Configurable Non-Volatile Memory Partitions for Flexible Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile memory devices, such as flash memory, face challenges in providing flexibility and efficient utilization of die space while maintaining compatibility with existing software, as increasing the number of partitions can lead to larger die sizes and higher manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a non-volatile memory device with a smaller number of physical partitions of varying sizes, where remapping logic maps logical partitions to physical partitions, allowing for flexible allocation between code and data banks, thereby reducing die size and maintaining compatibility with existing software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of partitions in non-volatile memory is increased to provide more flexibility and precise memory allocation, then configuration flexibility is improved, but die size increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is divided into multiple physical partitions of varying sizes, where each partition can be independently allocated to code bank or data bank. This segmentation allows flexible memory configuration without requiring a uniform partition structure, enabling precise memory allocation while maintaining a manageable number of physical partitions to control die size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic partition allocation where the controller can programmatically assign physical partitions to different functional banks (code or data) based on runtime requirements. This dynamic configurability provides adaptability without requiring fixed hardware structures for each partition type, reducing overall die size while maintaining configuration flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of partitions is increased to allow flexible allocation between code and data banks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary layer between the physical partitions and the logical memory banks. It manages the mapping and allocation of partitions to code or data banks, absorbing the complexity of partition management internally while presenting a simplified interface to external systems. This mediator approach enables flexible memory allocation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If physical partitions are made uniformly sized for simplicity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but configuration flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partitions with non-uniform sizes tailored to specific functional requirements. Different partitions can be optimized for different purposes (e.g., larger partitions for code storage, smaller partitions for data), allowing each partition to have qualities suited to its intended use. This local optimization provides configuration flexibility while maintaining manufacturing precision through targeted design rather than uniform constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments for configuring a non-volatile memory device may comprise configuring M physical partitions of the non-volatile memory into two or more banks, wherein the two or more banks respectively comprise one or more of the M physical partitions, and wherein at least a first of the M physical partitions comprises a first size and wherein at least a second of the M physical partitions comprises a second size.