Memory Log Buffer Retrieval with Circular Pointer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory sub-systems face inefficiencies in log retrieval, which can adversely affect latency and quality of service due to frequent media read operations and redundant data transmission, particularly when retrieving device health logs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an opportunistic log retrieval strategy at a host-defined cadence and data transfer size, utilizing host-defined pointers and circular log management to optimize log data handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent media read operations are performed to retrieve device health logs, then log retrieval completeness is improved, but latency and quality of service deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining a cache of log data in the memory sub-system that is populated in advance of host requests. The controller continuously updates the cache with new log entries from the media, so when the host requests logs, the most recent data is already available in the cache, eliminating the need for frequent media read operations and reducing latency while maintaining retrieval completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cache layer between the media and the host. This cache acts as a mediator that holds log data, allowing the host to retrieve logs without directly accessing the media. The controller manages this intermediary layer, transferring data from media to cache and from cache to host, thereby reducing media access frequency and improving quality of service.
2Loss of information
If traditional log retrieval methods are used, then log data is transmitted to the host, but redundant data transmission occurs and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary log data from the cache and transmits it to the host, rather than transmitting all available log data or repeatedly transmitting the same data. The controller identifies which log entries are new or updated since the last host request and transmits only those specific entries, eliminating redundant data transmission and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data transmission by implementing opportunistic retrieval at host-defined cadence and data transfer sizes. Instead of transmitting data in fixed small increments or all at once, the system adapts the transmission parameters based on host capabilities and requirements, optimizing the balance between data freshness and transfer efficiency.
3Productivity
If circular log management is implemented with host-defined pointers, then log buffer management is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the log buffer management functionality into the existing controller architecture, combining the circular buffer implementation with the controller's existing log management responsibilities. The host-defined pointers are integrated with the controller's existing knowledge of log structure and media layout, allowing the system to manage circular buffers without requiring separate complex management mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the host to define the pointers and retrieval parameters based on its own needs and capabilities. The host essentially serves itself by specifying how it wants log data retrieved (cadence, data transfer size, pointer positions), and the controller adapts to these host-defined parameters, reducing the need for complex controller-side management logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are systems and methods for internal log management in memory sub-systems. An example memory sub-system comprises a controller managing one or more memory devices. The controller is configured to perform operations, comprising: maintaining a write pointer referencing a next data item position within a log buffer residing on a memory device of the one or more memory devices; maintaining a log retrieval pointer referencing a data retrieval position within the log buffer; storing, at a log buffer position specified by the write pointer, a data item reflecting a state of the system; advancing the write pointer by a size of the data item; responsive to determining that the write pointer exceeds an end of the log buffer, wrapping the write pointer around the end of the log buffer; responsive to receiving, from a host, a log retrieval request, retrieving the log data starting from the position within the log buffer referenced by the log retrieval pointer; transmitting the retrieved log data to the host; advancing the log retrieval pointer by a size of the retrieved log data; responsive to determining that the log retrieval pointer exceeds the end of the log buffer, wrapping the log retrieval pointer around the end of the log buffer.