Flash Memory Controller Dual Program Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
As flash memory devices are scaled down and memory cells are stacked, their degradation leads to a degradation in data retention characteristics, necessitating enhanced program performance without increasing buffer memory size.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a nonvolatile memory device and a storage controller that assigns program operations to memory blocks based on data retention and degradation information, performing first and second program operations to optimize data storage and recovery, thereby enhancing program performance without increasing buffer memory size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If flash memory devices are scaled down and memory cells are stacked to increase storage capacity, then storage density is improved, but data retention characteristics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the program operation into two distinct types: first program operation for initial data programming and second program operation for data recovery and degradation compensation. This segmentation allows the system to address data retention issues specifically through the second program operation without affecting the overall storage capacity improvements gained from scaling and stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of data into different pages (first page, second page, etc.) and assigns them to different program operations in advance. This preliminary action enables proactive data recovery and degradation compensation before data loss occurs, thereby improving data retention characteristics while maintaining the high storage density achieved through scaling and stacking.
2Productivity
If buffer memory size is increased to enhance program performance, then program performance is improved, but device size and cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing memory blocks by implementing dual program operations. Instead of increasing buffer memory size, the system modifies how program operations are executed and assigned, using parameter changes in the control logic to achieve enhanced program performance without additional hardware resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the memory device to self-manage data recovery and degradation compensation through automated classification and assignment of data pages to appropriate program operations. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional buffer memory resources while maintaining improved program performance through intelligent data management.
3Reliability
If multiple program operations are assigned to different memory blocks, then data recovery and degradation compensation are improved, but control complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different program operations to different memory blocks based on their specific conditions and data requirements. Each memory block receives the appropriate program operation (first or second) tailored to its local needs, optimizing data recovery while managing control complexity through localized decision-making rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a nonvolatile memory device and a storage controller to control operation of the nonvolatile memory device. The storage controller assigns a program operation associated with data to be programmed, to one of a first program operation or a second program operation, controls the nonvolatile memory device to perform the first program operation on first memory blocks and to perform the second program operation on at least one second memory block, and controls the nonvolatile memory to select one of the first program operation on a third memory block in an erase state or the second program operation on the second memory block, and to perform the selected program operation after the first program operation on the first memory blocks is completed.