Dynamic Superblocks for Managed NAND Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managed NAND memory devices face limitations in creating superblocks due to defects in memory planes, which restrict performance and availability, especially when dealing with bad blocks and varying maintenance operations across different planes.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller is configured to dynamically generate and manage superblocks across multiple memory dice, reusing blocks cleaned up by maintenance operations like garbage collection, and maintaining multiple cursors for different performance levels to optimize write operations and maintenance without affecting overall system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If superblocks are established during manufacturing, then multi-plane write performance is improved, but the number of superblocks is limited due to bad blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static superblock configuration established during manufacturing to dynamic superblock creation during operation. The memory controller dynamically determines superblock formation based on real-time plane availability and maintenance status, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maximize the use of available blocks despite bad blocks present in the memory device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary maintenance operations (garbage collection, block cleaning) on memory planes before establishing superblocks. This ensures that blocks are ready and available for superblock formation, preventing performance degradation due to unavailable blocks during write operations.
2Reliability
If maintenance operations are performed on memory planes, then reliability is improved, but write performance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
Maintenance operations such as garbage collection and block cleaning are performed in advance before superblock establishment. This preliminary action ensures that blocks are prepared and available before write operations begin, so maintenance does not interrupt or degrade write performance. The system completes maintenance tasks beforehand, then proceeds with high-performance writes using the prepared blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for dynamic superblocks are described. In some examples, a superblock may be established across one or more dice of a memory device. A superblock may include one or more blocks from a plurality of planes of a memory die, and may be associated with a first performance cursor or a second performance cursor. The superblock may be established based on one or more criteria, such as a quantity of available blocks in a plane, a quantity of access operations performed on one or more blocks in a plane, or other criteria. Establishing a superblock associated with a first performance cursor may allow for performance criteria established by a host device to be maintained, while establishing a superblock associated with a second performance cursor may allow for garbage collection, wear leveling, and other maintenance operations to be performed on the memory device.