Sequential-Write Zone Allocation Using Compound Data Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory allocation systems for sequentially-written data result in inefficient utilization of memory devices due to partially-filled zones, leading to wasted storage capacity and increased write amplification, which affects the longevity of the memory devices.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves appending multiple sets of data to a compound data object, allowing zones to be shared among different data sets, and implementing a zone mapping data structure to manage efficient allocation and erasure of memory cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional memory allocation systems are used for sequentially-written data, then data can be stored in memory devices, but zone utilization becomes inefficient due to partially-filled zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone utilizationVSAvoidwrite amplification

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple data sets into a single compound data object that is then written to a zone. This combining approach allows the zone to be completely filled with useful data from multiple sources, eliminating the partial-fill problem and reducing write amplification by ensuring every written byte is utilized effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If zones are allocated to single data sets, then data integrity is maintained, but storage capacity is wasted due to partially-filled zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidallocation management

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes zones universal by allowing them to serve multiple data sets simultaneously through the compound data object mechanism. A single zone can contain data from multiple data sets, making the zone multi-functional and eliminating waste while the management complexity is handled by the controller's allocation logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If conventional allocation methods are used, then simple management is maintained, but unnecessary erasure operations increase write amplification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrite amplificationVSAvoidallocation management

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller tracks the allocation status of zones and data sets, monitoring which zones are fully utilized and which data sets have been completely written. This feedback allows the system to make intelligent decisions about when to perform erasure operations, avoiding unnecessary erasures and reducing write amplification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12608133B2Effective storage allocation for sequentially-written memory devices

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

An input/output (I/O) erase request directed at memory devices is received by a processing device. The erase request includes logical block address that is associated with a data object. The memory devices include groups of zones corresponding to sequential logical addresses. The plurality of zones are associated with a compound data object that includes a plurality of data objects, including the data object. One or more zones associated with the data object are identified. A data set counter associated with each of the one or more zones is decremented. The data set counter represents a number of sets of data associated with the zone. Responsive to determining that the data set counter associated with one of the one or more ones satisfies a criterion, the one of the one or more zones is a caused to be erased.