Storage Controller Test Mode Using Fake Block Bitmap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices lack efficient methods for quickly and variably testing whether the controller is operating normally, which can lead to performance degradation or failure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a storage device with a nonvolatile memory and a controller that generates a mapping table for physical and logical addresses, and sets a fake block bitmap to indicate whether memory blocks are fake blocks, allowing for a test mode to be set up quickly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional testing methods are used for storage device controllers, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the time required for test preparation is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating a mapping table that associates logical addresses with physical addresses before actual testing begins. This mapping table is created in advance and stored, allowing the test controller to quickly reference pre-established address mappings rather than generating them during testing, thereby significantly reducing test preparation time while maintaining comprehensive testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a fake block bitmap that replicates the structure and organization of actual memory blocks without containing real data. This fake block structure serves as a test surrogate that mimics the behavior and addressing of real blocks, enabling comprehensive controller testing to be performed on the copy rather than requiring extensive preparation with actual data blocks
2Measurement precision
If real data is written to all memory blocks for testing, then accurate controller performance evaluation is achieved, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable test objects by using a fake block bitmap structure that is inexpensive to create and modify. Rather than writing real data to all memory blocks (which is time-consuming and complex), the system uses this lightweight fake structure that can be rapidly generated and discarded after testing, achieving accurate controller evaluation without the burden of comprehensive real data population
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the state representation of memory blocks from actual data-containing blocks to a fake block bitmap structure. This parameter change transforms the testing approach from one requiring physical data population to one using a simplified data structure with different characteristics (bits indicating fake vs. real blocks), thereby reducing setup complexity while preserving measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device comprises a nonvolatile memory including a plurality of memory blocks, and a controller configured to control an operation of the nonvolatile memory, generate a mapping table that maps physical addresses and logical addresses for the plurality of memory blocks in a test mode, and set a fake block bitmap indicating whether each of the plurality of memory blocks included in the mapping table is a fake block to which data is not written.