Flash Memory Programming Sequence for Power Management

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable memory devices with MLC flash memory face instability issues and excessive power consumption during write/program operations, exceeding predetermined specifications.

Innovation Solution

A method and controller for dynamic resource management in memory devices, where a programming sequence is set for non-volatile memory elements, determining a selection interval and checking the busy state of previous elements to program only when they are not busy, thereby controlling power consumption and preventing excessive usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If MLC flash memory is used to increase recording density and reduce cost, then storage capacity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but power consumption during program operations becomes excessive and instability issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device is divided into multiple independent memory elements (first, second, third, and fourth memory elements) that can be programmed separately. This segmentation allows the controller to program only one memory element at a time, distributing the power consumption across different time periods rather than concentrating it all at once, thereby preventing instantaneous power consumption from exceeding specifications while maintaining high storage capacity through MLC technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If MLC flash memory is used to increase recording density, then storage capacity is improved, but instability issues occur during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidoperational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device is divided into multiple independent memory elements (first, second, third, and fourth memory elements) that can be programmed separately. This segmentation allows the controller to program only one memory element at a time, distributing the power consumption across different time periods rather than concentrating it all at once, thereby preventing instantaneous power consumption from exceeding specifications while maintaining high storage capacity through MLC technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically determines the programming sequence of memory elements based on their current state and power consumption constraints. The system adaptively selects which memory element to program next, checking the busy state of each element and adjusting the programming schedule in real-time to ensure stable operation within power specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple memory elements are programmed simultaneously to improve productivity, then programming speed is improved, but instantaneous power consumption exceeds predetermined specifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming speedVSAvoidinstantaneous power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device is divided into multiple independent memory elements (first, second, third, and fourth memory elements) that can be programmed separately. This segmentation allows the controller to program only one memory element at a time, distributing the power consumption across different time periods rather than concentrating it all at once, thereby preventing instantaneous power consumption from exceeding specifications while maintaining high storage capacity through MLC technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller implements periodic programming actions by sequentially programming memory elements one at a time rather than simultaneously. The system uses a programmed sequence that periodically switches between different memory elements, ensuring that power consumption remains within specifications while still achieving productive data storage through systematic sequential operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11488671B2Method, associated memory device and controller thereof for performing programming management

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 SILICON MOTION INC

AI summary

A memory device includes a non-volatile (NV) memory including a plurality of NV memory elements. A method for performing programming management of the NV memory includes: setting a programming sequence of the NV memory elements; determining a selection interval between each of the NV memory elements according to the programming sequence and a serial number of each of the NV memory elements; for a target NV memory element of the plurality of NV memory elements in the programming sequence, determining a serial number of an immediately previous NV memory element in the programming sequence according to the selection interval and a serial number of the target NV memory element; determining whether the immediately previous NV memory element is in a busy state; and only when the immediately previous NV memory element is not in the busy state, programming the target NV memory element.