Parallel SSD Decoding for Low-Queue-Depth QoS

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Enterprise SSDs face strict quality of service (QoS) requirements, particularly in low queue depth scenarios, where existing resources are not fully utilized, leading to suboptimal latency and performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where data is decoded in parallel by multiple decoders operating with different parameters, with the decoded data from the first completed decoder being delivered to the host while discarding the results from other decoders, thereby maximizing the utilization of decoding capabilities without increasing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is decoded by a single decoder in low queue depth scenarios, then device complexity is reduced, but quality of service and latency performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of serviceVSAvoiddecoder utilization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the decoding task by dividing it across multiple decoders (first decoder, second decoder, etc.) that operate simultaneously in parallel. Each decoder processes the same data independently, and the first decoder to complete decoding delivers the result. This segmentation allows the system to meet strict QoS requirements by distributing the decoding workload across multiple processing units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple decoding operations into a single coordinated process. Multiple decoders are activated simultaneously to decode the same data, and their results are merged through a selection mechanism that chooses the first successful decoding result. This merging of parallel decoding paths enables the system to achieve both low latency and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Speed

If multiple decoders operate in parallel to decode the same data, then decoding speed and QoS improve, but resource utilization complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding speedVSAvoidparallel processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple decoders with different parameters (such as different error correction code types or decoding algorithms) before the decoding task begins. When data needs to be decoded, the system can immediately activate the appropriate decoders without configuration delays, enabling parallel processing to start instantly and improve decoding speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by configuring different decoders with varying operational parameters (such as different LDPC code rates, different decoding algorithms, or different power levels). This allows the system to explore multiple decoding approaches simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of finding a successful decoding solution quickly while managing complexity through parameter variation rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If existing decoding resources are fully utilized in low queue depth scenarios, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding throughputVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through an automatic decoder selection mechanism that autonomously determines which decoder results to use based on completion timing. The system automatically activates multiple decoders, monitors their completion status, and selects the first successful result without requiring complex external management. This self-service approach maximizes resource utilization while keeping the management logic relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by keeping multiple decoders actively processing data simultaneously rather than sequentially. In low queue depth scenarios, instead of leaving decoders idle or processing data sequentially, the system maintains continuous useful action by having multiple decoders work in parallel on the same data, maximizing productivity of existing resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11487544B2Method and device for simultaneously decoding data in parallel to improve quality of service
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US11487544B2 patent drawing
  • US11487544B2 patent drawing
  • US11487544B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to a method and device for simultaneously decoding data. Rather than sending data to be decoded to a single decoder, the data can be sent to multiple, available decoders so that the data can be decode in parallel. The data decoded from the first decoder that completes decoding of the data will be delivered to the host device. All remaining decoded data that was decoded in parallel will be discarded. The decoders operating simultaneously in parallel can operate using different parameters such as different calculation precision (power levels). By utilizing multiple decoders simultaneously in parallel, the full functionality of the data storage device's decoding capabilities are utilized without increasing latency.