Storage Device Zoned Allocation for Data-Aware Garbage Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices struggle with inefficient data management due to the conversion of logical addresses to physical addresses, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A storage device and method that includes a memory controller capable of allocating data based on logs related to data properties, selecting victim physical zones for garbage collection, and managing super blocks with different physical zones to optimize data storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is stored in physical zones without considering data properties, then storage allocation is simple, but data management efficiency and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating physical zones based on data properties (hot, warm, cold data) and allocating different management strategies to different zones. The memory controller identifies data properties through logs and applies zone-specific garbage collection policies, thereby improving data management efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through localized differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage device into multiple physical zones within super blocks, where each zone can be independently managed based on data properties. This segmentation allows the memory controller to perform targeted garbage collection operations on specific zones rather than the entire storage device, improving productivity while controlling overall system complexity.
2Speed
If garbage collection is performed frequently to maintain empty zones, then data retrieval performance improves, but time loss and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic garbage collection based on zone fullness thresholds rather than continuous garbage collection. The memory controller monitors the number of empty physical zones and triggers garbage collection only when thresholds are breached, maintaining data retrieval performance while minimizing time loss through periodic rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamic garbage collection strategies where the memory controller adjusts collection frequency and scope based on real-time zone status. When a zone approaches full capacity, the controller dynamically initiates garbage collection; when zones have sufficient empty space, collection is deferred. This dynamic approach optimizes both retrieval speed and time efficiency.
3Productivity
If physical zones are allocated without considering data properties, then allocation simplicity is maintained, but resource wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the memory controller monitors data access patterns through logs to identify data properties. This feedback information is then used to make intelligent allocation decisions, assigning appropriate physical zones to data based on their characteristics. The feedback loop enables improved resource utilization while keeping the allocation management process systematic and controllable.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a memory device, and a memory controller configured to receive data and a log related to a property of the data from an external host, allocate a super block in which the data in the memory device is to be stored and a physical zone in the super block based on the log of the data, and store information for the log of the data stored for each physical zone and a time point at which a physical zone of a full state in which an empty area does not exist is switched to the full state. The memory controller controls the memory device to perform garbage collection according to the number of physical zones of an empty state, and selects a victim physical zone based on the information for the log of the data and a full state switch time point.