Real-time Database Management on NAND Flash Storage

This technical report discusses the challenges and solutions related to real-time database management on NAND flash storage. It begins by outlining the importance of real-time data management across various sectors, including automotive, telecommunications, and medical devices. The report highlights the necessity for databases to ensure consistency and predictable access to storage media, particularly as the volume of data increases. It identifies core issues associated with NAND flash, such as wear leveling, garbage collection, and bad block management, which complicate transaction deadline guarantees. The document proposes a solution that integrates flash translation layers with database transaction managers to enhance deadline management. Furthermore, it examines the differences between managed and unmanaged NAND, detailing their respective trade-offs in control and performance. The report also addresses the electrical characteristics of NAND flash and their impact on real-time processing, emphasizing the importance of predictable timing in database operations.