Programming Dummy Data into Bad Pages of Memory Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in managing bad blocks, leading to reduced utilization and stability of memory devices, particularly in portable electronic devices where data storage and access speed are critical.
Innovation Solution
A memory system and operating method that identify and manage bad pages by determining bad word lines and adjacent pages, program data in normal pages, and use dummy data in bad pages, processing blocks as normal or bad based on threshold criteria to maintain efficiency and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bad blocks are identified and isolated in traditional memory systems, then reliability is improved, but block utilization efficiency deteriorates due to reduced available storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by programming dummy data into bad pages rather than simply marking them as unusable. This converts the harmful effect of bad pages into a beneficial outcome by maintaining block usability. The dummy data programming enables the memory block to be treated as normal, thereby improving block utilization efficiency while preserving reliability through systematic bad page management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the status parameter of bad pages from 'unusable' to 'usable with dummy data'. By programming dummy data into bad pages and adjusting the block classification criteria (comparing bad page count against threshold), the system transforms the parameter state of problematic memory regions, enabling continued block utilization and improving overall block utilization efficiency.
2Reliability
If comprehensive bad page checking is performed across all memory blocks, then reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing comprehensive bad page checking only when necessary (e.g., when threshold conditions are met or during specific operations). Rather than continuously checking all pages in all blocks, the system selectively performs checks based on block status and operational context, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining reliability through targeted verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary bad page checking during the initialization or first access of memory blocks. By identifying and marking bad pages in advance, the system prepares the memory structure proactively, so that subsequent operations can proceed without repeated comprehensive checks, thus reducing processing time for future operations while ensuring reliability.
3Productivity
If dummy data is programmed in all bad pages, then block utilization efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by programming dummy data selectively into specific bad pages rather than uniformly into all bad pages across the entire memory. The system identifies individual bad pages through checking and applies dummy data programming only to those specific locations that require it, based on local conditions. This localized approach improves block utilization efficiency by making bad pages usable while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary programming operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a memory device including a plurality of memory blocks each including a plurality of pages, wherein the plurality of pages each include a plurality of memory cells electrically coupled to a plurality of word lines and store write data and provide read data which are requested from a host, and a controller suitable for checking a bad page among a plurality of pages in a first memory block of the memory blocks, programming dummy data in the bad page, and process the first memory block as a normal block.