Memory Data Transfer Optimization Using Access Counters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems inefficiently perform data transfer operations by not considering factors like data temperature, access frequency, and retention life, leading to suboptimal transfer of hot and cold data, which increases system overhead and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
The memory system selects source and destination memory cells based on access operations, prioritizing the transfer of cold data to multiple level cell blocks and hot data to single level cell blocks to reduce access overhead, using counters to track access operations and optimize data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transfer operations are performed without considering data temperature and access frequency, then the memory system operates with simple transfer logic, but system efficiency deteriorates and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by tracking access frequency and data temperature in advance before data transfer operations. Counters record how often data is accessed, and this information is used proactively to determine optimal transfer timing and destination, preventing inefficient transfers before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access frequency counters continuously monitor data access patterns and feed this information back to the data transfer logic. This feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust transfer decisions based on actual usage patterns, improving efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through structured feedback loops.
2Quantity of substance
If hot data is transferred to multiple level cell blocks, then storage capacity is optimized, but access speed and system performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different storage environments for different data types. Hot data (frequently accessed) is maintained in single level cell blocks with faster access characteristics, while cold data (infrequently accessed) is transferred to multiple level cell blocks with higher storage capacity. This spatial differentiation of storage quality optimizes both capacity and access speed for respective data types.
3Speed
If cold data remains in single level cell blocks, then access speed is maintained, but storage resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making data placement flexible and adaptive rather than static. Data is dynamically transferred between single level cell and multiple level cell blocks based on changing access patterns detected by counters. This dynamic repositioning ensures that storage resources are continuously optimized as data temperature changes, preventing both premature transfers and unnecessary retention of cold data in premium storage.
4Productivity
If data transfer operations are performed frequently, then data is kept in optimal locations, but system overhead and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing data transfer operations selectively rather than continuously. Transfer operations are triggered only when counter-threshold conditions indicate that data has become sufficiently cold to warrant relocation. This partial action approach avoids unnecessary transfer operations and associated power consumption while still maintaining adequate optimization of data placement.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for techniques for data transfer operations are described. A memory system may select a source set of memory cells and a destination set of memory cells using one or more counters corresponding to access operations for the source and the destination. For example, as part of a data transfer operation, the memory system may prioritize transferring data from a block with a lower quantity of read operations to a block with a lower quantity of access operations. In some cases, the memory system may prioritize transferring data from a page with a lower quantity of read operations to a page with a slower read duration.


