Memory Subsystem Garbage Collection Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory sub-systems face inefficiencies in garbage collection operations, which are power-intensive and often wasteful when not critical, due to the lack of adaptive parameter adjustment based on the operation's criticality level.
Innovation Solution
A memory sub-system that adjusts parameters for garbage collection operations based on the criticality level, reducing battery power consumption by modifying factors such as time duration and power levels, allowing for optimized performance during both urgent and non-urgent situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional garbage collection operations are performed with fixed parameters, then the memory sub-system ensures data integrity and completes cleanup tasks, but battery power is excessively consumed even when operations are not critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making garbage collection parameters adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically modifies parameters such as read voltage levels, program voltage levels, and operation timing based on the criticality assessment of each garbage collection operation. This allows the system to adapt power consumption to actual needs while maintaining data integrity through appropriate parameter selection for each operation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly implements parameter changes by modifying physical parameters (voltage levels, time durations) of garbage collection operations based on criticality. Non-critical operations use reduced voltage levels and extended timing to lower power consumption, while critical operations use standard parameters to ensure reliability. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between power efficiency and data integrity.
2Productivity
If garbage collection operations are performed frequently to maintain memory efficiency, then available memory space is maintained, but system resources are unnecessarily expended on non-urgent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating treatment based on the local condition of each garbage collection operation's criticality. Instead of applying uniform resource allocation to all garbage collection tasks, the system assesses each operation's urgency and allocates resources accordingly. Non-urgent operations receive reduced resource allocation (lower power modes), while urgent operations receive full resources, optimizing overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by performing garbage collection operations at reduced capacity when not critical. Non-critical operations use reduced power modes with lower voltage levels and extended timing, performing the necessary cleanup function with partial resource expenditure. This allows memory efficiency to be maintained while avoiding excessive resource consumption on operations that can tolerate slower execution.
3Ease of operation
If standard garbage collection parameters are used for all operations, then operational simplicity is maintained, but performance optimization for different criticality levels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the memory sub-system controller to automatically assess criticality and select appropriate parameters without external intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of parameter selection by implementing internal criticality assessment logic that automatically adjusts operation parameters based on current memory conditions and operation urgency, maintaining ease of operation while achieving performance optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to media management, including “garbage collection,” in memory or storage systems or sub-systems, such as solid state drives, are described. For example, a criticality value can be determined and used as a basis for managing a garbage collection operation on a data block. A controller or the system or sub-system may determine that a criticality value associated with performing a garbage collection operation satisfies a condition. Based on determining that the condition is satisfied, a parameter associated with performing the garbage collection operation can be adjusted. The garbage collection operation is performed on the data block stored on the memory component using the adjusted parameter.