Storage Controller Partitioning for Sequential Write Random Read
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash non-volatile storage devices require complex and resource-intensive flash translation layers for managing random write/random read operations, which limit error correction and data protection without reducing performance, and increase wear and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A storage controller that supports sequential write/random read traffic flow, allowing for efficient memory usage and performance improvements by creating partitions with customizable data block sizes and implementing multi-level error correction codes, while eliminating the need for a small block Flash Translation Layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flash translation layer is used to manage random write/random read operations, then data protection and error correction are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex flash translation layer (FTL) from the storage controller while maintaining data protection capabilities through alternative means. The FTL, which maps host blocks to flash pages and manages garbage collection and wear leveling, is removed from the design, simplifying the controller architecture while preserving reliability through direct sequential write operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into distinct partitions, each with customizable parameters for data block sizes, error correction codes, and access patterns. This segmentation allows optimized error correction and data protection for different workloads without requiring a complex universal FTL layer, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a flash translation layer is implemented, then data protection is improved, but performance is reduced and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sequential write operations that continuously write data in order without interruption, eliminating the random write operations that trigger FTL overhead. This continuous writing approach maintains performance while data protection is achieved through partition-level error correction and redundancy mechanisms rather than FTL-based protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of data access from random read/write to sequential write with random read. This parameter change eliminates the need for FTL translation and garbage collection operations, improving performance and reducing wear while maintaining data protection through alternative error correction mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If small block random write operations are used, then compatibility with flash devices is improved, but error correction and data protection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the data access parameters from small block random write to large block sequential write. This parameter change allows for larger data block sizes (e.g., 4KB, 8KB, 16KB) that can accommodate more robust error correction codes while maintaining flash device compatibility through the sequential write interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite error correction mechanisms that combine multiple levels of protection (e.g., bit-level ECC, word-level redundancy, and partition-level parity) to achieve enhanced data protection for sequential writes, overcoming the limitations of traditional FTL-based protection for random writes.
4Reliability
If complex flash translation layer processes are used, then data protection is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power-intensive flash translation layer processes including garbage collection, wear leveling, and translation table management from the controller. This extraction significantly reduces power consumption while data protection is maintained through simpler partition-level error correction mechanisms that require minimal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequential write operations inherently organize data in a way that reduces the need for complex controller management. The partitioned structure with fixed sequential write patterns allows the storage system to self-optimize without requiring active FTL management, reducing controller power consumption while maintaining data protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a storage controller is provided. The method includes receiving a request from a partition creator, for a first partition within a storage system, the first partition comprising one or more sequentially numbered data blocks, and receiving first partition parameters from the partition creator, the first partition parameters comprising a size of the one or more sequentially numbered data blocks. The method also includes creating the first partition within the storage system, through a storage interface, based on the first partition parameters, receiving first host data from a host, configuring the first host data as first storage data for storage within the first partition within the storage system, and sequentially storing the first storage data in the one or more sequentially numbered data blocks in the first partition, through the storage interface.