UFS L2P Mapping Transfer for Faster HPB Random Reads

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing UFS protocol for Flash-based memory systems results in low efficiency and poor random read performance due to frequent interactions between the host and memory system when accessing multiple L2P mapping tables, as each HPB region requires separate commands, leading to inefficient data communication.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where the memory system sends either a first recommendation information containing multiple L2P mapping tables or a data input UPIU in response to a host's HPB read buffer command, reducing the number of interactions by providing multiple L2P mapping tables simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the host sends separate HPB read buffer commands for each L2P mapping table, then the memory system can provide accurate L2P mapping information, but the number of interactions between host and memory system increases, reducing system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveL2P mapping accuracyVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple L2P mapping tables into a single data input UPIU structure, allowing the host to retrieve multiple mapping tables in one interaction rather than sending separate commands for each table. This merging approach maintains the accuracy of individual L2P mappings while significantly reducing the number of host-memory system interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The memory system prepares and stores multiple L2P mapping tables in advance within the data input UPIU structure, so that when the host requests L2P mapping information, multiple pre-prepared tables can be returned simultaneously. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for multiple sequential retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If multiple L2P mapping tables are retrieved through separate commands, then each table can be accessed individually, but the frequency of interactions increases, leading to higher power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual table accessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple L2P mapping tables are merged into a single data input UPIU structure that can be transferred in one operation. This combining approach maintains the ability to access individual tables (through offset addressing) while reducing the total number of transactions, thereby lowering power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional organization of L2P mapping tables within the UPIU structure, using offset fields to address individual tables within the multi-table structure. This dimensional reorganization allows individual table access without requiring separate command transactions for each table.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UFS protocol uses separate commands for each HPB region, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but the communication efficiency deteriorates due to frequent interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The data input UPIU structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it can carry a single L2P mapping table when only one table is needed, or multiple L2P mapping tables when bulk retrieval is required. This multi-functional design maintains compatibility with existing UFS protocols while enabling efficient multi-table retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The UPIU structure dynamically adapts to different retrieval needs by using offset fields and length indicators to specify which tables within the multi-table structure should be returned. This dynamic configuration allows the same protocol structure to handle both single-table and multi-table retrieval scenarios efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250362809A1Memory system, host, operation method, and data processing system
Publication Date: 2025.11.27 YANGTZE MEMORY TECH CO LTD
  • US20250362809A1 patent drawing
  • US20250362809A1 patent drawing
  • US20250362809A1 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a memory system is provided. The method may include sending a logical-to-physical (L2P) mapping table in a first operation mode or a second operation mode. The first operation mode may include: sending first recommendation information. The first recommendation information may include at least one L2P mapping table. The second operation mode may include: sending a data input universal flash storage protocol information unit (UPIU) in response to a host performance booster (HPB) read buffer command. The data input UPIU may include at least two L2P mapping tables.