Overprovision Capacity in Data Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile data storage devices experience performance degradation and user dissatisfaction when nearing capacity, as they either slow down or deny access to full storage due to the challenge of managing available memory space effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an overprovision capacity within the data storage device, where a portion of non-volatile memory is reserved and indicated as used by the file system table without being physically assigned, allowing the device to maintain performance by appearing fully utilized, while allowing users to adjust this capacity based on their needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the data storage device operates as if always at capacity to prevent user-perceived lag, then user satisfaction is improved, but device performance becomes too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage capacity into two distinct portions: the first portion represents the actual physical storage capacity, while the second portion is a virtual overprovisioned capacity that is reported to the host but not physically allocated. This segmentation allows the system to present a larger total capacity to users while maintaining adequate physical space for performance, thereby resolving the contradiction between user satisfaction and device performance.
2Productivity
If the device denies users access to full storage capacity to avoid performance lag, then device performance is maintained, but users experience legal or public relations issues due to unhappy users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the file system table and memory management engine that mediates between the host's request for full storage access and the physical storage constraints. The system reports a larger capacity than physically available by creating virtual storage space through the overprovisioned portion, allowing users to access what appears to be full capacity while actual performance is maintained through proper physical space management.
3Quantity of substance
If the data storage device allocates all physical memory space to maximize storage capacity, then storage capacity is maximized, but performance degrades when nearing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by reserving a portion of the storage capacity as overprovisioned space before it is actually needed. The memory management engine pre-configures the file system table to indicate that the second portion of storage capacity is used, creating a buffer of physical space that is maintained in advance. This preliminary reservation ensures that adequate physical space remains available for performance-critical operations even when the reported storage capacity appears to be fully utilized.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage module includes a non-volatile memory and a controller. A method performed in the data storage module includes receiving an overprovision capacity instruction from a host device. The method further includes updating a file system table of the non-volatile memory to indicate, by designating logical addresses in the file system table as being in use, that the logical addresses are used without reducing an amount of free physical space in the non-volatile memory.