Dynamic Memory Block Repairs With Universal Spares

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designating separate pools of static and dynamic blocks as spare blocks reduces the functional storage capacity of memory systems and is more restrictive.

Innovation Solution

Designating dynamic blocks as universal spare blocks to replace both static and dynamic blocks, thereby increasing the functional storage capacity by repurposing static blocks as normal blocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate pools of static and dynamic blocks are designated as spare blocks, then block replacement reliability is improved, but functional storage capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblock replacement reliabilityVSAvoidfunctional storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designates dynamic blocks as universal spare blocks that can replace both static and dynamic blocks. This multi-functional approach allows a single pool of spare blocks to serve multiple replacement needs, eliminating the requirement for separate spare block pools for different block types while maintaining full replacement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the previously separate spare block pools for static and dynamic blocks into a single unified pool. By combining these resources and allowing dynamic blocks to serve as universal spares, the system reduces the total number of spare blocks required while maintaining reliability across both block types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate pools of static and dynamic blocks are designated as spare blocks, then replacement coverage is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement coverageVSAvoidspare block management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By making dynamic blocks universal spares capable of replacing any block type, the system simplifies spare block management from two separate pools to one unified pool, reducing management complexity while maintaining comprehensive replacement coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having static blocks serve as spares for static blocks and dynamic blocks as spares for dynamic blocks (traditional approach), the patent inverts this by having dynamic blocks serve as spares for both static and dynamic blocks, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250285703A1Use of dynamic blocks for repairs in a memory system

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for use of dynamic blocks for repairs in a memory system are described. A memory system may select, from a set of dynamic blocks, a subset of dynamic blocks as candidates for replacing other blocks. The memory system may determine whether a static block in a set of static blocks has satisfied a condition for replacement. The memory system may update, based on determining that the static block satisfies the condition for replacement, replacement information for tracking block replacements to indicate that a dynamic block in the subset of dynamic blocks is to be used instead of the static block for subsequent access operations.