Storage Controller Reclaim Timing Using Predicted Error Levels

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face challenges in maintaining data reliability while minimizing power consumption and program/erase (P/E) cycles due to the need for reclaim operations, which are not efficiently managed based on error level considerations.

Innovation Solution

A storage controller that calculates error level values using distribution model information to determine optimal times for reclaim operations, reducing unnecessary power consumption and P/E cycles by predicting when error levels exceed a threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reclaim operations are performed frequently to maintain data reliability, then data reliability is improved, but power consumption and P/E cycles increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of reclaim operation timing from fixed periodic intervals to dynamic timing based on calculated error level values. By monitoring error level values over time and comparing them against threshold values, the system performs reclaim operations only when necessary, thereby maintaining data reliability while reducing unnecessary power consumption and P/E cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where error level values are continuously calculated and monitored, and this information feeds back into the decision-making process for reclaim operations. The controller adjusts reclaim timing based on the feedback from error level measurements, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes the balance between reliability and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If reclaim operations are performed frequently to maintain data reliability, then data reliability is improved, but P/E cycles increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoiddevice lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of reclaim operation timing from fixed periodic intervals to dynamic timing based on calculated error level values. By monitoring error level values over time and comparing them against threshold values, the system performs reclaim operations only when necessary, thereby maintaining data reliability while reducing unnecessary P/E cycles and extending device lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of error level values and prediction of future error trends before executing reclaim operations. By using distribution model information to predict when error levels will exceed thresholds, the system prepares and schedules reclaim operations in advance, optimizing the timing to prevent data reliability issues while minimizing P/E cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If reclaim operations are delayed to reduce power consumption and P/E cycles, then power consumption and P/E cycles are reduced, but data reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where error level values are continuously calculated and monitored, and this information feeds back into the decision-making process for reclaim operations. The controller adjusts reclaim timing based on the feedback from error level measurements, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes the balance between reliability and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of error level values and prediction of future error trends before executing reclaim operations. By using distribution model information to predict when error levels will exceed thresholds, the system prepares and schedules reclaim operations in advance, ensuring data reliability is maintained while optimizing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250383956A1Storage controller for calculating error level value, method of operating the same, and method of operating storage device including the same

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of operating a storage device includes performing, at a first time point, a read operation on a target memory region of the storage device, determining whether a first error level value of the read operation exceeds a threshold error level value, calculating, based on determining that the first error level value does not exceed the threshold error level value, a second error level value corresponding to a second time point, based on distribution model information, determining whether the second error level value exceeds the threshold error level value, and performing, at a third time point before the second time point, a reclaim operation on the target memory region, based on determining that the second error level value exceeds the threshold error level value. The second time point corresponds to a time point after a reference time period has elapsed from the first time point.