Nonvolatile Memory Command Processing for Faster Data Compaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nonvolatile memory systems face challenges in efficiently performing compaction processes to consolidate valid data across fragmented blocks, leading to inefficiencies in data organization and storage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a command processing unit within each memory chip to manage data validity determination and relocation, enabling high-speed compaction by identifying and writing only valid data to free blocks, assisted by a controller and error correction processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If compaction process is performed to consolidate valid data across fragmented blocks, then storage utilization is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compaction process is divided into two phases: a parallel reading phase where multiple command processing units simultaneously read data from different blocks, and a sequential writing phase where valid data is consolidated. This segmentation allows efficient utilization of parallel hardware resources during reading while maintaining manageable processing complexity during writing.
Solution Approach 2:
The command processing units perform preliminary actions by reading and validating data from multiple blocks in parallel before the actual compaction writing begins. This preliminary reading and validity determination enables the system to prepare valid data for consolidation without blocking subsequent write operations.
2Speed
If command processing unit is added to each memory chip to enable high-speed compaction, then compaction speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The command processing unit integrated in each memory chip performs multiple functions including data reading, validity determination, and coordination with the controller. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated components, achieving high-speed compaction while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each command processing unit autonomously determines the validity of read data and manages local compaction operations without requiring constant controller intervention. This self-service capability enables high-speed parallel compaction operations while distributing complexity across multiple independent units rather than concentrating it in a single controller.
3Measurement precision
If validity determination is performed for each read data to identify valid data for compaction, then compaction accuracy is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The command processing units continuously perform validity determination on read data as part of their normal operation, rather than performing it as a separate batch process. This continuous action integrates validity checking into the data reading workflow, maintaining high accuracy while minimizing additional processing overhead through efficient pipeline integration.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile memory includes a memory chip and a command processing unit. The command processing unit stores data read from a first position of the memory chip in a memory when a first command for compaction is received from a controller, transmits validity determination information used for determining whether or not the data read from the first position is valid to the controller, and writes valid data of the data stored in the memory to a second position of the memory chip when a second command for the compaction and validity identification information that identifies the valid data are received from the controller.