Storage Controller Block Lists for Sub-Block Garbage Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-volatile memory devices face challenges in efficiently utilizing storage space due to limitations in managing sub-blocks during write and erase operations, leading to inefficiencies in data management and potential degradation of blocks.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a non-volatile memory device and a storage controller that includes a free block list and a victim selectable block list, which allows for efficient management of physical blocks by checking for reusable blocks, performing garbage collection, and optimizing write operations based on block lists to enhance storage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional block management is used in non-volatile memory devices with sub-blocks, then the device structure is simple, but storage space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides physical blocks into multiple sub-blocks and implements separate management for different block types (free blocks, fully used blocks, partially used blocks). This segmentation allows the system to track and utilize storage space more efficiently by managing each sub-block independently, thereby improving storage space utilization while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple parameters to describe block states (fullReusableBlocks, fullyUsedBlocks, partiallyUsedBlocks) and uses these parameters to make intelligent decisions about block allocation and garbage collection. By changing the management parameters from simple free/block dichotomy to multi-state tracking, the system achieves better storage utilization without significantly complicating the device architecture.
2Quantity of substance
If frequent erase operations are performed to maintain free blocks, then free block availability is improved, but block degradation accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different management strategies to different types of blocks based on their usage state. Free blocks are managed for immediate allocation, fully used blocks are candidates for garbage collection, and partially used blocks are handled with special considerations. This localized quality approach allows the system to minimize unnecessary erase operations on blocks that don't require them, thereby reducing block degradation while maintaining adequate free block availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of blocks into different categories (free, fully used, partially used) before executing erase operations. By identifying and managing fully used blocks proactively through garbage collection only when necessary, the system avoids frequent unnecessary erase operations, thereby extending block longevity while maintaining sufficient free block availability for write operations.
3Device complexity
If sub-blocks are managed without distinction, then management complexity is low, but storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management of sub-blocks by creating distinct categories (free sub-blocks, used sub-blocks, invalid sub-blocks) within each physical block. This segmentation enables the system to track usable space more accurately and perform targeted garbage collection, significantly improving storage efficiency. The complexity increase is managed through systematic organization of block states rather than arbitrary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal management framework that handles multiple block types (free blocks, fully used blocks, partially used blocks) through a unified controller architecture. This multi-functional approach allows the same controller to manage diverse block states using consistent principles, achieving high storage efficiency without proportionally increasing management complexity. The framework can be extended to different block configurations without fundamental redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device and an operating method of a storage controller are provided. The storage device comprises a non-volatile memory device, each including a plurality of physical blocks, the physical block includes a plurality of sub-blocks and a storage controller including a free block list and a victim selectable block list for the plurality of physical blocks. The storage controller configured to check full reusable physical blocks in the free block list and select a head of the checked block when there are not enough free blocks for storing data in response to a write request received from a host. The storage controller further configured to perform a garbage collection based on the victim selectable block list and to transmit an address of the physical block subjected to the garbage collection to the non-volatile memory device together with the write request.