Multi-Level L2P Mapping for Fine-Grained Memory Writes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in data storage due to the need for read modify write (RMW) operations when data sizes are not aligned with the write granularity, leading to increased write amplification and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a multi-level logical-to-physical (L2P) mapping table that supports varying data granularities, allowing smaller chunks of data to be written frequently without RMW operations, thereby improving memory usage and reducing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data is stored using fixed write granularity (e.g., 16KB blocks), then memory alignment is simplified, but smaller data chunks require read-modify-write operations increasing write amplification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite efficiencyVSAvoidwrite amplification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The L2P mapping table is segmented into multiple levels (L1, L2, L3) with different granularities. L1 handles coarse-grained mappings, L2 provides intermediate granularity, and L3 handles fine-grained mappings. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate granularity level for each write operation, avoiding unnecessary RMW operations while maintaining alignment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mapping table dynamically adapts its granularity based on the data being written. The system can switch between different L2P table levels depending on the write size and alignment requirements, making the granularity dynamic rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by allowing fine-grained writes when needed while maintaining coarse-grained efficiency for larger writes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If read-modify-write operations are performed to align data sizes, then fixed granularity storage is maintained, but operation latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata alignmentVSAvoidoperation latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The L2P mapping tables are pre-configured with multiple granularity levels and mapping entries before write operations occur. When a write operation arrives, the system can immediately select the appropriate pre-configured mapping level without performing RMW operations. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming RMW process while maintaining proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-level L2P mapping structure acts as an intermediary between the host system and the physical memory. It translates host write requests into appropriate physical addresses at the correct granularity level without requiring RMW operations. This intermediary layer resolves the alignment requirement while avoiding the latency penalty of RMW operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-level L2P mapping is implemented for fine granularity, then write flexibility improves, but mapping table complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata granularity flexibilityVSAvoidmapping table structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex mapping problem is segmented into multiple manageable levels. Each L2P table level handles a specific granularity range, dividing the overall complexity into discrete, manageable segments. This segmentation makes the system more adaptable to different write sizes while keeping each individual mapping table relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a dimensional aspect to the mapping structure by introducing multiple hierarchy levels. Instead of a single flat mapping table, the system uses a multi-dimensional hierarchy where each level serves a specific granularity purpose. This dimensional approach provides flexibility while organizing complexity in a structured manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250377789A1Logical-to-physical mapping for enhanced granularity data storage
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20250377789A1 patent drawing
  • US20250377789A1 patent drawing
  • US20250377789A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for logical-to-physical (L2P) mapping for enhanced granularity data storage are described. A memory system may support write operations according to multiple different write granularities and corresponding data transfer sizes. Entries that map logical addresses to physical addresses within the memory system may include first entries associated with a first data transfer size and second entries associated with a second data transfer size that is greater than the first data transfer size. If the memory system receives a write command that indicates a size of data that is less than or equal to the first data transfer size, the system may update the first entries to indicate a mapping. Data indicated via write commands associated with larger data sizes may be mapped by the second entries. The varying entry structure may support improved write operations and throughput for storage of data at varying granularities.