Flash Controller Dynamic Opcode Configuration for NAND Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
NAND flash devices require dynamic determination of the opcode for reliable commands due to variations in operation codes defined by different manufacturers and across different generations of flash modules, which complicates the initialization and operation of flash memory devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve a flash controller and an output device on a printed circuit board, where the flash controller issues an enabling signal to read the opcode of the reliable command from the output device, allowing dynamic configuration of the opcode for accessing data in Single Level Cell mode, and includes a non-transitory computer program product for executing this method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the flash controller uses fixed opcode configuration for reliable commands, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different flash module generations and manufacturers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the opcode configuration changeable through an enabling signal mechanism. The output device can dynamically switch between providing a first opcode (for normal operations) and a second opcode (for reliable commands) based on the state of the enabling signal, allowing the system to adapt to different flash module requirements without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary output device that sits between the flash controller and the flash module. This intermediary contains multiple gates that can be selectively enabled to provide different opcodes, thereby mediating the compatibility issues between the flash controller and various flash module generations or manufacturers without requiring changes to the controller itself
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flash controller dynamically determines opcode for each operation, then the adaptability to different flash modules is improved, but the processing time and operational complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple gates in the output device, each associated with different opcodes for different flash module types. The enabling signal mechanism is pre-established, allowing the system to quickly switch between opcodes without performing complex dynamic determination during operations, thus reducing processing time while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The enabling signal mechanism provides a dynamic yet efficient solution by allowing simple binary switching between different opcode configurations. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to different flash modules without requiring complex real-time determination logic, thereby minimizing the time loss associated with opcode selection
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple opcode configurations for different flash modules, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity and configuration difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the output device into multiple independent gates, each responsible for providing a specific opcode. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple flash module types through simple modular additions rather than complex monolithic structures, reducing configuration difficulty while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The output device is designed with multi-functionality through the enabling signal mechanism that can selectively activate different gates. This universal design allows a single output device structure to serve multiple flash module types and generations, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity or configuration difficulty
Data Source
AI summary
The invention introduces a method for configuring a reliable command, performed by a flash controller, including: issuing an enabling signal to an output device, where the flash controller and the output device are disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) and intercoupled through wires in the PCB; reading an opcode of the reliable command corresponding to a flash module from the output device, where the flash module is disposed on the PCB and coupled to the flash controller through circuits in the PCB, and the reliable command is used to direct the flash module for access to data in a single level cell (SLC) mode; and stopping issuing the enabling signal to the output device after obtaining the opcode of the reliable command.