Host-Managed Shared Write Buffer Reallocation After Threshold Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The shared write buffer in flash memory devices can become unavailable due to capacity thresholds being reached or memory cells wearing out, leading to reduced performance and potential unavailability.

Innovation Solution

A host device receives notifications from the flash memory device when performance thresholds are exceeded and performs remedial actions, such as reassigning portions of logical units to maintain the availability of the shared write buffer by reallocating memory cells to optimize usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If memory cells are reassigned from shared write buffer to main memory cells, then storage capacity is improved, but write performance and buffer availability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidwrite buffer availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of memory cell assignments based on operational conditions. The system monitors buffer usage and automatically reallocates memory cells between the shared write buffer and main memory cells, allowing the configuration to adapt to changing workload requirements and maintain optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of memory cells by altering their assignment status between buffer and storage modes. This parameter change enables flexible adjustment of the write buffer size and capacity allocation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining buffer availability and maximizing storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If shared write buffer is used, then write latency is reduced, but buffer becomes unavailable when capacity threshold is reached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite latencyVSAvoidbuffer availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the shared write buffer capacity based on real-time monitoring of capacity thresholds and performance requirements. When the buffer approaches capacity limits, the system automatically reconfigures memory cell assignments to prevent buffer unavailability while maintaining low write latency through optimized data paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary monitoring and reconfiguration actions before the buffer becomes completely full. By detecting capacity thresholds in advance and proactively reallocating memory cells, the system prevents buffer unavailability and maintains continuous write operations with low latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If shared write buffer is used, then write performance is improved, but memory cells wear out faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite performanceVSAvoidmemory cell lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the usage parameters of memory cells by implementing wear-leveling algorithms that distribute write operations across different memory cell groups. This parameter change allows the shared write buffer to maintain high write performance while extending the overall lifespan of the memory device through balanced wear distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-managing memory cell assignment where the system automatically monitors and balances wear across memory cells without external intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains optimal write performance while extending device lifespan by preventing any single set of memory cells from wearing out prematurely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12455828B2Host management of flash memory with shared write buffer
Publication Date: 2025.10.28 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12455828B2 patent drawing
  • US12455828B2 patent drawing
  • US12455828B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A host device includes a host controller interface (HCI) configured to be coupled to a flash memory device and configured to receive a notification from the flash memory device that a performance threshold register value has been exceeded while the flash memory device is configured to use a shared write buffer. The HCI is also configured to, in response to receiving the notification, perform a remedial action that includes reassigning a portion of a first logical unit (LU).