Flash Memory Performance Mode Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-volatile flash memory systems face fragmentation issues due to obsolete data in physical blocks, leading to reduced write performance as garbage collection is necessary, affecting burst and sustained write speeds when storage capacity is full.

Innovation Solution

A method and system to control the performance mode of a memory device by configuring it to different operation modes based on input, adjusting the working area capacity and storage capacity ratios, allowing for varying write performance levels without changing the number of bits per cell, and prohibiting configuration changes if the memory is already formatted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the storage capacity is increased, then the storage capacity is improved, but the write performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidwrite performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple performance modes (first performance mode and second performance mode) that allow the memory system to dynamically adjust between different storage capacity allocations. The controller can switch between modes based on operational requirements, enabling the system to optimize between storage capacity and write performance dynamically rather than being fixed in a single configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of working area capacity allocation to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the proportion of working area capacity (used for garbage collection and buffer operations) relative to storage capacity, the system can achieve different performance characteristics. In the first performance mode, a lower ratio of working area to storage capacity provides higher storage capacity, while in the second performance mode, a higher ratio improves write performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the working area capacity is increased for garbage collection, then the write performance is improved, but the storage capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite speedVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the allocation between working area capacity and storage capacity through multiple performance modes. The controller can switch between first performance mode (lower write speed, higher storage capacity) and second performance mode (higher write speed, lower storage capacity) based on real-time operational needs, making the capacity allocation flexible rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly addresses this contradiction by changing the parameter of working area capacity ratio. By configuring different ratios of working area capacity to total capacity in different performance modes, the system enables users to select the appropriate balance between write speed and storage capacity based on their specific application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2319047B1Multiple performance mode memory system
Publication Date: 2014.09.24 WESTERN DIGITAL ISRAEL LTD
  • EP2319047B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2319047B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2319047B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method and system for controlling a write performance level of a memory is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input at the memory, and configuring the memory to an operation mode providing a write performance level and a storage capacity. The input may specify a storage capacity, a working area capacity, a write performance level, and/or a ratio of the storage capacity to the working area capacity. A desired write performance level may be set by receiving a software command or hardware setting. The storage capacity may be varied depending on whether the memory device has been formatted. As the storage capacity decreases, working area capacity of the memory device increases and write performance increases. Conversely, as the storage capacity increases, working area capacity decreases and write performance decreases.