Flash Memory Page Random Write Read Method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for data access in flash memory, particularly NAND-type flash memory, lead to increased data accessing time and reduced lifespan due to the need for repeated copying and erasing of data blocks when pages within a block require frequent updates, necessitating a method to avoid these inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method for page random write and read in blocks of flash memory that allows data to be written and arranged without following the order of page numbers, utilizing a page table to record the mapping of logic page numbers to physical page numbers, enabling random writing and reducing the need for block copying and erasure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional method writes data in unit of page and erases in unit of block, then data can be stored in flash memory, but data accessing time increases and life-span of flash memory is reduced due to repeated copying and erasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the block into multiple pages and introduces a page table to manage them separately. Each page can be independently marked as valid or invalid, allowing selective copying of only valid pages when erasing is needed, rather than copying entire blocks. This segmentation reduces the amount of data copying and extends flash memory lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a page table as an intermediary data structure between the physical block and logical page management. The page table tracks the validity status of each page, enabling the system to identify which pages need to be copied during erase operations. This intermediary layer optimizes the erase process by avoiding unnecessary copying of already-invalid pages.
2Ease of operation
If pages are written in order from low page number to high page number, then some NAND-type flash memory can write data, but repeatedly writing the same page leads to damage of flash memory or data losing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic page management where the validity status of each page can change over time. Pages are marked as valid or invalid based on whether they contain current data, and this status is tracked in the page table. This dynamic approach allows the system to identify and preserve only the pages that need to be retained, reducing unnecessary write operations to the same physical locations and extending flash memory durability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If some pages in a block require repeated updates, then data can be updated, but conventional method requires copying all data from current block to new block and erasing current block
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by copying only the valid pages that need to be preserved when performing erase operations, rather than copying entire blocks. The page table enables identification of which pages are valid and require copying. This partial copying approach maintains data update capability while significantly improving data accessing efficiency by reducing the amount of data that needs to be moved.
4Ease of operation
If write pointer moves backward to update earlier pages, then random writing is possible, but conventional method cannot efficiently handle this without copying entire block
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the page table, which continuously tracks the validity status of each page. When the write pointer moves backward to update earlier pages, the page table provides feedback about which pages are currently valid and need to be preserved. This feedback mechanism enables the system to perform selective copying based on actual data requirements rather than blindly copying entire blocks, reducing data copying time while maintaining random writing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for page random write and read in blocks of flash memory is disclosed. The data could be random written in the pages of block. The pages would be arranged when the block was filled with data, so as to prevent from data copied and erased repeatedly. Present invention would reduce the data read/write time and increase the life-span of flash memory.