Write Buffer Reconfiguration for Power-Off Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage devices face data loss when a power off request occurs during data writing, particularly due to insufficient free memory blocks for storing data in the write buffer.
Innovation Solution
The storage device includes a controller that sets a write buffer with first type memory blocks and, upon receiving a power off request, adds second type memory blocks to the buffer if a threshold condition is met, ensuring faster data storage before power off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the storage device uses only first type memory blocks for the write buffer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the data storage speed is insufficient and data loss occurs during power off
Solution Approach 1:
The write buffer configuration is made dynamic by allowing the controller to adjust the composition of memory blocks in the write buffer based on real-time conditions. When a power off request is received, the controller dynamically adds second type memory blocks to the write buffer to enhance storage speed and prevent data loss, while maintaining the original configuration during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of memory block types in the write buffer from a fixed configuration to a variable one. By modifying the composition of the write buffer to include both first and second type memory blocks based on operational conditions, the system optimizes performance without permanently increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If the storage device adds second type memory blocks to the write buffer during power off, then data loss is prevented, but the response time for power off processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller preliminarily identifies and prepares second type memory blocks before they are needed during power off. By having these blocks ready and pre-configured in the write buffer, the system minimizes the time required to switch configurations when a power off request is received, thus preventing data loss with minimal time penalty.
3Productivity
If the storage device uses higher-speed second type memory blocks, then the data writing speed improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly using high-speed second type memory blocks throughout the storage device, the system applies local quality by using these blocks only in the write buffer where high speed is critical for preventing data loss during power off. The rest of the memory can use more cost-effective first type blocks, optimizing the balance between performance and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by incorporating second type memory blocks only partially into the write buffer configuration rather than fully replacing first type blocks. This partial integration provides the necessary speed boost for power off scenarios while limiting the overall cost increase to only the portion of memory blocks that are actually needed for the enhanced function.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device may set a write buffer including one or more of a plurality of first type memory blocks. And the storage device may determine whether a threshold condition is satisfied when a power off request is received, and add one or more target memory blocks selected from among a plurality of second type memory blocks to the write buffer when it is determined that the threshold condition is satisfied.