Flash Memory Data Writing Method Reducing Erase Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flash memory systems, the inability to directly read error correction codes complicates data rewriting, leading to potential errors and increased erase operations, which shorten the memory's lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where an initial value is written to the data storage area before actual data, and an erase operation is performed only when the initial value is not successfully written, ensuring the error correction code storage area is in the correct state, thereby reducing unnecessary erase cycles and extending the memory's life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an erase operation is performed every time before initially writing data for each block, then the error correction code storage area is ensured to be in the correct state, but the number of erasure operations increases and the life of the flash memory is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by writing an initial value (all 1s) to the data storage area before attempting to write the actual data. This preliminary write operation prepares the storage area in a known state, allowing the system to detect whether the block needs erasure by checking if the initial value was successfully written. This approach eliminates the need for routine erasure operations before every write, thereby extending flash memory life while ensuring reliable data writing.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the error correction code storage area is not erased before writing, then the number of erasure operations is reduced and flash memory life is extended, but it becomes impossible to determine whether writing failures are due to memory wear or improper erasure state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a write flag - that is set when the initial value is successfully written to the data storage area. This flag serves as a mediator that indicates whether the block is in a proper state for data writing. By checking this flag, the system can distinguish between writing failures caused by memory wear and those caused by improper erasure state, without requiring frequent erasure operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary write of an initial value (all 1s) to the data storage area creates a detectable state that serves as a marker. If this initial write succeeds, it indicates the block is properly prepared; if it fails, it suggests the block may need erasure. This preliminary action enables reliable detection of writing abnormalities without increasing erasure frequency.
3Productivity
If data is written directly without preliminary preparation, then the writing process is faster and more efficient, but errors may occur when the storage area is not in the correct state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary write of an initial value (all 1s) to the data storage area before writing the actual data. This preliminary action is executed once during the first write to a block, and subsequent writes can proceed directly without repetition. This approach maintains high writing efficiency for ongoing operations while ensuring reliability through the initial preparation step that establishes a known good state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the write operation itself to serve dual purposes: the initial write both prepares the storage area in a known state and verifies its readiness. By writing the initial value and checking whether it was successfully written (via the write flag), the system self-verifies the block's readiness for data writing, eliminating the need for separate verification or erasure steps in subsequent operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A data writing method for writing data to a flash memory includes writing an initial value to the data storage area, determining whether or not the writing of the initial value is performed normally based on a write flag, writing data to the data storage area when the writing is performed normally, and erasing a block including the data storage area when the writing is not performed normally. An initial value is written to the data storage area before writing data, so that whether or not an error correction code storage area contains the initial value may be confirmed. An erase operation of the block is performed only when the error correction code storage area does not contain the initial value, so that the number of times of erasure of the block may be reduced and the life of the product may be increased.