UFS Storage Prefetching for Fragmented File Sequential Reads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices face challenges in enhancing read performance during sequential operations due to inefficiencies in prefetching data from non-volatile memory.
Innovation Solution
A storage device and prefetch method that includes a storage controller capable of prefetching multiple file fragments based on file fragmentation information included in an extra header segment (EHS) field of the UPIU, improving prefetch hit rate and sequential read performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the storage device performs sequential read operations on non-volatile memory, then read performance can be improved through prefetching, but discontinuous file fragments cause suboptimal prefetching and reduced read performance
Solution Approach 1:
The storage controller performs prefetching operations in advance by predicting future read requests based on file fragmentation information. When a read command is received, the controller uses the fragmentation information to proactively load adjacent file fragments into the buffer memory before they are actually requested, thereby improving read performance despite discontinuous file storage
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using file fragmentation information (stored in metadata or extra header segments) to guide prefetching decisions. The storage controller continuously monitors read patterns and adjusts prefetching behavior based on the actual file fragment distribution, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes read performance adaptively
2Productivity
If the storage device uses traditional prefetching without file fragmentation information, then the prefetching process is simple, but prefetch hit rates are low and sequential read performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
File fragmentation information acts as an intermediary between the host and the storage controller's prefetching mechanism. This information (stored in extra header segments or metadata) serves as a mediator that enables the controller to make intelligent prefetching decisions without requiring complex algorithms, thereby improving prefetch hit rates while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device performs self-service by autonomously using its own file fragmentation information to optimize its prefetching operations. The controller reads the fragmentation information from the stored file metadata and automatically adjusts prefetching parameters without external intervention, improving performance while avoiding additional system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device may include a non-volatile memory configured to store one file as a plurality of file fragments, and a storage controller configured to receive a read command with respect to the plurality of file fragments from a host through UFS protocol information unit (UPIU), and perform prefetching on the plurality of file fragments based on file fragmentation information included in an extra header segment (EHS) field of the UPIU.