Flash Memory Controller Macro Command Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flash memory controllers experience performance degradation due to the large number of command sequences required for frequent set-feature operations in flash memory devices, leading to inefficient operation and prolonged command sequence times.

Innovation Solution

A flash memory controller and method that utilize an I/O circuit and processor to send commands and data through a specific communication interface, employing a set-feature signal with macro execution features and parameters to execute multiple set-feature operations efficiently, reducing the total time length of command sequences by using macro start, end, and execution signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional flash memory controllers send individual set-feature signals for each operation, then each operation can be controlled precisely, but the performance degrades due to the large number of command sequences transmitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation execution speedVSAvoidcommand sequence transmission time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual set_feature commands into a single macro command structure. The macro command contains multiple set_feature sub-commands with different feature addresses and parameter information, allowing the flash memory device to execute multiple operations in one go rather than requiring separate command transmissions for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by allowing the controller to send macro commands that pre-configure multiple set_feature operations in advance. The flash memory device stores these macro commands and executes them sequentially without requiring intermediate command transmissions, effectively preparing and executing multiple operations beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple set-feature operations are executed frequently, then the flash memory device can be controlled to perform complex operations, but the performance degrades due to the large number of command sequences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation control capabilityVSAvoidoperation execution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The macro command structure serves multiple functions: it can contain various types of set_feature sub-commands针对不同特征地址，support different operation modes (execution mode and storage mode), and handle diverse parameter information. This universal structure allows the same macro command format to control multiple different operations without requiring separate command formats for each operation type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11914901B2Flash memory controller and method capable of transmitting multiple set-feature signals and macro settings to flash memory device

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 SILICON MOTION INC

AI summary

A method of a flash memory controller to be used in a storage device and coupled to a flash memory device of the storage device through a specific communication interface includes: using a set-feature signal, which carries a set-feature command, a macro execution feature address, and corresponding macro execution parameter information, as a macro execution signal and transmitting the macro execution signal to the flash memory device to make the flash memory device execute multiple set-feature operations respectively having unique information defined by the corresponding macro execution parameter information carried in the macro execution signal.