Memory Partitioning for External Data Garbage Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems in electronic devices do not effectively differentiate between external and internal data, leading to increased garbage collection operations and reduced memory lifespan when storing external data.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a memory divided into two types of data partitions, one for external data and one for internal data, where the host sends a write command with a logical unit number specifying the type of data partition, and the controller instructs the memory to write the data into physically distinct blocks based on the data type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory space is not divided into separate partitions for external and internal data, then the memory system is simpler to manage, but garbage collection operations increase in frequency and memory lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory space is divided into at least two separate partitions: a first partition for external data and a second partition for internal data. This segmentation allows independent management of each partition, enabling the system to perform garbage collection only on the external data partition when needed, thereby reducing overall garbage collection frequency and extending memory lifespan while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different management policies are applied to different partitions based on their specific requirements. The external data partition can be independently optimized for garbage collection operations, while the internal data partition maintains its own management characteristics. This local quality approach allows tailored optimization for each partition's data access patterns and retention requirements.
2Productivity
If external data is stored in the same memory blocks as internal data, then memory space utilization is maximized, but garbage collection operations on internal data are increased
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting memory into separate partitions for external and internal data, the system enables selective garbage collection operations. When external data needs to be cleared, only the first partition is targeted, avoiding unnecessary garbage collection operations on the second partition containing internal data. This reduces the time lost to garbage collection while maintaining efficient data management through structured partitioning.
3Ease of operation
If no logical unit number specification is used for data types, then the write command structure is simpler, but the controller cannot differentiate between external and internal data
Solution Approach 1:
The logical unit number field in the write command serves multiple functions: it identifies both the target memory partition and encodes the data type information (external or internal data). This multi-functional use of the logical unit number maintains relative simplicity in the command structure while enabling the controller to differentiate between data types and route them to appropriate partitions for storage and management.
Data Source
AI summary
The computer system includes a host, a controller and a memory. The memory space of the memory is divided into at least two types of data partitions. The host is configured to send a write command to the controller. The write command includes first data to be written into the memory and logical unit number into which the first data is to be written. The logical unit number is specified according to the type of the data partition. The controller is configured to instruct the memory to write the first data into a physical memory block corresponding to the logical unit number in the memory according to the logical unit number. A physical memory block corresponding to the first type of the data partition is different from a physical memory block corresponding to the second type of the data partition.