Flash Memory Data Writing Method for Extended Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flash memories face high error rates when data is read frequently due to limited data retention, necessitating a method to extend the data retention of system data.

Innovation Solution

A data writing method for flash memories that selects target blocks and pair pages, writing data to strong pages and predetermined data to weak and very weak pages, using a controller to manage data storage and extend data duration by utilizing a pair page record table and Joint Page Programming Commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If data is stored in flash memory with frequent reads, then data accessibility is improved, but read error rate increases due to limited data retention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidread error rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the flash memory storage structure into strong pages and weak pages within pair pages. Strong pages store data that is read frequently, while weak pages store data that is read less frequently. This segmentation allows the system to optimize retention strategies for different data access patterns, reducing read errors for frequently accessed data while maintaining accessibility for all data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different retention extension strategies to different parts of the flash memory based on their access characteristics. By identifying strong pages (high access frequency) and weak pages (low access frequency), the system extends retention locally to where it is most needed, rather than applying a uniform retention strategy across the entire memory space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If data retention is extended for system data, then data reliability is improved, but storage complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retentionVSAvoidstorage management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary identification and classification of data into strong pages and weak pages before normal data storage operations begin. By pre-establishing the pair page structure and assigning pages to strong or weak categories based on access patterns, the system prepares the storage structure in advance to handle retention extension without adding complexity during actual data access operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors data access patterns and adjusts the strong/weak page classifications accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing access behaviors and maintain optimal retention strategies while managing complexity through automated adjustment rather than manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9082491B2Data writing method and data storage device
Publication Date: 2015.07.14 SILICON MOTION INC
  • US9082491B2 patent drawing
  • US9082491B2 patent drawing
  • US9082491B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides a data writing method and device for a flash memory. According to the method, the flash memory obtains write data to be written to the flash memory, directs the flash memory to write a data page of the write data to a strong page of a target pair page of a target block, and directs the flash memory to write first predetermined data to a weak page of the target pair page for extending the data duration of the strong page of the target pair page.