Non-Volatile Memory Controller Metadata Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory management techniques in non-volatile storage devices do not effectively utilize unused bits in parity words for storing metadata, which limits the reliability of user and parity data by not leveraging additional storage space for error detection and correction.
Innovation Solution
A controller is configured to store user data on one subset of memory devices and parity data on another subset, with metadata, including data reliability information, stored in the unused bits of the parity words, enhancing error detection and correction capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parity data is stored in dedicated storage space, then data reliability is improved through error detection and correction, but storage capacity is reduced due to unused bits in parity words
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the parity words to serve dual purposes: maintaining error detection and correction capabilities while simultaneously storing metadata in previously unused bits. This allows the same storage structure to fulfill both reliability and information management functions without requiring additional dedicated space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers unused bits in parity words that were previously discarded or left empty. By repurposing these unused bits to store metadata such as data reliability information, the system transforms wasted storage resources into useful information capacity, thereby improving overall storage efficiency without compromising error correction capabilities.
2Reliability
If metadata is stored in separate dedicated space, then data reliability information is preserved, but storage efficiency deteriorates due to additional overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges metadata storage with parity word storage by integrating reliability information into the existing parity structure. Instead of creating separate metadata storage regions, the system combines both functions within the same word structure, eliminating redundant storage overhead and improving storage efficiency while maintaining full metadata capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The parity words are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: error detection, error correction, and metadata storage. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated metadata storage space, thereby improving storage efficiency without sacrificing reliability information preservation.
3Reliability
If unused bits in parity words are left empty, then error correction capability is maintained, but information storage capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers the value of unused bits in parity words by storing metadata information in these previously wasted locations. This recovery process transforms empty space into functional storage capacity for reliability information, thereby preventing information loss without interfering with error correction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The parity words serve themselves by storing their own metadata information within their own structure. The unused bits within each parity word are self-utilized to store relevant metadata, eliminating the need for external metadata storage and maximizing the information storage capability of the existing structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device may include a non-volatile memory array and a controller. The non-volatile memory array may include a plurality of dies. Each die of the plurality of data dies may include a plurality of words, where a word is an access unit of a die. The controller may be configured to store user data to a respective first word of at least a first die and a second die of the plurality of data dies. A page of user data may include the user data stored at the respective first words of the at least first die and second die. The controller may also be configured to store parity data to a first portion of a first word of a third die. The controller may be further configured to store metadata to a second portion of the first word of the third die.