical addresses on the memory die. This relocation results in a change of a mapping between logical addresses for the data and the physical addresses for the data. The control circuitry may update an L2P table on the memory die after the relocation to map the logical addresses of the data to the second set of physical addresses. The control die may construct a validity bitmap, which specifies whether data at a physical address is valid or invalid. The foregoing reduces data transfer between the integrated memory assembly and a memory controller, which saves time and power.