SLC Write Buffer Control for Sequential Write and Read Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face performance issues due to the inability to perform random read operations during sequential write operations, leading to increased latency and the need to switch to lower performance write operation types, which affects bandwidth and overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing delays between write operations to allow for random read operations and garbage collection, thereby maintaining the use of higher-speed single-level cell write operations and extending the write buffer capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential write operations are performed continuously without delays, then write throughput is maximized, but random read operations cannot be performed and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic delays between sequential write operations to create time windows for performing random read operations and garbage collection. This periodic interruption allows the system to switch between write-intensive and read-intensive tasks, preventing complete bandwidth consumption by writes while maintaining acceptable write throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing and duration of delays between write operations based on workload conditions, buffer status, and performance requirements. This dynamic control enables the system to optimize the balance between write throughput and read latency in real-time rather than using fixed periodic intervals.
2Speed
If write buffer capacity is increased to maintain single-level cell write operations, then write speeds are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions during the periodic delays between write operations, specifically conducting garbage collection and read operations that free up buffer space. This allows the write buffer to be reused more efficiently without requiring a larger physical buffer, as space is reclaimed in advance before it is needed for new write operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by introducing controlled delays between write operations, which alters the temporal distribution of write throughput. This parameter change allows the system to maintain single-level cell write operations longer by preventing buffer exhaustion, effectively increasing write speed without increasing buffer capacity.
3Loss of time
If delays are introduced between write operations to perform random reads, then read latency is reduced, but write throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by introducing delays only when necessary to perform random reads or garbage collection, rather than continuously interrupting write operations. The delay duration and frequency are adjusted to provide just enough time for read operations without excessively reducing write throughput, achieving a balanced compromise.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for single level cell write buffer extension control are described. A host device may indicate a delay to be observed between write operations to a memory system. The memory system may perform random read operations or read operations for garbage collection during these delays, which allow the memory system to allocate space for a write buffer, such as a single-level cell (SLC) write buffer, even when performing a large quantity of write commands as part of a sequential write command. Additionally, by allocating space for the write buffer, the memory system may be able to keep writing to memory cells in accordance with the first write operation type, such as an SLC type, for longer periods of time, which may improve the write speeds and decrease an overall latency associated with sequential write operations.