Storage Controller Atomic Overwrite Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Log-structured file systems (LFS) require additional operations to invalidate old data during updates, leading to resource wastage and inefficiency due to the need for separate invalidation and write operations, which increases storage system resource usage and host system cycles.
Innovation Solution
A storage system and method that receives an overwrite request with both old and new data logical addresses, allowing for simultaneous invalidation and writing of old data and new data, optimizing resource usage by integrating these operations into a single command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a log-structured file system uses out-of-place update approach, then data integrity is improved, but additional invalidation operations are required which waste storage system resources and occupy host system cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the invalidation of old data and writing of new data into a single atomic overwrite operation. The host system issues one write command containing both the old logical address (for invalidation) and new logical address (for writing), eliminating the need for separate invalidation and write operations. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining data integrity through proper invalidation while improving storage system efficiency by reducing the number of operations required
Solution Approach 2:
The write command is enhanced to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an invalidation command for old data and a write command for new data. By incorporating the old logical address field into the write command structure, the same command performs what previously required two separate operations, thereby improving productivity without compromising reliability
2Reliability
If separate invalidation and write operations are performed, then old data is properly invalidated, but resource usage increases and operation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the invalidation operation and write operation into a single atomic operation. The storage system receives one write command that contains both the old logical address (identifying data to invalidate) and new logical address (identifying where to write). The storage system atomically invalidates the old data and writes the new data in one operation, eliminating the time loss associated with sequential execution of separate operations while ensuring complete invalidation of old data
3Reliability
If multiple operations are required for data update, then data management is thorough, but host system cycles are occupied and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces operation complexity by merging multiple operations into a single atomic overwrite operation. The host system issues one write command instead of multiple separate commands. The storage system handles the complexity of coordinating invalidation and writing internally through its metadata manager, which processes the old and new logical addresses within the single command. This maintains thorough data management while reducing the complexity visible to the host system
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system performing an overwrite, a host system controlling the storage system, and an operating method of the storage system, wherein the storage system includes a memory device; and a controller that receives new data and an overwrite request from the host system, wherein the overwrite request includes a first logical address for old data and a second logical address for the new data, and performs an overwrite operation by writing the new data corresponding to the second logical address to the memory device and invalidating the old data corresponding to the first logical address according to the overwrite request.