Memory Garbage Collection Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face inefficiencies in performing garbage collection operations, particularly in scenarios where the number of free blocks is insufficient, leading to degraded foreground operation performance due to frequent garbage collection, which is triggered by insufficient memory space and workload intensity.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a controller that dynamically adjusts the frequency of garbage collection based on thresholds for free blocks and the ratio of program pages to valid page decreases, selectively performing garbage collection when the number of free blocks is below certain thresholds and the workload intensity meets specific criteria, thereby maintaining foreground operation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If garbage collection is frequently performed to recover memory space, then memory space availability is improved, but foreground operation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of garbage collection frequency from fixed/high to dynamic/adaptive based on workload characteristics. By monitoring the ratio of program pages to valid page decreases and comparing it against thresholds, the system adjusts garbage collection frequency to match actual memory pressure and workload intensity, thereby preventing unnecessary foreground performance degradation while maintaining sufficient memory space availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors workload characteristics (program pages and valid page decreases) and uses this information to adjust garbage collection behavior. The controller calculates the ratio of program pages to valid page decreases, compares it with predefined thresholds, and dynamically adjusts garbage collection frequency accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that balances memory space recovery with foreground operation performance
2Quantity of substance
If garbage collection is performed when free blocks are insufficient, then memory space is recovered, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple parameters for garbage collection decision-making beyond simple free block count, including the ratio of program pages to valid page decreases and workload intensity thresholds. This multi-parameter approach allows the system to distinguish between different workload scenarios and apply appropriate garbage collection strategies, reducing unnecessary operations while maintaining adequate free block levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the garbage collection operation dynamic by adjusting its frequency and intensity based on real-time workload characteristics. Rather than performing garbage collection at fixed intervals or solely based on free block thresholds, the system adapts its behavior to match current program patterns and memory pressure, optimizing the balance between recovering free blocks and maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system including: a memory device having an open block and a closed memory block; a page counting unit counting the number of program pages in the open block whenever a data is programmed in the open block, and counting the number of valid pages of the closed memory block; a valid page decrease amount counting unit calculating a total sum of valid pages decreased in the closed memory block before and after a map update operation; and a garbage collecting unit performing a garbage collection operation onto a victim block when the number of free blocks included in the memory device is less than a first threshold value and greater than a second threshold value, and a ratio of the number of the program pages in the open block to the total sum of the valid pages decreased is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value.