Programmable Sequence Generator for Flash Memory Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory controllers face challenges in adaptability due to differences in command sets and sequences across various NAND flash memory devices from different vendors and even within the same manufacturer, requiring a solution to seamlessly communicate and operate with diverse devices.
Innovation Solution
A programmable sequence generator within the flash memory controller, comprising programmable sequence registers and logic circuitry, allows for the programming of phase sequence values to control state transitions in a programmable command sequencer, enabling adaptation to different operation command sequences and facilitating communication with a wide range of NAND flash memory devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed command sequence is hardwired into the controller, then the control logic is simple and reliable, but the controller cannot adapt to different NAND flash devices with varying command sets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic command sequence generator that can be reconfigured through programming rather than fixed hardware. The controller uses programmable logic and stored command sequences that can be adjusted to match different NAND flash device requirements, allowing the same hardware to adapt to varying command sets without physical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters by loading different command sequences from memory based on the specific NAND flash device being accessed. Rather than changing hardware configuration, the system modifies the command sequence parameters to match the target device's requirements, enabling versatility through software-based parameter adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the controller is designed to support multiple command sequences, then it can communicate with diverse devices, but the control logic and hardware become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the command sequence functionality into modular components stored in memory, with each segment representing a complete command sequence for a specific device type. The controller selects and executes the appropriate segmented sequence based on the target device, avoiding the need for complex combinatorial logic to handle all possible sequences simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary command sequence storage mechanism that mediates between the controller's fixed architecture and the variable requirements of different NAND flash devices. This intermediary layer provides the flexibility needed to support multiple devices without directly complicating the core control logic
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom command sequences are implemented for each device type, then device compatibility is improved, but the programming and configuration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by storing standardized command sequence templates in memory that can be replicated and applied to multiple devices of the same type. Rather than manually programming each device interface, the system copies proven command sequences from storage, significantly simplifying the implementation process while maintaining device compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable sequence generator for controlling a flash memory device. The programmable sequence generator includes a plurality of programmable sequence registers including control phase sequence (CPS) registers and data phase sequence (DPS) registers programmed with phase sequence values corresponding to an operation command sequence of the flash memory device; and logic circuitry in a programmable command sequencer for controlling a set of states of the programmable command sequencer using the plurality of programmable sequence registers.