Memory Subsystem Namespace Mapping With Integrated Free-Block Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory sub-systems suffer from redundancy in namespace management due to the use of both a free list and a namespace map, which occupies unnecessary memory and reduces efficiency and latency.
Innovation Solution
A memory sub-system that manages namespace blocks using a single namespace map without a separate free list, utilizing indicators within the namespace map to differentiate between allocated and unallocated blocks, allowing for efficient mapping and allocation of namespace blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both a free list and a namespace map are used to manage namespace blocks, then namespace allocation can be tracked, but memory redundancy increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the free list and namespace map into a single namespace map structure. The namespace map directly tracks the allocation state of each namespace block using status indicators (e.g., allocated, free, reserved), eliminating the need for a separate free list. This merging reduces memory redundancy while maintaining reliable namespace allocation tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The namespace map is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks allocated blocks, identifies free blocks, and manages reserved blocks all within a single data structure. This multi-functionality replaces the traditional two-structure approach (free list + namespace map), reducing overall memory consumption while maintaining full namespace management capability.
2Ease of operation
If a separate free list is maintained alongside the namespace map, then free namespace blocks can be identified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the free list functionality into the namespace map by incorporating status indicators that directly mark free blocks within the same data structure. This eliminates the need for separate free list maintenance and reduces operational complexity while preserving the ability to easily identify free namespace blocks.
3Manufacturing precision
If redundant namespace management structures are used, then namespace blocks can be mapped accurately, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple namespace management structures into a single unified namespace map, reducing the number of data structure operations required during namespace block mapping. This consolidation maintains mapping accuracy through comprehensive status tracking while reducing latency by eliminating redundant lookups and operations across separate structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for clock domain crossing queue are described. A memory sub-system can generate a namespace map having a set of namespace blocks associated with a memory sub-system. The namespace blocks can include one or more logical block addresses associated with the memory sub-system. One namespace block of the set of namespace blocks can include an indication that can indicate that the namespace block and each namespace block following the namespace block are available for mapping. The memory sub-system can receive a request to create a namespace and sequentially map one or more available namespace blocks to the namespace according to the ordering of the namespace map, including the namespace block with the indication.