User Data Block Access Counters for Fine-Grained Memory Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face high resource overhead and limited granularity in tracking memory access frequencies, leading to inefficient data management and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a user data block level access counter within each memory block to track access frequencies at a granular level, reducing the need for additional storage and resource consumption, and providing accurate access tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If access counters are implemented at a coarse memory level (e.g., bank or array level), then resource overhead is reduced, but measurement precision of access frequencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access counter into two parts: a first access counter stored in a first location (e.g., metadata region) and a second access counter stored in a second location (e.g., main data region). This segmentation allows the system to track access frequencies with fine granularity while utilizing existing memory structures, thereby avoiding the need for additional centralized counter resources.
2Measurement precision
If access counters are implemented with fine granularity (e.g., per user data block), then measurement precision of access frequencies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing memory structures multi-functional by using them to store access counter information. Specifically, metadata regions and data regions that already exist in the memory system are utilized to store first and second access counters, respectively. This eliminates the need for dedicated counter storage resources, achieving fine-grained tracking without increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If traditional hotness counters are used to track memory access patterns, then access frequency tracking is provided, but power consumption and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the memory system automatically increments access counters during normal read and write operations without requiring external intervention. The first access counter is incremented during read operations and the second access counter is incremented during write operations, enabling continuous access pattern tracking while minimizing additional power consumption through integration with existing operation workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a memory device may receive a request to access host data stored in a user data block, wherein the user data block includes: a data portion in which the host data is stored, an error correction portion in which error correction bits associated with correcting errors in the host data are stored, a metadata portion in which metadata bits associated with the host data are stored, and an access counter portion in which an access counter associated with a quantity of accesses to the user data block is stored. The memory device may access the user data block. The memory device may increment the access counter based on accessing the user data block.