Memory Log Buffer Retrieval Using Write and Retrieval Pointers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory sub-systems face inefficiencies in log retrieval, leading to increased latency and redundant data transfer due to frequent log retrieval, which affects quality of service and device health monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Implementing opportunistic log retrieval at a host-defined cadence and data transfer size using a memory sub-system controller with a log manager to manage log pointers efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent log retrieval is performed to monitor device health, then device health monitoring capability is improved, but latency increases and redundant data transfer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements opportunistic log retrieval at host-defined cadence, transforming continuous frequent retrieval into periodic scheduled retrieval. The log manager retrieves logs at predetermined intervals defined by the host, eliminating unnecessary frequent retrievals while maintaining effective device health monitoring through regular periodic checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary filtering of log data to identify only new or changed log entries before transfer. The log manager prepares and flags only the relevant log data that has changed since the last retrieval, so that when retrieval occurs, only necessary data is transferred, reducing redundant data transfer overhead.
2Reliability
If frequent log retrieval is performed to monitor device health, then device health monitoring capability is improved, but redundant data transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transfers only the specific log entries that have changed or are new, separating them from the complete log dataset. The log manager identifies and extracts only the relevant log data that has been modified since the last retrieval, eliminating redundant transfer of unchanged data while maintaining comprehensive device health monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data transfer from transferring complete log datasets to transferring only differential log entries. By changing the transfer parameter from full data sets to selective incremental updates, the system reduces redundant data transfer while maintaining effective monitoring capability.
3Loss of information
If traditional log retrieval methods are used, then complete log data is available, but quality of service deteriorates due to increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic log retrieval at host-defined cadence, balancing log data completeness with quality of service. The regular periodic retrieval ensures complete log data is captured over time while preventing quality of service deterioration by avoiding excessive frequent retrieval operations that would cause latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and flagging of only the log entries that have changed, so that the retrieval process focuses only on new data. This preliminary action ensures that complete log information is captured while minimizing the time and resources required for retrieval, thus maintaining quality of service.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory sub-system comprises a controller managing memory devices. The controller is configured to: maintain a write pointer referencing a next data item position within a log buffer; maintain a log retrieval pointer referencing a data retrieval position within the log buffer; store at a log buffer position specified by the write pointer, a data item reflecting a state of the system; advance the write pointer by a size of the data item; responsive to receiving, from a host, a log retrieval request, retrieve log data starting from the position within the log buffer referenced by the log retrieval pointer; transmit the retrieved log data to the host; advance the log retrieval pointer by a size of the retrieved log data; and responsive to determining that at least a part of log data has been overwritten in the log buffer, set the log retrieval pointer to match the write pointer.