SSD Data Lifespan Classification Using Transfer Frequency Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SSDs face performance and lifespan issues due to inefficient garbage collection processes that require additional memory consumption or interface modifications, slowing down input/output speeds and erase operations.
Innovation Solution
A data classification method based on transfer frequency tracks and groups data by lifespan using an out-of-band unit, allowing efficient garbage collection without additional memory or interface changes, enhancing erase operation speed and input/output performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is classified by lifespan based on transfer frequency, then garbage collection efficiency and I/O speed are improved, but additional memory consumption and interface modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the transfer frequency counter directly within the existing OOB structure of the flash memory system. The OOB units that already exist for error correction and wear leveling are repurposed to store transfer frequency information, creating a nested data structure where multiple functions share the same physical space without requiring additional memory resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The OOB units are made multi-functional by using them both for their traditional purposes (error correction, wear leveling) and for storing transfer frequency data. This universal approach allows the same hardware structure to serve multiple functions, eliminating the need for dedicated memory space for classification metadata.
2Productivity
If data is classified by lifespan based on transfer frequency, then garbage collection efficiency and I/O speed are improved, but additional interface modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-classification by automatically tracking transfer frequencies and updating the OOB structures during normal operation. The classification mechanism uses existing system resources and operations, requiring no external control interface or additional command protocols. The flash memory controller itself manages the classification process using its existing management capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional garbage collection is used without data classification, then no additional memory or interface requirements are needed, but erase operation speed and overall SSD performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of data by tracking transfer frequencies and organizing pages into OOB structures before garbage collection operations are needed. This advance organization allows the garbage collection process to efficiently identify and erase only invalid data without scanning entire blocks, significantly improving erase operation speed while maintaining implementation simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for data classification by lifespan according to a data transfer frequency for improving the performance and lifespan of a flash memory-based solid-state drive (SSD). More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for data classification by lifespan according to a data transfer frequency for improving the performance and lifespan of a flash memory-based SSD, the method comprising: a transfer frequency tracking step of, by software installed in a computer system, tracking a transfer frequency that each of multiple pages, in which data has been created, is transferred from a random block to another block by garbage collections (GCs) from an initial creation time point to an invalidation time point at which the data is erased or overwritten in a flash memory-based SSD; and a classification group forming step of, by the software, forming a classification group in which one or more pages having the same transfer frequency from among the multiple pages are grouped into one or more blocks.