Memory Sub-System Controller Disassociation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current host systems fail to effectively communicate to memory sub-system controllers that data is no longer needed, leading to unnecessary write amplification and wear on non-volatile memory devices, as traditional deallocation commands do not transmit this information, resulting in persistent storage of unused data.
Innovation Solution
A memory sub-system that can identify non-volatile memory units used by the host system as main memory and disassociate them by receiving specific commands from the host system, marking these units as no longer storing valid data, or using traditional write commands with payload parameters to indicate unused data for disassociation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deallocation commands are used, then the host system can issue commands to the memory sub-system, but the host system cannot effectively communicate that data is no longer needed, leading to unnecessary write amplification and wear on non-volatile memory devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a special command type that acts as an intermediary between the host system and memory sub-system controller. This command carries payload parameters that explicitly indicate which data is no longer needed, serving as a mediator that transmits deallocation information that traditional commands cannot convey. The controller interprets these payload parameters to identify specific memory units for disassociation, enabling effective communication of data obsolescence without requiring changes to the fundamental command interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes payload parameters within command structures to convey additional information about data deallocation. By changing the parameter content of existing command types or introducing new parameter fields, the system can indicate which data should be marked as invalid without requiring entirely new command protocols. This parameter-based approach allows the memory sub-system controller to distinguish between regular write commands and deallocation indications, enabling selective disassociation of memory units based on payload information.
2Productivity
If the memory sub-system controller continues to manage all memory units as valid data, then data security is maintained, but bandwidth usage increases and performance decreases due to unnecessary writes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively disassociating only those memory units that contain data no longer needed by the host system, rather than performing blanket invalidation of all memory units. The controller uses payload parameters to identify specific memory units for disassociation, applying the deallocation operation only where necessary. This partial approach reduces unnecessary writes and bandwidth consumption while maintaining data security for still-valid data, optimizing performance without over-processing.
3Reliability
If data is not disassociated from the host system, then the host system can access all stored data, but security is compromised as unused data cannot be overwritten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the memory sub-system controller to autonomously manage data disassociation based on information provided in command payloads. Once the host system issues a command with payload parameters indicating data that is no longer needed, the controller independently identifies the corresponding memory units and performs disassociation without requiring additional host intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies the host's role while maintaining security, as the controller automatically handles the complex task of marking specific memory units as invalid and available for overwriting.
Data Source
AI summary
A command indicating a logical address and a length system is received from a host system. One or more memory units in a memory sub-system corresponding to the logical address and the length are identified. An indicator associated with the one or more memory units is set, to indicate that the one or more memory units are invalid. The one or more memory units are excluded from a media management operation performing in the memory sub-system.