Memory Scheduler with Zone Standby Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contemporary memory devices face inefficiencies in managing multiple operation requests due to the lack of effective scheduling mechanisms, leading to potential delays and inefficiencies in processing sequences within memory systems.

Innovation Solution

A scheduler is introduced that includes zone standby units and an output processing unit to determine a processing sequence for operation requests based on logical addresses, ensuring efficient execution by rearranging requests in an output request set, and incorporating dynamic allocation and deadline management to prevent starvation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple operation requests are received without effective scheduling, then the memory device can handle request volume, but processing delays and inefficiencies occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverequest processing efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device is divided into multiple zones, each with its own standby unit. This segmentation allows independent management of requests for different zones, enabling parallel processing and reducing overall processing delay while maintaining high request handling capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Requests are pre-sorted and organized into zones based on their logical addresses before execution. The standby units prepare requests in advance, organizing them by zone and priority, which eliminates processing delays by having requests ready in the correct sequence when execution is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If zone standby units are introduced to manage requests, then processing sequence is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution efficiencyVSAvoidscheduler structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each standby unit serves multiple functions: it stores requests for its corresponding zone, manages request priority, and coordinates execution timing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, optimizing execution efficiency while keeping the overall structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The standby units act as intermediaries between the request input and the execution units. They buffer and organize requests, mediating the complexity of request management while presenting a simple interface to the execution system. This intermediary layer handles the scheduling complexity without increasing the complexity of the execution path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If requests are processed in arrival order, then implementation is simple, but starvation occurs and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling simplicityVSAvoidrequest completion guarantee

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling system dynamically adjusts request priorities based on zone status and request characteristics rather than using fixed arrival-order processing. This dynamic prioritization prevents starvation by ensuring that requests in zones with fewer pending operations or higher priority are processed first, while maintaining operational simplicity through automated zone-based management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9569381B2Scheduler for memory

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A scheduler controls execution in a memory of operation requests received in an input request set (IRS) by providing a corresponding output request set (ORS). The scheduler includes zone standby units having a one-to-one relationship with corresponding zones such that each zone standby unit stores an operation request. The scheduler also includes an output processing unit that determines a processing sequence for the operation requests stored in the zone standby units to provide the ORS.