Zone-Based Parity Management for Sequential-Write Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face inefficiencies in managing parity data, particularly in scenarios where sequential writing occurs, leading to increased wear and tear on parity memory devices, which can result in faster deterioration and reduced lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A storage device and method that includes a parity zone and multiple zones for sequential writing, where zones are dynamically allocated and invalidated to optimize parity data management, reducing the frequency of parity data updates and minimizing wear on parity memory devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If parity data is frequently updated to maintain data integrity in sequential writing scenarios, then data reliability is improved, but wear on parity memory devices increases and lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidparity memory device lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic zone management where zones are dynamically allocated, invalidated, and reallocated based on write operations. The memory controller dynamically adjusts which zones participate in parity groups, allowing the system to adapt to changing write patterns and reduce unnecessary parity updates on the same physical locations, thereby reducing wear while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a mechanism where zones are discarded from active parity groups after invalidation and subsequently recovered/reallocated for new parity group formations. When a zone is invalidated due to sequential writing, it is released from the parity group and later reallocated to new zones, spreading the parity update workload across different physical locations over time and reducing cumulative wear on any single parity memory device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Duration of action of stationary object

If zones are dynamically reallocated to optimize parity management, then parity memory device wear is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparity memory device lifespanVSAvoidzone management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the memory space into discrete zones that can be independently managed, allocated, and invalidated. This segmentation allows the memory controller to handle zone management in manageable units rather than dealing with the entire address space at once, simplifying the complexity of dynamic reallocation while achieving wear reduction through systematic zone rotation and reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260111124A1Storage device and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

According to the present technology, a storage device may include a plurality of first memory devices, a second memory device, and a memory controller. Each of the plurality of first memory devices may include a plurality of zones in which sequential writing is performed. The second memory device may include a plurality of parity zones. The memory controller may allocate to a parity group, first zones included in the respective first memory devices and a first parity zone storing parity data for data stored in the first zones, release from the parity group, the first zone invalidated among the first zones by writing new data into a target zone different from the invalidated first zone among the zones included in the first memory device including the invalidated first zone, and allocate the target zone to the parity group.