Flash Memory Page Segmentation for Partial Data Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rewritable non-volatile memory modules, writing data efficiently is hindered by the need to read and arrange valid data when updating partial information, as the operating system typically stores data in smaller units than the page capacity, leading to slowed writing speeds.
Innovation Solution
The method involves partitioning physical pages into storage segments and configuring state marks for each segment, allowing updated data to be written directly into the corresponding segment without rearranging valid data from other segments, thus optimizing data writing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory controller reads and arranges valid data from other physical pages when updating partial data, then data integrity is maintained, but writing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a physical page into multiple storage segments (e.g., first storage segment and second storage segment). When updating data, the system only writes to the specific segment that needs updating rather than reading and arranging all valid data from the entire physical page. This segmentation allows partial updates without requiring full page data arrangement, thus maintaining data integrity while improving writing speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operating system stores data in smaller units than page capacity, then data storage flexibility is improved, but the need to read and arrange valid data increases writing time
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the physical page into multiple storage segments, the patent enables the memory system to accept and store data in smaller units that match operating system requirements. Each segment can be independently updated without affecting other segments, allowing flexible data storage in small units while eliminating the time-consuming process of reading and arranging valid data from the entire page.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different storage segments to be independently managed and updated. When a small unit of data needs to be stored, only the relevant local segment is updated rather than processing the entire page. This localised approach maintains adaptability for small data units while significantly reducing writing time.
3Ease of manufacture
If physical pages are written sequentially according to page sequence, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases when updating partial data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simple sequential writing structure by dividing pages into segments that can be independently addressed. This segmentation allows the system to write data sequentially to specific segments without complex reorganisation, preserving manufacturing simplicity while improving productivity by avoiding the need to read and arrange valid data from other segments during partial updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for writing updated data into a flash memory module having a plurality of physical pages is provided, wherein each physical page is the smallest writing unit of the flash memory module. The method includes partitioning a physical page into storage segments and configuring a state mark for each storage segment, wherein the state marks indicate the validity of data stored in the storage segments. The method also includes writing the updated data into at least one of the storage segments and changing the state mark corresponding to the storage segment containing the updated data, wherein the state mark corresponding to the storage segment containing the updated data indicates a valid state, and the state marks corresponding to the other storage segments of the physical page not containing the updated data indicate an invalid state. Thereby, the time for writing data into a physical page is effectively shortened.