Flash Memory Controller Sequential Write Detection Without Command Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flash memory devices face inefficiencies due to the burden on firmware from analyzing numerous write commands to determine if a host device is performing a sequential write operation.
Innovation Solution
A flash memory controller that determines if a host device is performing a sequential write operation by analyzing the size of data blocks and variables without checking each write command, using a microprocessor to execute program code and manage data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the flash memory device analyzes all write commands to determine sequential write operations, then the detection accuracy improves, but the firmware burden increases and writing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sequential write detection logic from the firmware and implements it in hardware circuitry within the flash memory controller. This separation allows the hardware to handle detection independently, relieving the firmware of this burden and maintaining high writing efficiency while preserving accurate detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that monitors write operations without requiring full command analysis. By using a simplified detection approach that tracks write patterns and block addresses, the system achieves accurate sequential write identification with minimal firmware involvement, thus maintaining high writing efficiency.
2Reliability
If the firmware analyzes numerous write commands to detect sequential operations, then the detection reliability improves, but the computational burden on firmware increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the firmware-based software analysis mechanism with a hardware-based detection circuit. This substitution transfers the detection function from the software layer to the hardware layer, reducing firmware complexity while maintaining reliable detection through dedicated circuitry that continuously monitors write operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flash memory controller performs self-detection of sequential write operations through its internal hardware circuitry without requiring external firmware intervention. The controller autonomously monitors its own write operations, determining sequential patterns and adjusting its behavior accordingly, thereby reducing the computational burden on firmware while maintaining detection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a control method of a flash memory controller, wherein the flash memory controller is configured to access a flash memory module. The flash memory controller includes the steps of: selecting a block within the flash memory module, wherein the block is a blank block; writing data into the block; after the block is full, determining an amount of data from a host device written into the block, wherein the host device is external to the flash memory controller; and determining if the host device is performing a sequential write operation to write the data with consecutive logical addresses into the block according to a size of the block and the amount of data from the host device written into the block.