Data Storage Logical-to-Physical Mapping Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage systems face performance regression due to substantial overhead in managing and searching system data, particularly during data relocation and housekeeping tasks, which can lead to inefficient operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing mechanisms for direct and efficient searching and updating of system data by using a mapping between logical and physical addresses, with error correction through bit-flipped metadata versions to quickly locate correct logical addresses, reducing search time from linear to constant time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional linear searching methods are used to search system data during data storage operations, then the system can maintain comprehensive mapping information, but the search time increases linearly with the size of the mapping table, causing performance regression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mapping table into multiple pages, where each page contains a subset of logical-to-physical address mappings. This segmentation allows the search operation to be performed on smaller, more manageable units rather than the entire mapping table, reducing the time complexity from linear O(n) to constant O(1) for direct page access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a page dimension to the mapping structure, organizing mappings in a two-dimensional hierarchy: pages contain multiple mappings. This dimensional change enables indirect addressing where the page number is derived from the logical address, allowing constant-time page selection followed by linear search within the page, significantly improving overall search efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If the mapping table is searched during every data storage operation and housekeeping task, then accurate tracking of data locations is maintained, but substantial overhead is incurred, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by organizing the mapping table into pages with different characteristics. Frequently accessed mappings can be placed in pages that are easier to access, and the page structure allows for localized updates without requiring full table scans. This local organization improves operational efficiency while maintaining accurate tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of mappings into pages before search operations are needed. By pre-structuring the mapping data into page-based units during data allocation and relocation operations, the system prepares the data in advance for efficient searching, avoiding the need for reorganization during time-critical operations.
3Reliability
If error correction is performed by checking all possible logical addresses in the mapping table, then unrecoverable errors can be identified, but the error handling process becomes time-consuming and impacts system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error checking process to operate at the page level rather than the full mapping table level. When an error is detected, the system identifies which page contains the affected mapping and performs error correction only within that page, significantly reducing the time required for error handling while maintaining comprehensive error detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces page metadata as an intermediary structure that contains summary information about each page's mappings. This metadata enables rapid identification of pages containing errors or requiring correction, acting as a mediator between the error detection mechanism and the detailed mapping data, thereby reducing overall error handling time.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system configured to efficiently search and update system data is disclosed. In one embodiment, the data storage system can attempt to correct errors in retrieved data configured to index system data. Metadata stored along with user data in a memory location can be configured to indicate a logical address associated in a logical-to-physical location mapping with a physical address at which user data and metadata are stored. The data storage system can generate modified versions of logical address indicated by the metadata and determine whether such modified versions match the physical address in the logical-to-physical mapping. Modified versions of the logical address can be generated by flipping one or more bits in the logical address indicated by the metadata. Efficiency can be increased and improved performance can be attained.