Storage Controller QoS Pool Thresholds for Adaptive Memory Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage controller circuits in processor-based devices lack flexibility to quickly adjust to changing traffic patterns and usage statistics, requiring frequent software updates to maintain optimal memory access management.

Innovation Solution

A storage controller circuit dynamically adjusts memory allocations by defining pools corresponding to Quality-of-Service (QoS) levels, using pool threshold values that are modified based on usage statistics to optimize throughput and QoS control, allowing for adaptive management of memory access requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional storage controller circuits use fixed maximum and minimum thresholds for memory allocation, then memory access management is simplified, but the system lacks flexibility to quickly adjust to changing traffic patterns and usage statistics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to adjust to changing traffic patternsVSAvoidcomplexity of threshold management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment by allowing the storage controller circuit to automatically modify maximum and minimum threshold values based on real-time usage statistics. The system monitors memory access patterns and adjusts thresholds dynamically without requiring external software updates, enabling the system to adapt to changing traffic patterns while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage controller circuit performs self-adjustment of threshold values by monitoring its own usage statistics and automatically modifying its allocation parameters. The system uses its internal monitoring capabilities to detect changes in traffic patterns and autonomously updates the threshold values, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex software maintenance while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If conventional storage controller circuits use fixed threshold allocations, then device operation is simpler, but frequent software updates are required to maintain optimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimal memory access managementVSAvoidtime for software updates and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the storage controller circuit continuously monitors usage statistics such as memory access counts and queue depths. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the maximum and minimum threshold values to maintain optimal performance. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for frequent software updates while ensuring continuous optimal memory access management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting its own threshold parameters based on monitored performance metrics. The storage controller circuit uses its internal statistics collection and analysis capabilities to autonomously maintain optimal performance without requiring external software intervention, thereby eliminating maintenance time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage controller circuits dynamically adjust threshold values based on usage statistics, then adaptability to changing conditions improves, but control logic complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of control logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment through automated control logic that monitors usage statistics and modifies threshold values in real-time. The system uses predefined adjustment rules based on monitored metrics such as queue depth and access patterns, enabling adaptability while keeping control logic complexity manageable through systematic decision-making algorithms rather than complex heuristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4657269A1Dynamically adjusting memory allocations based on quality-of-service (QOS) pool threshold values in processor-based devices

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

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AI summary

Dynamically adjusting memory allocations based on Quality-of-Service (QoS) pool threshold values (116) in processor-based devices (100) is disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a processor-based device (100) provides a storage controller circuit (106) communicatively coupled to a memory device (104). The storage controller circuit (106) comprises a dedicated storage device (108) and a plurality of pool threshold values (116) corresponding to a plurality of pools (112), wherein each pool (112) corresponds to one or more QoS levels (114), and each pool threshold value (116) defines an allocation of the dedicated storage device (108) for the corresponding pool (112). For each pool (112) of the plurality of pools, the storage controller circuit (106) collects a usage statistic (126) during a sampling period, and determines, based on the usage statistic (126), whether to modify the pool threshold value (116) corresponding to the pool (112). The storage controller circuit (106) then modifies the pool threshold value (116) corresponding to the pool (112) based on the usage statistic (126), responsive to determining to modify the pool threshold value (116).