Flash Memory Temperature Detection via On-Cell Count Lookup
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance storage devices often generate excessive heat, leading to potential damage if not managed, and traditional thermal sensors increase costs, making them impractical for low-cost flash memory devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for flash memory that uses an on-cell count table to determine temperature by measuring and storing on-cell count values for each page at various temperatures, allowing for temperature detection and notification without the need for thermal sensors, enabling dynamic thermal throttling and operation within safe temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermal sensors are used for temperature detection, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual temperature sensor by copying the temperature-dependent characteristics of flash memory cells into a lookup table. Instead of using physical thermal sensors, the system measures on-cell count values (which correlate with temperature) and maps them to temperature readings through pre-stored calibration data, achieving accurate temperature detection without additional hardware sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The flash memory device uses its own internal memory cells to perform temperature sensing functions. The same memory cells that store data also serve as temperature indicators by measuring their charge retention characteristics, which vary with temperature. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate thermal sensors while utilizing existing components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermal sensors are implemented, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the memory cells serve multiple functions: data storage and temperature sensing. The same memory blocks that store user data are also used to measure temperature by evaluating charge retention characteristics. This multi-functionality approach adds temperature monitoring capability without requiring separate dedicated sensor components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing function is merged with the existing memory cell structure and control logic. The on-cell count measurement process, which is already part of normal memory operation, is combined with temperature detection by analyzing the same charge retention data. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensing circuits and reduces overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If high performance is pursued, then storage speed is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors temperature through on-cell count measurements and adjusts storage operations accordingly. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system provides feedback to the host device to reduce write operations or increase idle periods, allowing the storage device to self-regulate temperature while maintaining high performance during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic temperature management where performance parameters are adjusted based on real-time temperature conditions. The system can dynamically change operational modes, such as switching between high-performance and thermal-throttling states, based on temperature feedback from the memory cells. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to maintain high performance when cool while preventing overheating during sustained operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method and a flash memory device for detecting temperature in the flash memory device. The method includes receiving an Input/Output (I/O) request from a host device and determining on-cell count value for a targeted page within an active block of the flash memory device upon receiving the I/O request. The method further includes comparing the on-cell count value of the targeted page, which is within the active block of the flash memory device, with a stored on-cell count data of the flash memory device. Additionally, the method includes determining the temperature of the flash memory device corresponding to a stored on-cell count value based on the comparison. A notification signal is transmitted to the host device based on the temperature of the flash memory device and a threshold operating temperature of the flash memory device.