Flash Memory Page Validation via Embedded Count Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flash memory devices require two separate programming operations to detect and validate successfully programmed pages, increasing the time required for programming due to potential power interruptions during the process.
Innovation Solution
A flash management algorithm that reserves a 'count field' in the management area of each page to store an expected count value, allowing for the validation of programmed data in a single programming operation by comparing the actual count of data values with the expected count during a read operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate programming operations are used to detect and validate successfully programmed pages, then data integrity is improved, but programming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data programming operation and the validation operation into a single programming cycle. The management area is programmed along with the data area in one operation, and the validation of data integrity is performed simultaneously during the same programming cycle, eliminating the need for a separate second programming operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary validation by programming the management area with validation data during the initial programming operation. This preliminary action allows the system to detect programming failures immediately after the single programming operation completes, rather than requiring a subsequent separate validation operation.
2Reliability
If conventional flash management algorithms are used to detect programming failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the management area automatically contains validation information that enables the system to detect programming failures without requiring complex external validation algorithms. The programmed data in the management area serves as its own validation key, simplifying the detection process.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques are provided for programming a flash memory device. In one embodiment, the memory device is programmed such that a data pattern written to a page in the memory device has encoded therein an expected count value corresponding to the number of times a first binary value occurs in the data pattern. The data pattern includes the program data and the expected count value, and is written to the page in a single operation. The expected count value may be stored in a count field in the management area of the page. During a page read operation, the expected count value is compared to the actual count of the number of bits having the first binary value in the data area of the page. If the expected count is equal to the actual count, then the program data is determined to be valid.