3D Nonvolatile Memory Variable Block Capacity Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional nonvolatile memory systems face inefficiencies in data storage capacity utilization due to varying error rates and signal quality across different physical levels, leading to suboptimal data densities and capacity utilization over time.
Innovation Solution
The system categorizes physical levels into zones based on error rates and signal quality, dynamically reconfiguring data densities by recategorizing memory cells to adjust the number of bits per cell stored, allowing for adaptive data storage capacity management and efficient utilization of memory blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is stored with high density in all physical levels, then storage capacity is maximized, but error rates increase due to varying signal quality across levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different data densities to different physical levels based on their signal quality characteristics. Lower physical levels with better signal quality store more bits per cell (higher density), while upper physical levels with poorer signal quality store fewer bits per cell (lower density). This resolves the contradiction by optimizing storage capacity locally in each zone rather than uniformly across all levels, thereby maximizing overall capacity while maintaining reliability in each specific region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the three-dimensional memory block into multiple zones based on physical levels, where each zone is configured with a specific data density. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone according to its signal quality, resolving the contradiction between maximizing overall storage capacity and maintaining reliability by treating different physical levels as separate controllable units rather than a uniform structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed data density is used across all blocks, then manufacturing and operation are simplified, but capacity utilization becomes suboptimal as blocks age and characteristics change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling reconfiguration of data densities in different zones of memory blocks over time. As blocks age or their characteristics change, the system can dynamically adjust the number of bits stored per cell in different physical levels, recategorizing levels between zones to optimize capacity utilization. This resolves the contradiction by introducing temporal adaptability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the data density parameter (bits per cell) in different zones based on block characteristics and aging. The system changes operational parameters such as the number of bits stored per cell in lower versus upper physical levels, allowing capacity utilization to be optimized as blocks age without requiring complex manufacturing changes.
3Device complexity
If uniform error correction is applied to all physical levels, then system complexity is reduced, but performance is suboptimal due to varying signal quality across levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing zone-specific error correction strategies tailored to the signal quality characteristics of different physical levels. Lower physical levels with better signal quality use different error correction parameters compared to upper physical levels with poorer signal quality. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing memory performance locally in each zone while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured zone-based management.
Data Source
AI summary
In a three-dimensional nonvolatile memory, physical levels in blocks are zoned and different zones store different numbers of bits per cell so that different blocks have different data capacities. Block data capacities are calculated and recorded, and may be updated as data capacities change. User data is mapped to blocks according to their respective data capacities.