Introduction

The purpose of a trim command is to allow the host to provide LBA/data usage information that allows the storage device to become more performant. The trim command provides input from the host to let the device know what sectors can be unmapped from the device because they are no longer needed by the host. Un-mapping sectors of an allocation unit in advance of usage, via the trim command, will reduce the need for garbage collection in the future. This background garbage collection activity will cause additional media bandwidth to be consumed and may decrease the responsiveness of the device. Limiting garbage collection to a minimum allows the device to remain responsive and performant. If the device needs less media bandwidth for garbage collection, then more media bandwidth can be provided to the host system. It is in the best interest of the host and device to limit the necessity for garbage collection. Executing the trim command during opportune scenarios allows for additional host features such as additional cameras, auxiliary streams, picture streams, and playback streams.