Storage Device Garbage Collection for Cyclic System Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Storage devices face inefficiencies in garbage collection operations, particularly when dealing with a limited number of system memory blocks, leading to suboptimal data management and storage space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a memory controller that performs garbage collection by storing cyclic and non-cyclic system data in open system blocks, determining the size of data storage based on a common multiple of cycles, and moving valid data to secure storage space, thereby optimizing storage efficiency and extending the lifespan of system blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If garbage collection is performed frequently to manage cyclic data, then storage space utilization is improved, but data movement overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic garbage collection operations scheduled at predetermined cycles rather than continuous collection. The memory controller calculates a predetermined cycle based on the cyclic data characteristics and performs garbage collection only when necessary, reducing unnecessary data movement while maintaining effective storage space management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations to determine the optimal garbage collection timing based on analyzing cyclic data patterns. By pre-calculating the predetermined cycle using common multiple of data slices and tracking write operations, the system prepares for efficient garbage collection without premature or unnecessary operations.
2Loss of energy
If garbage collection is delayed to reduce data movement, then energy consumption decreases, but storage space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller continuously monitors the number of valid data slices stored in system blocks and uses this feedback to determine when garbage collection is necessary. When the count of valid data slices reaches a threshold indicating insufficient storage space, the controller initiates garbage collection operations to reclaim space while minimizing unnecessary operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic garbage collection timing that adapts to actual data usage patterns. The predetermined cycle is adjusted based on real-time monitoring of valid data slice counts and write operations, allowing the system to extend collection intervals when storage is adequate and accelerate collection when space becomes critical.
3Reliability
If system blocks are used for cyclic data storage, then data retention is improved, but block lifespan decreases due to frequent writes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of system blocks by introducing a predetermined cycle for garbage collection that is calculated based on the cyclic data characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain data retention through periodic collection while reducing the frequency of write operations that degrade block lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing periodic garbage collection at predetermined cycles rather than continuous collection, the system reduces the cumulative write operations on system blocks. This periodic approach maintains necessary data retention while significantly decreasing wear on the blocks, thereby extending their operational lifespan.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes: a memory device including a plurality of system blocks for storing system data; and a memory controller configured to control the memory device to store cyclic system data that is cyclically provided from a host, in an open system block among the plurality of system blocks, and control the memory device to perform a garbage collection operation on the plurality of system blocks, when a size of data stored in the open system block reaches a predetermined size. The cyclic system data may include a plurality of data slices provided from the host at predetermined cycles. The predetermined size may be determined based on size of the cyclic system data provided for a period of time corresponding to a common multiple of the predetermined cycles.