Dynamic Page Mapping Headers for Compressed Memory Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face challenges in efficiently managing data compression, leading to complex defragmentation processes and increased mapping table sizes, which affect physical space utilization and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic mapping table with a two-part scheme that includes a linear indirection table and a header for compressed data, reducing the size of the mapping table and simplifying defragmentation by storing additional PA information in the header, rather than the table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data compression is implemented in memory devices, then physical space utilization is improved, but mapping table size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping table is segmented into a two-part structure: a linear indirection table that maps virtual pages to physical stripes, and a header associated with each physical stripe that contains compression-specific metadata. This segmentation allows the main indirection table to remain compact while compression information is stored in the distributed headers, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and mapping table size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves compression-related information from the traditional single-dimension mapping table structure to a two-dimension structure where compression metadata is stored in headers that are associated with physical stripes rather than being embedded in the main indirection table. This dimensional change separates the concerns of address mapping and compression management.
2Quantity of substance
If data compression is implemented in memory devices, then physical space utilization is improved, but defragmentation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the compression metadata storage into distributed headers rather than a centralized mapping table, the patent enables simpler defragmentation operations. Each header is independently associated with its physical stripe, allowing defragmentation to proceed by updating individual header entries rather than managing complex table reorganizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The header structure is designed to be self-contained with each header holding all necessary compression and positioning information for its associated physical stripe. This self-service design allows defragmentation operations to work with individual headers independently, reducing the overall complexity of the defragmentation process.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional mapping table stores all compression information, then data retrieval is simplified, but physical space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments retrieval operations into two stages: first, use the compact linear indirection table to locate the physical stripe (simple and fast), then use the associated header to access compression-specific information (detailed but localized). This segmentation maintains retrieval simplicity while improving space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear indirection table acts as an intermediary between the virtual address space and the physical compression data. It provides a simplified first level of mapping that doesn't need to contain all compression details, while the headers serve as secondary intermediaries that provide the detailed compression information needed for actual data retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of applications can include a memory device having dynamic page mapping with compression. The memory device can include a mapping table having an entry location to associate a virtual page with a physical address of a first stripe of data of the virtual page. The entry location can include a flag along with the physical address of the first stripe. The flag can identify data of the virtual page as being compressed or uncompressed. A controller of the memory device, responsive to the flag identifying the data of virtual page being compressed, is structured to generate a format of compressed data of the first stripe with a header. The header can include a count of additional physical addresses to store compressed data of the virtual page and the additional physical addresses. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.