Nonvolatile Memory Controller Translation Layer for Write Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file systems designed for hard disk drives are not optimized to utilize the full operational performance of nonvolatile memory devices, leading to inefficiencies in accessing and managing storage devices in mobile and desktop computing devices.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that involves writing user data and meta data in a nonvolatile memory device using logical addresses, allowing for efficient sequential writing and restoring file systems after sudden power loss by utilizing a translation layer and meta data management, reducing the frequency of data writes and improving storage device performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing file systems designed for hard disk drives are used to manage nonvolatile memory devices, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but the operational performance of the nonvolatile memory device cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translation layer as an intermediary between the host device and the nonvolatile memory device. This translation layer converts commands from the host device into optimized commands suitable for the nonvolatile memory device's operating characteristics, thereby enabling full utilization of its performance while maintaining compatibility with existing file systems and host devices.
2Reliability
If data is written frequently to the nonvolatile memory device, then data integrity is maintained, but the lifespan of the storage device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by writing meta data before actual user data, and by pre-managing the translation layer that optimizes write operations. This preliminary setup enables the system to maintain data integrity through proper metadata tracking while reducing the frequency of direct writes to the nonvolatile memory device, thereby extending its lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a translation layer that creates a virtual copy of the data structure, allowing the host device to write to this virtual copy rather than directly to the physical nonvolatile memory device. This copying mechanism maintains data integrity while reducing the number of physical writes to the storage device, thus extending its operational life.
3Productivity
If sequential writing is used for efficient data storage, then write performance is improved, but the ability to restore file systems after sudden power loss is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent writes meta data to the nonvolatile memory device before actual user data as a preliminary action. This meta data includes information about the file system structure and data locations, which enables the system to restore the file system quickly and reliably after sudden power loss, while still maintaining efficient sequential writing performance for user data.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the inventive concept relates to a method of accessing a storage device including a nonvolatile memory device and a controller. The method includes writing user data, a first logical address and a second logical address associated with the user data in a storage space corresponding to the first logical address of the nonvolatile memory device. The user data is update data that updates previous data written in the nonvolatile memory device. The second logical address is a logical address of a storage space of the nonvolatile memory device in which the previous data is written.