Priority Address Cache Management for Non-Volatile Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage cache management techniques in non-volatile memory devices are inefficient due to reliance on simple heuristics like FIFO or aging algorithms, which do not optimally manage the limited intermediate storage (IS) memory, leading to suboptimal write and read performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves a memory controller using a priority address table to manage IS memory, where priority host data is identified and kept in IS memory, while non-priority data is relocated to main storage (MS) memory, based on user selection and usage monitoring, allowing for improved performance by prioritizing critical data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple heuristics like FIFO or aging algorithms are used for cache management, then the system is easy to implement, but write and read performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of cache management from simple temporal heuristics to priority-based classification. By introducing priority levels and classification mechanisms, the system transforms the management approach to optimize both performance and resource utilization effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated priority-based cache management. The cache controller automatically classifies data, determines priority levels, and manages relocation without requiring complex external intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving performance.
2Speed
If more data is kept in IS memory, then read performance improves, but the storage capacity available for other data decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating cache management for different data types. Instead of uniform treatment, the system assigns different priority levels and retention policies to different data, allowing critical data to occupy IS memory while less critical data is relocated to MS memory, thus optimizing both read performance and storage capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameter of data retention based on priority classification. By introducing priority as a variable parameter, the system can adaptively determine which data should remain in IS memory, balancing read performance requirements with available storage capacity.
3Reliability
If frequent relocation occurs to free up IS memory, then cache hit rate improves, but write throughput deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by minimizing disruptive relocation operations. Through priority-based management, the system maintains stable data in IS memory longer, reducing the frequency of relocation operations and thereby maintaining high write throughput while still achieving acceptable cache hit rates through intelligent prioritization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of relocation frequency based on data priority. Low-priority data is relocated less frequently, allowing write operations to proceed without interruption, while high-priority data remains in IS memory to maintain cache hit rates, thus balancing both metrics.
4Reliability
If IS memory is used as a safe-zone for quick data storage, then write safety improves, but the storage capacity for main data decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designating specific portions of IS memory for safe-zone functionality based on data priority. Critical data requiring immediate safe storage is directed to IS memory, while less critical data is stored in MS memory, thus providing write safety for important data without significantly reducing overall storage capacity availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for management of IS memory in a non-volatile storage device, and methods for use therewith, are described herein. The non-volatile storage device can include non-volatile memory, wherein a portion of the non-volatile memory is designated as intermediate storage (IS) memory and another portion of the non-volatile memory is designated as main storage (MS) memory. The IS memory may have lower read and write latencies than the MS memory. A host device may provide priority addresses to a memory controller with an indication that host data having one of the priority addresses is to receive priority to remain in IS memory over other host data.