Storage Device Cache Prefetching for Lower Memory Access Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices face challenges in managing cache memory efficiently, leading to increased latency and reduced system performance due to differences in access times between volatile and non-volatile storage media.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a software-defined cache management system within the storage device that includes a prefetch algorithm executed by the storage device itself, allowing for data movement from non-volatile memory to cache memory, thereby reducing latency and improving responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If data is stored in non-volatile memory, then data persistence is improved, but memory access latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by prefetching data from non-volatile memory to volatile cache memory before it is actually needed by the application. The storage device executes prefetch algorithms that identify and load data in advance, so when the application requests the data, it is already available in the faster volatile cache, thus reducing access latency while maintaining data persistence in non-volatile memory
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces volatile cache memory as an intermediary between non-volatile memory and the application. This intermediary layer provides fast access to frequently used data while the actual data remains persisted in non-volatile memory. The cache controller manages this intermediary layer, transferring data between non-volatile memory and volatile cache to optimize access speeds without sacrificing data persistence
2Ease of operation
If the host CPU manages cache memory, then system control is simplified, but host CPU resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device performs self-service by executing cache management functions and prefetch algorithms independently within the storage device itself. The storage device has its own processor that can execute code to manage cache memory, prefetch data, and handle cache controller operations without requiring host CPU intervention. This offloads management tasks from the host CPU, reducing host resource consumption while maintaining simplified system control through automated storage-device-managed operations
3Loss of time
If prefetching is implemented, then memory access latency is reduced, but storage device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device's processor is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both data processing tasks and cache management functions including prefetching. The same processor that handles basic storage operations also executes prefetch algorithms and manages cache controller operations. This universal processor approach reduces the need for dedicated specialized hardware for prefetching, thereby reducing overall device complexity while still achieving latency reduction through prefetching operations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for cache management of a storage device are disclosed. The storage device is configured to receive a first code provided by a computing device; execute the first code; perform a first update of the first storage medium based on the first code; receive a second code provided by the computing device; execute the second code; and perform a second update of the first storage medium based on the second code.