Memory Data Relocation Based on Block Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face inefficiencies in data relocation operations due to fragmentation characteristics, leading to higher latency, power consumption, and processing load, particularly when dealing with more-fragmented data blocks.
Innovation Solution
A system that selects data relocation operations based on fragmentation characteristics, opting for relocation of invalid data for more-fragmented blocks and refraining from relocating invalid data for less-fragmented blocks to balance performance and storage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data relocation operations are performed on all blocks regardless of fragmentation characteristics, then storage space is reclaimed, but latency and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating data relocation operations based on the fragmentation characteristics of specific blocks. Instead of uniformly relocating data from all blocks, the system evaluates each block's fragmentation level and applies appropriate relocation strategies: blocks with high fragmentation undergo full data relocation, while blocks with low fragmentation skip invalid data relocation. This localized approach optimizes the balance between reclamation efficiency and operational performance.
2Quantity of substance
If data relocation operations are performed on all blocks regardless of fragmentation characteristics, then storage space is reclaimed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by tailoring data relocation operations to the specific fragmentation characteristics of each block. Blocks exhibiting high fragmentation patterns trigger comprehensive data relocation to reclaim storage space, whereas blocks with low fragmentation characteristics bypass invalid data relocation. This selective approach minimizes unnecessary power consumption while maintaining effective storage reclamation.
3Quantity of substance
If invalid data is relocated from less-fragmented blocks, then storage space is reclaimed efficiently, but processing load and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using fragmentation characteristics as a decision parameter for data relocation operations. The system monitors fragmentation levels in data blocks and dynamically adjusts relocation behavior: when fragmentation exceeds a threshold, full data relocation is initiated to reclaim space; when fragmentation remains below the threshold, the system skips invalid data relocation. This parameter-driven approach optimizes processing load by avoiding unnecessary operations on already-efficient blocks.
4Ease of manufacture
If a uniform data relocation strategy is applied to all blocks, then implementation is simple, but performance and efficiency are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from a static, uniform data relocation strategy to a dynamic, adaptive approach. The system continuously evaluates fragmentation characteristics of data blocks and adjusts relocation operations in real-time based on current block states. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize relocation efficiency for each block while maintaining manageable implementation complexity through automated decision-making based on measurable fragmentation parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for data relocation scheme selection for a memory system are described. A system may select, based on a fragmentation characteristic of data associated with a block of addresses, whether to perform a relocation associated with relocating invalid data, or to perform a relocation associated with refraining from relocating invalid data. A relocation associated with relocating invalid data may be selected for relatively more-fragmented data, which may avoid a relatively higher latency or processing load associated with evaluating validity or updating logical-to-physical mapping at a more-granular level. A relocation associated with refraining from relocating invalid data may be selected for relatively less-fragmented data, which may support increasing available space by relocating data to a physical block with available portions that may be written to, taking advantage of a relatively lower latency or processing load associated with evaluating validity or updating logical-to-physical mapping at a less-granular level.