Flash Memory Multi-Plane Block Management via Copyback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flash memory storage devices, the multi-plane mode has limitations such as copyback operations being restricted within the same plane, leading to inefficient space utilization due to marking blocks as defect blocks, even if they are functional across different planes, resulting in reduced effective space usage.
Innovation Solution
A method that transforms unavailable blocks into backup blocks by using the copyback command to move data from operational blocks to backup blocks within the same plane, improving space utilization without affecting the storage device's operation, and utilizing a defect block table to manage these blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blocks are marked as defect blocks in traditional production testing, then operational reliability is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage device into multiple planes, where peer blocks in different planes are grouped together. When one block in a group is defective, only that specific block is marked as defect, while other blocks in the same plane remain usable. This segmentation approach allows the system to isolate defects to individual blocks rather than entire planes, significantly improving space utilization while maintaining reliability through the defect block table mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If copyback operation is restricted within the same plane, then operational simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the copyback operation capability from single-plane to multi-plane scope. The controller can now perform copyback operations across peer blocks in different planes by using the defect block table to identify valid target blocks. This multi-functionality allows the same copyback mechanism to operate both within-plane (maintaining simplicity) and across-planes (improving adaptability), resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.
3Reliability
If blocks corresponding to defect blocks in different planes are marked as defect blocks, then reliability is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating each block independently rather than marking entire planes as defective. The defect block table records defects at the block level, allowing the system to differentiate between defective and non-defective blocks within the same plane. This localized defect management ensures data integrity by preventing access to actual defective blocks while maximizing space utilization by keeping usable blocks accessible.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method for managing data and a storage device thereof. The storage device includes at least one memory including a plurality of planes, each plane includes a plurality of blocks, and peer blocks in different planes are belonged to operate in a multi-plane mode. The plurality of blocks are detected to find a unavailable block. Then, available blocks corresponding to the unavailable block in planes other than the plane where the unavailable block is located are marked as backup blocks that do not operate in the multi-plane mode. A first block with effective data is selected from the plurality of blocks operating in the multi-plane mode. Data of the first block is moved to a backup block in the same plane.