Storage Controller Queue-Depth Priority Switching for Read-Write Surges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices prioritize read commands over write commands, leading to inefficiencies in managing command priorities, especially in scenarios with multiple users or applications, resulting in increased latency and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A storage controller that dynamically adjusts the priority between read and write commands based on queue depth (QD) monitoring, using surge detection and priority determination circuits to optimize command processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If fixed priority is given to read commands over write commands, then read command processing is improved, but overall system performance and responsiveness deteriorate under varying workload scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread command processing speedVSAvoidoverall system performance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic priority adjustment where the storage controller continuously monitors queue depths for both read and write commands and adjusts their priorities in real-time based on current workload conditions. This resolves the contradiction by replacing the static fixed priority scheme with a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes overall system performance while maintaining read command responsiveness when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the priority parameter of commands based on monitored queue depth conditions. When write queue depth exceeds a threshold, write command priority is increased; otherwise, read command priority is maintained. This parameter change approach allows the system to adapt priority levels to current workload states, improving overall productivity while preserving read performance when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If fixed priority is used for command processing, then implementation simplicity is improved, but ability to handle various scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepriority management complexityVSAvoidscenario adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic priority adjustment mechanisms that monitor queue depths and adaptively change command priorities based on real-time conditions. This adds complexity to the priority management system but significantly improves scenario adaptability, allowing the storage controller to handle diverse workload patterns including mixed read-write scenarios, write-intensive scenarios, and read-intensive scenarios optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the storage controller continuously monitors queue depths for read and write commands and uses this information to adjust command priorities. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to various scenarios automatically, improving versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through structured monitoring and adjustment logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If read commands are prioritized over write commands, then user quality of service for reads is improved, but write command latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser quality of serviceVSAvoidwrite command latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the priority parameter of write commands based on monitored queue depth conditions. When the write queue depth exceeds a predetermined threshold, the priority of write commands is increased to reduce write latency. Otherwise, read commands maintain their higher priority to ensure quality of service. This conditional parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting priority levels to current workload states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic priority adjustment that responds to real-time queue depth conditions. The system transitions between different priority states based on whether write queue depth exceeds thresholds, allowing it to reduce write latency when write backlog exists while maintaining read priority during normal conditions. This dynamic approach balances quality of service with write performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12493433B2Storage device, storage controller, and operating method of storage controller
Publication Date: 2025.12.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12493433B2 patent drawing
  • US12493433B2 patent drawing
  • US12493433B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A storage controller includes: (i) a queue monitoring circuit configured to generate monitoring information about a queue depth (QD) for each of a write command and a read command, (ii) a surge detection circuit configured to generate command-by-command surge information based on the monitoring information, (iii) a priority determination circuit configured to generate priority determination information indicating any one of the write command, the read command, and a default according to the command-by-command surge information, and (iv) a priority reflection circuit configured to variably set each of a priority of the write command and a priority of the read command according to the priority determination information.