Metadata management in key value data storage device

A data storage device, comprising:

• a memory device;
• and
• a controller coupled to the memory device, wherein the controller is configured to:
• receive key value (KV) pair data, wherein the KV pair data includes a key and a value;
• receive a hint that is distinct from the key, wherein the hint indicates whether or not metadata will be generated for the value;
• store the value in the memory device;
• generate a mapping in a key-to-physical (K2P) table corresponding to the received KV pair data, wherein the mapping comprises a first slot, wherein the first slot stores a physical address of the value stored in the memory device;
• determine to double associate the key;
• and
• update the mapping to include a second slot based on the determining, wherein the second slot stores a physical address of metadata associated with the value that is stored in the memory device, wherein a single key is used to map both the value and the metadata.

A data storage device, comprising:

• memory means;
• and
• a controller coupled to the memory means, wherein the controller is configured to:
• process key value (KV) commands corresponding to KV pair data, wherein the KV pair data includes a key and a value;
• receive a hint that is distinct from the key, wherein the hint indicates whether or not metadata will be generated for the value;
• and
• maintain a key-to-physical (K2P) table, wherein:
• the K2P table comprises one or more K2P entries;
• each K2P entry includes a first slot and one or more second slots;
• the first slot stores a physical location of the value associated with the key corresponding to the K2P entry;
• and
• the one or more second slots stores either a null value or a physical location of metadata associated with the value of the key corresponding to the K2P entry, wherein the metadata is received non-concurrently to receiving the KV pair data.