Nonvolatile Memory Garbage Collection Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional garbage block collection in flash memory is time-consuming and power-intensive, particularly in mobile systems where battery life is a concern, as it involves frequent and extensive writing and erasing processes without consideration for the device's power state.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for collecting garbage blocks in nonvolatile memory that adjusts the garbage block collection value and cycle based on the power state of a portable device, prioritizing power-efficient operations by reducing collection frequency and scope when battery capacity is low, and increasing it when charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If garbage block collection is performed frequently and extensively, then memory performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The garbage block collection mechanism dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time power state detection. When power is abundant, extensive collection is performed; when power is constrained, collection is reduced or postponed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the collection intensity flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of collection frequency and scope based on power availability. By modifying these parameters according to power state, the system optimizes the balance between memory performance maintenance and power consumption, allowing extensive collection when power permits and reduced collection when power is limited.
2Quantity of substance
If garbage block collection is performed extensively, then free block availability is improved, but time required for collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial garbage block collection when power is constrained, rather than completing the full collection process. This partial action suffices to maintain adequate free block availability for operational needs while significantly reducing the time required compared to extensive collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection process dynamically adjusts its extent based on power state. When power is abundant, full collection is performed to maximize free block availability; when power is limited, the system performs only the necessary minimum collection to maintain operational functionality, thereby reducing time expenditure.
3Reliability
If garbage block collection is performed when battery capacity is low, then memory performance is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors power state and uses this feedback to control garbage block collection operations. When battery capacity is detected to be low, the system receives feedback to reduce or pause collection, thereby preserving battery life while maintaining memory performance at acceptable levels through selective collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection parameters are changed based on battery capacity levels. When battery life is depleted, the system changes the collection intensity parameter to a lower level, reducing power consumption to extend battery life while maintaining sufficient memory functionality through reduced but still effective collection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an apparatus for collecting garbage blocks of a nonvolatile memory (300) according to a power state and a method of collecting the same, and more particularly, an apparatus for collecting garbage blocks of a nonvolatile memory according to a power state and a method of collecting the same, in which an amount of power consumed by a portable device can be reduced by adjusting a garbage block collection operation on the basis of the power state of the portable device. The apparatus includes a power managing unit (200) which collects physical blocks allocated to the nonvolatile memory on the basis of the power state of a portable device.