Storage Controller Sub-Namespace Flush Granularity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices supporting namespace functions face performance limitations in flush operations, as they typically perform flushes in units of a namespace, which can be inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A storage device architecture that includes a volatile memory for temporary data storage, a non-volatile memory with multiple namespaces, and a controller capable of performing flush operations in units smaller than or equal to a namespace, allowing for more efficient data movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flush operation is performed in a unit of namespace, then data integrity is ensured, but operation time increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flush operation into namespace-level and sub-namespace-level operations. The controller determines whether to perform a flush at the namespace level or at a finer granularity (e.g., logical unit level within a namespace), allowing selective application of flush operations only to affected data portions rather than entire namespaces, thus reducing operation time while maintaining data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling the controller to switch between different flush granularities (namespace-level or sub-namespace-level) based on the specific operation context. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize performance by choosing the appropriate flush scope, balancing data integrity requirements with operation time constraints.
2Reliability
If flush operation is performed in a unit of namespace, then data consistency is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flush operation into hierarchical levels (namespace and sub-namespace). By segmenting the operation, the controller can apply flush only to the specific sub-namespace or logical unit that requires consistency, rather than flushing entire namespaces, thereby improving productivity while maintaining data consistency where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the granularity parameter of the flush operation from fixed (namespace-level) to variable (namespace or sub-namespace level). This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize flush operation performance by selecting the appropriate level of granularity based on the specific data consistency requirements of each operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple namespaces are supported, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller architecture that can handle multiple namespaces and perform flush operations at different granularities (namespace-level and sub-namespace-level). This multi-functional capability allows a single controller design to serve diverse storage scenarios, supporting adaptability while managing complexity through a unified control mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device supporting a flush operation among multiple namespaces, the storage device includes: a volatile memory configured to temporarily store a plurality of pieces of data received from a host device; a non-volatile memory device including a plurality of namespaces; and a controller configured to perform a flush operation in response to a flush command received from the host device, wherein the controller is further configured to, in the flush operation, move at least one piece of data, stored in the volatile memory and corresponding to the flush command, to at least one of the plurality of namespaces of the non-volatile memory device in a unit smaller than or equal to a namespace.