Paired Metablocks for Flash Memory Usable Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The number of usable metablocks in flash memory devices is reduced due to the presence of unusable blocks, limiting the overall storage capacity and increasing write-amplification, which shortens the device's endurance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves pairing metablocks to increase the number of usable metablocks by sharing memory blocks and dynamically managing block pairs based on health criteria and endurance metrics, allowing for more efficient data storage and reducing write-amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If memory blocks are organized into metablocks with parallel access, then performance is optimized, but the number of usable metablocks is reduced due to unusable blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the metablock structure into paired metablocks, where each pair consists of two metablocks that share common memory blocks. This segmentation allows the system to independently manage and utilize available blocks even when some blocks are unusable, thereby maintaining productivity while increasing the number of usable metablocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional organization by pairing metablocks across different memory die, allowing metablocks to be formed from available blocks in a multi-dimensional space rather than being constrained by linear block allocation. This enables the system to utilize blocks that would otherwise be wasted due to unusable blocks in traditional linear organization.
2Quantity of substance
If unusable blocks are present in flash memory die, then the number of usable metablocks is reduced, but the physical structure remains unchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic metablock pairing management where pairs are formed and reformed based on the health status and availability of memory blocks. The system continuously monitors block usability and dynamically adjusts pairings to maximize the number of usable metablocks, transforming a static block allocation problem into a dynamic optimization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the organizational parameters of block management by introducing pairing relationships between metablocks and implementing health-based selection criteria. These parameter changes enable the system to adapt to varying block availability and maximize usable capacity without fundamentally changing the physical memory structure.
3Quantity of substance
If more metablocks are made usable through pairing, then over-provisioning increases, but write-amplification must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the health and status of memory blocks within paired metablocks. This feedback enables the system to make informed decisions about block allocation and pair formation, optimizing over-provisioning while managing write-amplification by avoiding unnecessary writes to blocks that are nearing failure or are already unusable.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and/or devices are used to pair metablocks in a non-volatile storage device. In one aspect, a method of data organization of a memory device includes, writing data to and reading data from respective metablocks in a set of metablocks. The method further includes while performing said writing and reading: (1) accessing one or more management data structures in controller memory, identifying two or more metablock pairs; (2) accessing and updating metablock status information indicating which metablocks of the set of metablocks are closed, free and open; and (3) accessing and updating a valid count, corresponding to a number of sub-block memory units having valid data for each of a plurality of metablocks in the set of metablocks.