Dynamic Metablock Redefinition for Thermal Management in Nonvolatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonvolatile data storage devices face data transfer inefficiencies due to heat generation, which can lead to data instability at elevated temperatures, and conventional cooling methods like throttling result in interruptions and wasted computing resources.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves redefining a metablock in a data storage device to redirect data flow from a heated die to a cooler die, allowing continuous data transfer while cooling the overheated die by excluding its storage blocks from the metablock, thus maintaining efficient access and reducing thermal instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data transfer to and from the data storage device continues without interruption, then productivity is maintained, but temperature of the storage device increases causing data instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage device into multiple independent dies (first die, second die, etc.), each containing storage blocks. When one die becomes overheated, the system can selectively redirect data operations to other cooler dies, allowing localized temperature management without affecting the entire device. This segmentation enables continuous data transfer while cooling specific hot spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different operational states to different regions (dies) of the storage device based on their local temperature conditions. Overheated dies receive reduced data transfer activity while cooler dies continue normal operations. This local quality approach allows the system to maintain overall productivity while protecting specific vulnerable regions from thermal damage.
2Reliability
If data transfer is completely stopped to cool the storage device, then temperature is reduced and data stability is maintained, but productivity decreases due to transfer interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the storage device into multiple dies with independent operational control, the system can maintain data transfer productivity through cooler dies while allowing overheated dies to cool down. This prevents complete transfer interruptions while still achieving temperature reduction and data stability protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller that acts as an intermediary, dynamically routing data transfer operations between multiple dies based on their real-time temperature status. This mediator enables continuous productivity by finding alternative cooler paths for data transfer while protecting overheated regions, eliminating the need for complete transfer cessation.
3Reliability
If data flow is redirected from an overheated storage block to a cooler storage block in another die, then temperature of the first die is reduced and data stability is maintained, but device complexity increases due to metablock redefinition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic metablock redefinition where the composition of metablocks changes in real-time based on temperature conditions. Instead of fixed storage block assignments, the system continuously adapts which storage blocks belong to which metablocks, routing operations away from overheated dies and toward cooler ones. This dynamic approach manages complexity through adaptive algorithms rather than static complex configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of metablock composition based on temperature conditions. When a die becomes overheated, the metablock definition is modified to exclude blocks from that die and include blocks from cooler dies instead. This parameter change approach allows flexible temperature management while maintaining a relatively simple underlying storage architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables continuous and efficient data access and transfer by relocating data from overheated storage blocks to cooler ones, preventing data instability and improving computing resource utilization compared to throttling methods.
Implementation Method 1
Heat may also be transferred between adjacent dies within a storage device and may contribute to an elevated temperature within the data storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes, in a nonvolatile memory device that includes a plurality of dies, detecting that a first temperature associated with a first die is equal to or exceeds a temperature threshold. A metablock is defined to include a first plurality of storage blocks that includes a first storage block of the first die. Each storage block of the metablock resides in a distinct die of the plurality of dies. The method also includes, in response to detecting that the first temperature is equal to or exceeds the temperature threshold, redefining the metablock to exclude from the redefined metablock any storage block associated with the first die.