Shared Thread for Flash Memory Reclaim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Processor systems face inefficiencies in reclaiming memory space in flash memory devices, as they require frequent erase operations to write new data, leading to resource-intensive memory management and performance bottlenecks due to the need for multiple threads to manage each flash memory volume.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a shared thread mechanism across multiple flash memory volumes to perform memory space reclaim operations, allowing a single thread to handle multiple volumes, reducing the number of threads required and optimizing system resources by background or foreground reclaim operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple threads are used to manage each flash memory volume, then memory space reclaim operations can be performed on multiple volumes simultaneously, but system resource usage increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flash memory volumes into a single address space, allowing a single thread to manage and perform reclaim operations across all volumes simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate threads, reducing system resource usage while maintaining the ability to service multiple volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single thread is designed to be universal, capable of managing any number of flash memory volumes through the unified address space. This multi-functional approach allows the same thread to perform reclaim operations on different volumes without requiring volume-specific thread instances.
2Productivity
If frequent erase operations are performed to reclaim memory space, then write operation efficiency improves, but resource usage increases and system performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary reclaim operations during idle periods or in the background, preparing erased memory space in advance before it is needed for write operations. This preliminary action reduces the need for frequent, resource-intensive erase operations during active write periods, improving overall write efficiency while managing resource usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic reclaim operations that systematically process multiple volumes in sequence, erasing invalid data blocks and making space available for future writes. This periodic approach distributes erase operations over time rather than performing them frequently and simultaneously, reducing peak resource usage.
3Device complexity
If a single thread shares multiple flash memory volumes, then device complexity decreases and resource usage reduces, but the ability to perform simultaneous operations on multiple volumes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified address space is segmented into regions corresponding to different flash memory volumes, allowing the single thread to efficiently switch between volumes. This segmentation enables logical organization of memory space while maintaining physical separation, facilitating systematic processing of multiple volumes without requiring multiple threads.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed example method involves associating a shared reclaim thread with an on-board flash memory device to reclaim first memory space in the on-board flash memory device. The shared reclaim thread is associated with a removable flash memory device to reclaim second memory space in the removable flash memory device while the shared reclaim thread is also in association with the on-board flash memory device. Different priorities are assigned to the on-board flash memory device and the removable flash memory device to selectively reclaim the first and second memory spaces based on the different priorities.