Storage Copyback With Inline ECC Re-Encoding and No Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid state storage systems require frequent copybacks due to charge drift and insulation breakdown, leading to inefficiencies in data transfer and processing compared to other storage systems.
Innovation Solution
An accelerated copyback process using a single instruction that combines read and write operations, incorporating error correction decoding and reduced hardware processing to minimize buffering and latency, allowing for faster data transfer without altering existing storage media interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate read and write operations are used for copyback, then data integrity and error correction can be maintained, but processing time and operational efficiency increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate read and write operations into a single copyback operation. The storage controller performs error correction decoding on read data and immediately writes the corrected data back to storage in one unified process, eliminating the need for separate read and write commands. This merging reduces the number of operational cycles and decreases processing time while maintaining data integrity through integrated error correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller performs error correction decoding as a preliminary action within the copyback process itself, before the write operation completes. By preparing corrected data during the read phase and having it ready for immediate writeback, the system eliminates waiting time between error correction and data rewriting, thereby reducing overall processing time while ensuring data reliability.
2Reliability
If frequent copybacks are performed to address charge drift and insulation breakdown, then data reliability is maintained, but power consumption and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging read and write operations into a single copyback command, the patent reduces the total number of operational cycles required for maintenance. The integrated operation completes both data retrieval and rewriting in one process, halving the number of separate operations needed compared to traditional methods. This reduction in operational frequency directly lowers power consumption while maintaining the necessary copyback frequency for data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerated copyback process enables continuous data refresh operations with reduced interruptions. By eliminating the gap between read and write operations through continuous processing, the system maintains data reliability more efficiently. The continuous action reduces the total time spent on copyback operations, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining frequent enough copybacks to address charge drift and insulation breakdown.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive error correction and data verification are performed during copyback, then data accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage controller performs self-service error correction by utilizing its existing error correction decoding capabilities during the copyback process. Rather than requiring external verification systems or additional hardware components, the controller autonomously corrects errors using its built-in resources. This self-service approach maintains high data accuracy while avoiding increases in device complexity.
4Reliability
If buffered data transfer is used for copyback operations, then data integrity is ensured, but transfer speed and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the buffering step by merging read and write operations. Corrected data flows directly from the error correction decoder to the write buffer and then to storage without requiring an intermediate hold in a separate read buffer. This direct path removes the delay associated with buffer management while maintaining data integrity through the integrated error correction process, thereby increasing transfer speed and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A single instruction is received to read a read address in storage in order to obtain read data and write the read data to a write address in the storage. Error correction decoding is performed in order to obtain user data. Error correction parity information is generated based at least in part on (1) the user data and (2) new metadata associated with the write address, without buffering the user data between the error correction decoding and the generation of the error correction parity information. The user data, the new metadata, and the error correction parity information are stored in the write address in the storage.