Balancing Erase Counts in Rewritable Non-Volatile Memory Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rewritable non-volatile memory modules become unavailable due to high erase counts in certain physical erasing units, leading to shortened lifespan as data is preferentially programmed into faster storage areas, causing these units to reach their erase count threshold before slower storage areas with remaining capacity.
Innovation Solution
A data programming method that divides physical erasing units into two types with different programming modes, alternately switching the current writing area between them based on a calculated data amount threshold to balance erase counts, ensuring that both types of units are utilized effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is preferentially programmed into physical erasing units in the storage area with faster storage speed, then storage speed is improved, but erase count of these units reaches threshold first causing unavailability of the memory module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the physical erasing units into two distinct storage areas: a first storage area with physical erasing units having faster storage speed, and a second storage area with physical erasing units having slower storage speed. This segmentation allows the system to utilize both areas in a balanced manner, preventing any single area from reaching its erase count threshold prematurely and causing unavailability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between the first and second storage areas based on erase count thresholds. When the erase count of the first storage area reaches a first threshold, the system switches to use the second storage area. When the erase count of the second storage area reaches a second threshold, the system switches back to the first storage area. This dynamic adaptation ensures balanced wear distribution and maintains memory module availability.
2Speed
If data is preferentially programmed into physical erasing units in the storage area with faster storage speed, then storage speed is improved, but lifespan of the memory module is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the physical erasing units into two distinct storage areas: a first storage area with physical erasing units having faster storage speed, and a second storage area with physical erasing units having slower storage speed. This segmentation allows the system to utilize both areas in a balanced manner, preventing any single area from reaching its erase count threshold prematurely and causing unavailability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between the first and second storage areas based on erase count thresholds. When the erase count of the first storage area reaches a first threshold, the system switches to use the second storage area. When the erase count of the second storage area reaches a second threshold, the system switches back to the first storage area. This periodic action ensures balanced wear distribution and extends the overall lifespan of the memory module.
Data Source
AI summary
A data programming method includes setting a plurality of first type physical erasing units as a current writing area and recording a current writing data amount. The method also includes calculating a data amount threshold according to the first type physical erasing units. The method still includes receiving data. The method further includes: if the current writing data amount is less than the data amount threshold, programming the data to at least one of the first type physical erasing units using a first programming mode; and if the current writing data amount is not less than the data amount threshold, setting a plurality of second type physical erasing units as the current writing area and programming the data to at least one physical erasing unit of the second type physical erasing units using a second programming mode.