Flash Memory Block Page Allocation and Backup Strategy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flash memory designs, especially Triple-Level Cell (TLC) flash memories, the number of pages in each block does not exactly equal a power of two, resulting in unused pages that waste capacity, as only the first 2^N pages are utilized, leaving the last two pages unused.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to utilize the originally unused pages by configuring each block to have (2N+M) pages, where N and M are positive integers, allowing data to be written into the first (2N) pages and backed up into the (2N+1)th to (2N+M)th pages, thereby fully exploiting the block capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flash memory block uses 2N pages for data access to maintain design simplicity and access speed, then the controller design and access speed are optimized, but the last M pages are left unused resulting in capacity waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the previously unused M pages to serve dual purposes: they can be used for data backup when data integrity is compromised, or utilized as additional storage space. This transforms idle pages into functional storage resources, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple 2N-page access design and improving capacity utilization.
2Device complexity
If the flash memory block uses exactly 2N pages to align with power of two requirements, then the block structure is simplified for controller design, but the storage capacity is reduced due to unused pages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the block with (2N+M) pages where the M additional pages are reserved for backup purposes. This advance preparation allows the system to handle data corruption or unreadability scenarios without requiring structural changes during operation, thus maintaining simple controller design while increasing effective storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for accessing a flash memory, where a block of the flash memory includes pages whose quantity is (2N+M), N and M are positive integers. The method includes: writing a data stream into 1st-(2N)th pages, and backing up data of a portion of the 1st-(2N)th pages into (2N+1)th-(2N+M)th pages.