Storage Controller Map Segmentation for Read Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the capacity of storage media increases, the large size of memory required to hold map data in the controller leads to performance deterioration during read operations, especially when map data is not resident in memory or when random read workloads are high, due to repeated loading of map data.
Innovation Solution
A data storage apparatus with a controller that includes a map data manager, a read/write processing circuit, and separate ECC engines for main and spare data regions, which generates and manages map segments based on attributes of data to optimize read and write operations by caching and decoding data efficiently, reducing the need to load all map data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If map data is loaded into working memory to enable fast data access, then read operation speed is improved, but memory size and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides map data into multiple map segments that can be selectively loaded into working memory based on access patterns. Instead of loading all map data at once, the controller segments the mapping information and loads only the relevant segments needed for current operations, reducing memory requirements while maintaining read performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial loading of map data by loading only the necessary map segments into working memory rather than the complete map data. The controller determines which map segments are needed and loads them on-demand, performing partial action sufficient for current operations without the overhead of loading excessive data.
2Ease of operation
If map data is repeatedly loaded from storage medium to working memory during random read operations, then read access is enabled, but operation time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-loading map segments into working memory before they are actually needed for read operations. The controller anticipates which map segments will be required and loads them in advance, so that when read operations occur, the necessary mapping information is already available in fast memory, eliminating repeated loading delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by keeping map segments in working memory across multiple operations. Once map segments are loaded, they remain available for subsequent read operations without needing to be re-loaded, ensuring continuous fast access and eliminating repeated I/O operations between storage medium and working memory.
3Reliability
If separate ECC engines are used for main data and spare data, then data reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing separate ECC engines tailored to the specific requirements of main data and spare data. The first ECC engine is optimized for correcting errors in main data regions, while the second ECC engine is optimized for spare data regions, allowing each engine to have specialized capabilities matched to its data type rather than using a generic single engine for all data.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage apparatus is provided to include a storage including a main data region for storing first data and a spare region for storing second data indicating attributes of the first data; and a controller in communication with a host and configured to control the storage based on a request from the host, wherein the controller comprises: a first error check and correction (ECC) engine configured to perform an error correction on the first data stored in the main data region of the storage; and a second ECC engine configured to perform an error correction on the second data stored in the spare region of the storage.