Trim Command Processing for Flash Memory Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flash memory storage technology faces challenges in effectively processing trim commands, which can increase wear and reduce the lifespan of flash memory modules, particularly due to the lack of efficient methods to manage data deletion and garbage collection operations.
Innovation Solution
A trim command processing method that determines whether to perform a first trim operation or a second trim operation based on the data volume indicated by the trim command, updating the logical-to-physical mapping table or rewriting data in the rewritable non-volatile memory module, respectively, to minimize wear and extend module lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a trim operation is performed to delete data on logical addresses, then the garbage collection operation is prevented from moving deleted data and performance is improved, but the wear of the flash memory increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of trim operation execution by introducing a threshold mechanism. Instead of always executing trim operations, the system calculates the data volume to be programmed and compares it against a threshold. When the threshold is not met, the trim operation is skipped, thereby reducing unnecessary wear on flash memory while maintaining performance benefits when the data volume is sufficient.
2Loss of information
If the logical-to-physical mapping table is updated to reflect deleted data, then the data deletion is recognized, but additional programming operations are required which increase wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively updating the logical-to-physical mapping table only when necessary. Instead of updating the mapping table for every trim command, the system evaluates whether the data volume threshold is met. Only when the threshold is satisfied does the system proceed with the mapping table update and associated programming operations, thereby reducing unnecessary wear while ensuring proper data deletion recognition when needed.
3Productivity
If trim operations are frequently executed to maintain performance, then garbage collection efficiency is improved, but the lifespan of the flash memory module is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through threshold-based evaluation. The system continuously monitors the data volume to be programmed and uses this information to determine whether to execute trim operations. This feedback loop ensures that trim operations are performed only when beneficial for garbage collection efficiency, thereby optimizing the balance between performance and flash memory lifespan without requiring frequent unnecessary operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A trim command processing method, a memory control circuit unit, and a memory storage apparatus are provided. The method includes: receiving a trim command from a host system, where the trim command is configured to indicate data stored in at least one logical address among a plurality of logical addresses can be erased; calculating a first data volume of data required to be programmed when a data trim operation is performed according to the trim command; and determining whether to perform a first trim operation or a second trim operation according to the first data volume.