Memory Sub-System Remapping Misaligned Logical Sectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory sub-systems experience performance degradation due to misalignments between logical addresses used by host devices and memory devices, leading to inefficient data access and reduced lifespan, as they often employ outdated partitioning tools that result in misaligned partition tables.

Innovation Solution

A memory sub-system that detects partition misalignment and relocates logical sectors using a remap component maintaining a misalignment factor and counter, shifting sector numbers when the misalignment counter exceeds a threshold to optimize data access and reduce the number of physical page accesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional partitioning tools are used to create partition tables, then device compatibility is maintained, but performance degradation occurs due to misaligned logical addresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoiddata access performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remap component as an intermediary layer between the host device and memory device. This component maintains a remap table that maps logical addresses from the host to corresponding physical addresses in the memory device, resolving the misalignment issue without requiring changes to conventional partitioning tools or host software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the addressing parameter by maintaining a misalignment factor and counter in the remap component. When the counter exceeds a threshold, the system shifts sector numbers by the misalignment factor, dynamically adjusting the address mapping to optimize performance while maintaining compatibility with conventional partitioning schemes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If misaligned partition tables are used, then legacy system compatibility is preserved, but the number of physical page accesses increases reducing lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelegacy system compatibilityVSAvoidmemory component lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The remap component serves as a mediator that translates host logical addresses to optimized physical addresses in the memory device. By maintaining the misalignment factor and shifting sector numbers when the counter exceeds the threshold, it reduces unnecessary physical page accesses and extends memory component lifespan while preserving legacy compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical constraint of fixed partition alignment with a software-based remapping mechanism. Instead of physically realigning partitions at the hardware level, the remap component dynamically adjusts address mapping through logical transformations, reducing wear on memory components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If sector number shifting is implemented to reduce physical accesses, then performance improves, but address mapping complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoidaddress mapping complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the address mapping process into manageable components: a remap table for storing mappings, a misalignment factor for calculating shifts, and a counter for tracking when shifts are needed. This segmentation makes the complex address mapping process more manageable and implementable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent manages complexity by changing key parameters: maintaining a misalignment factor that defines the shift amount, using a counter to track when shifting is needed (exceeding a threshold), and applying shifts only when necessary. This parameter-based approach simplifies the implementation compared to continuous complex calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11727969B2Memory sub-system managing remapping for misaligned memory components

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A processing device of a system receives a request to access a selected sector in a memory component. The selected sector is associated with a sector number. The processing device determines a virtual block corresponding to the selected sector. The virtual block is associated with a misalignment factor and a misalignment counter. The processing device determines if the misalignment counter satisfies a threshold criterion. In response to the misalignment counter satisfying the threshold criterion, the processing device generates an updated sector number by shifting the sector number by the misalignment factor and performs the access to the selected sector using the updated sector number. In response to the misalignment counter not satisfying the threshold criterion, the processing device updates the misalignment counter and performs the access to the selected sector using the sector number.