SSD Hybrid Storage Mode Segmentation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional SSDs face challenges in balancing data stability and storage capacity due to the limitations of single potential storage modes, with SLC mode offering faster access and longer life but lower density, and MLC mode providing higher density but lower response speed and shorter life, while hybrid SSDs using different flash memories fail to reduce production costs effectively.

Innovation Solution

A solid state drive (SSD) with a hybrid storage mode utilizing the same flash memory type, divided into sectors with different potential storage modes (e.g., SLC and MLC), where a data processing module manages data access and modulation between these modes to optimize storage capacity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If MLC mode is used for data storage, then data storage density is improved, but response speed and data stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage densityVSAvoiddata stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flash memory is divided into multiple storage sectors, where each sector can independently operate in different potential storage modes (SLC or MLC). This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously maintain high-density storage in MLC sectors and high-reliability storage in SLC sectors, resolving the contradiction between storage density and data stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different storage sectors are assigned different potential storage modes based on local requirements. Critical data that requires high stability is stored in SLC-mode sectors, while non-critical data is stored in MLC-mode sectors for higher density. This local quality differentiation allows the system to optimize both reliability and storage capacity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If SLC mode is used for data storage, then response speed and data stability are improved, but data storage density deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata stabilityVSAvoiddata storage density

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flash memory is divided into multiple storage sectors, where each sector can independently operate in different potential storage modes (SLC or MLC). This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously maintain high-density storage in MLC sectors and high-reliability storage in SLC sectors, resolving the contradiction between storage density and data stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different storage sectors are assigned different potential storage modes based on local requirements. Critical data that requires high stability is stored in SLC-mode sectors, while non-critical data is stored in MLC-mode sectors for higher density. This local quality differentiation allows the system to optimize both reliability and storage capacity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If hybrid SSD with different flash memories is used, then data stability and storage capacity are improved, but production cost deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata stabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple potential storage modes (SLC and MLC) within a single flash memory device, eliminating the need for separate flash memory components. This consolidation reduces production complexity and costs while maintaining the benefits of hybrid storage architecture for both data stability and storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flash memory is designed to support multiple potential storage modes (both SLC and MLC) within the same physical device, making it a universal storage solution that can adapt to different data requirements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining hybrid storage benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9311991B2Solid state drive with hybrid storage mode

Publication Date: 2016.04.12 APACER

AI summary

A solid state drive (SSD) with a hybrid storage mode includes a flash memory, and a data processing module in information communication with the flash memory. The flash memory includes a first storage sector that stores data by a first potential storage mode, and a second storage sector that stores data by a second potential storage mode. The first storage sector corresponds to physical block addresses P0 to PM−1 and logical block addresses L0 to LM−1. The second storage sector corresponds to physical block addresses PM to PM+N−1 and logical block addresses LM to LM+1−1. The data processing module has a data processing mode. In the data processing mode, the data processing module identifies the logical block address included in a command, and executes the command at the corresponding physical block address. Accordingly, an SSD having a high stability and a high data storage capacity is provided.