Non-Volatile Memory Segmentation for Write Cycle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile memory devices, such as NAND flash memory, degrade over time due to usage, leading to performance decline, and existing methods do not effectively manage data storage to extend their lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A storage device is configured with a control unit that logically partitions the non-volatile memory into management areas with assigned valid terms, allowing data to be written and erased based on these terms, thereby managing data storage to extend the lifespan of the non-volatile memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If non-volatile memory is used for temporary data storage, then data storage capability is improved, but memory degradation occurs due to usage
Solution Approach 1:
The storage area of the non-volatile memory is divided into multiple management areas (first management area, second management area, etc.). Each management area is assigned to different valid terms, allowing data with different validity requirements to be stored separately. This segmentation enables selective erasure of only those management areas whose valid terms have expired, rather than erasing the entire memory, thus reducing the number of write/erase cycles and extending memory lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
Valid terms are assigned to each management area in advance before data storage. This preliminary assignment allows the control unit to determine which management areas should be erased based on pre-established validity criteria, enabling efficient garbage collection that targets only necessary areas and minimizes unnecessary write/erase operations on the non-volatile memory.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data is frequently written and erased, then data storage flexibility is improved, but memory degradation accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the storage area into multiple management areas with different valid terms, the system achieves data storage flexibility (different validity periods can be assigned to different data) while simultaneously improving memory durability. The control unit erases only the specific management areas whose valid terms have expired, rather than performing full-memory erasure, thereby reducing the frequency of write/erase cycles and extending memory lifespan.
3Productivity
If garbage collection is performed frequently, then storage efficiency is improved, but write amplification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage area is segmented into multiple management areas, each associated with specific valid terms. Garbage collection is performed selectively on only those management areas whose valid terms have expired, rather than conducting full-memory garbage collection. This targeted approach improves storage efficiency by reclaiming space where needed while minimizing write amplification by avoiding unnecessary write operations in other management areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Valid terms are assigned to management areas in advance, enabling the control unit to identify and erase only the necessary management areas during garbage collection. This preliminary assignment reduces write amplification by preventing unnecessary write operations in management areas that still contain valid data, thereby improving overall storage efficiency with lower energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a storage device includes a non-volatile memory and a control unit that is electrically connected to the non-volatile memory and that is configured to control the non-volatile memory. The control unit is configured to manage a plurality of management areas obtained by logically partitioning storage area of the non-volatile memory, when a write request is received that includes data for which a valid term has been set, determine, based on the valid term, a first management area from among the management areas, write the data included in the write request to the determined first management area, and when the data written to the first management area is erased, collectively erase all data written in the first management area which includes the data.