Flash Memory Controller Temperature Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flash memory devices experience unpredictable errors and potential failure due to operating temperatures exceeding allowable ranges, affecting data reliability and access speed.

Innovation Solution

A flash memory controller and data programming method that transmit a program command sequence including a first command to write data and a second command to read operating temperature information, allowing for simultaneous data writing and temperature monitoring without interrupting normal program operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the flash memory performs program operations at high speed, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases causing unpredictable errors and potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access speedVSAvoiddata reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the temperature of the flash memory during program operations. The controller reads temperature information from the flash memory and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust operation parameters, thereby maintaining reliable data storage while operating at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic temperature monitoring and adaptive operation adjustment. Instead of static temperature management, the system dynamically reads temperature information during operations and adjusts programming parameters in real-time based on the current thermal state, allowing high-speed operation within safe temperature boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the controller waits for channel operations to complete before proceeding, then reliability is improved, but time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation completion reliabilityVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by initiating temperature monitoring concurrently with program operations rather than waiting for operations to complete. The controller starts reading temperature information in advance and during operation, allowing it to proceed with subsequent tasks while temperature data is being collected, thus eliminating idle waiting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by overlapping temperature monitoring with program operations. Instead of sequential execution (program operation completes → then monitor temperature), the system performs both actions concurrently, ensuring the controller remains productive throughout the entire process without idle waiting periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If the controller interrupts cache program operations to read temperature information, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature information accuracyVSAvoidprogram operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges temperature monitoring with cache program operations by integrating the temperature reading process into the existing operation flow. Instead of separate, interrupting monitoring steps, the temperature information is read as part of the normal program operation sequence, allowing both functions to serve each other without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the program command sequence to simultaneously perform data programming and temperature monitoring. The first command in the sequence accomplishes both writing data to the flash memory and reading temperature information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring operations that would interrupt the workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12259818B2Flash memory controller and data programming method
Publication Date: 2025.03.25 SILICON MOTION INC
  • US12259818B2 patent drawing
  • US12259818B2 patent drawing
  • US12259818B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flash memory controller and a data programming method are provided. The flash memory controller includes a control logic circuit and a processor. The control logic circuit is coupled to a first chip-enable-signal controlled area of a flash memory through a channel to transmit data and commands. The processor controls the control logic circuit to transmit a first command and a second command to the first chip-enable-signal controlled area through the channel. The first command is configured to instruct the first chip-enable-signal controlled area to write stored data and read operating temperature information. In response to the transmission of the second command, the processor controls the control logic circuit to receive the operating temperature information from the first chip-enable-signal controlled area.