Storage Controller Stream Classification for SSD Lifespan

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor memory storage devices, such as SSDs, do not optimize operations for different types of data, leading to reduced lifespan and performance due to frequent maintenance operations like garbage collection.

Innovation Solution

A storage controller that classifies data into streams based on cosine similarity and machine learning, allocating write requests to pre-allocated streams to reduce unnecessary maintenance operations and improve data management efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is stored without stream classification, then storage operations are simple, but maintenance operations increase and device lifetime decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice lifetimeVSAvoidstream classification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments incoming data into multiple streams based on characteristics such as sequentiality, size, and access patterns. By dividing data into distinct streams with unique identifiers, the system can apply different management strategies to each stream, reducing overall maintenance operations and extending device lifetime while managing complexity through structured classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary classification of data into streams before storage operations. By pre-allocating streams and assigning stream identifiers to data based on their characteristics beforehand, the system prepares data for optimized storage and retrieval, reducing the need for frequent maintenance operations and extending device lifetime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If stream classification is implemented, then data management efficiency improves, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata management efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides data management into multiple independent streams, each with its own identifier and management characteristics. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different data types and patterns, improving overall data management efficiency while distributing processing complexity across multiple manageable stream handlers rather than a single complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters such as stream identifiers, allocation policies, and management strategies based on data characteristics. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to stream type and access patterns, the system optimizes data management efficiency for different workloads while keeping the underlying processing framework relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If maintenance operations are reduced through stream allocation, then device lifetime extends, but initial setup complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice lifetimeVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary stream allocation and classification setup before actual storage operations begin. By pre-allocating streams, assigning identifiers, and establishing management policies in advance, the system reduces the need for complex maintenance operations during device operation, thereby extending device lifetime while concentrating complexity in the initial setup phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the storage system automatically classifies data into appropriate streams and manages stream allocation without requiring complex external intervention. This automation reduces maintenance complexity over time and extends device lifetime by minimizing manual maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3985496B1Storage controller, storage device, and operation method of storage device
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3985496B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3985496B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3985496B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operation method of a storage device includes receiving a first write request; adding the first write request to a first fragment; selecting at least "n" (e.g., at least two) streams among a plurality of pre-allocated streams when a size of the first fragment, when a size of the first fragment is >= a reference value, based on a cosine similarity between the first fragment and each of the pre-allocated streams; applying input information to a machine learning model to detect a first sequential stream associated with the first fragment from among the at least "n" streams; allocating a stream identifier of the first sequential stream to the first fragment; and storing write data included in the first fragment based on the stream identifier of the first sequential stream. The input information includes statistical information of at least one of the "n" streams and the first fragment.