Apparatus and operation method for performing garbage collection in a memory system

A memory controller comprising:

• a first pipeline configured to process or carry out a data input/output command transmitted from a host and use first map data for a data input/output operation corresponding to the data input/output command;
• and
• a second pipeline distinct from the first pipeline and configured to:
• copy the first map data to generate second map data,
• perform garbage collection for at least one memory device based on the second map data, and
• update the first map data based on results of the garbage collection and the data input/output operation.

A method for operating a memory system, the method comprising:

• receiving a data input/output command from a host;
• performing a data input/output operation corresponding to the data input/output command based on first map data;
• determining whether to perform garbage collection regardless of whether to perform the data input/output operation;
• copying, for the garbage collection, the first map data to generate second map data;
• performing the garbage collection based on the second map data;
• and
• performing map update of the first map data, used through the data input/output operation, based on a result of the garbage collection.