Flash Memory Controller SLC MLC Mode Selection

Solution Overview

Problem

Users cannot directly select between single-level cell (SLC) and multi-level cell (MLC) program modes during the initialization of flash memory, limiting their ability to prioritize either speed or storage capacity based on their preferences.

Innovation Solution

A data processing system that allows users to select a program mode (SLC or MLC) during initialization, with a controller that performs program operations accordingly based on user input, enabling users to choose between faster programming or increased storage capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the memory device operates in SLC program mode, then the programming speed is improved, but the storage capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming speedVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device dynamically switches between SLC and MLC program modes based on user selection during initialization. The controller configures the memory device to operate in either SLC mode (for faster programming) or MLC mode (for increased storage capacity), allowing the system to adapt its characteristics according to specific application needs rather than being fixed in a single mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the memory device operates in MLC program mode, then the storage capacity is improved, but the programming speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidprogramming speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device dynamically switches between SLC and MLC program modes based on user selection during initialization. The controller configures the memory device to operate in either SLC mode (for faster programming) or MLC mode (for increased storage capacity), allowing the system to adapt its characteristics according to specific application needs rather than being fixed in a single mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the controller automatically determines program mode without user input, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram mode selection flexibilityVSAvoidinitialization process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user selects the desired program mode (SLC or MLC) during the initialization phase before the memory device begins normal operation. This preliminary selection allows the system to be configured according to user preferences without adding complexity to the ongoing operation, as the mode determination is completed once during setup rather than requiring continuous complex decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11106392B2Memory system and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 MIMIRIP LLC

AI summary

A data processing system includes: a host suitable for generating an initialization command and generating program mode information by selecting a program mode; a memory device including a plurality of memory cells storing a single level data and a multiple-level data; and a controller suitable for: receiving the initialization command and the program mode information from the host; controlling the memory device to perform an initialization operation on the memory device in response to the initialization command; and controlling the memory device to perform a program operation on the memory device based on the program mode information after the initialization operation is performed.