Host-Controlled Memory Buffer Cache Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory devices lack the ability for hosts to effectively control and utilize internal buffers as additional memory resources, leading to inefficiencies in data management and potential data loss during programming operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system where a host, through a system controller, can manage memory operations on internal buffers by moving data between caches, allowing the internal buffer's caches to be used as an additional memory resource and improving reliability by tracking data programming operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the host cannot control memory operations on internal buffers, then the internal buffer caches cannot be utilized as additional memory resources, but enabling control requires additional system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The internal buffer caches are designed to serve dual purposes: traditional data buffering functions and additional memory resources accessible by the host. The system enables the buffer to function as both a transient storage area for programming operations and as extendable memory space that the host can directly address and control, thereby increasing adaptability without requiring separate dedicated memory structures.
Solution Approach 2:
A control mechanism is introduced as an intermediary layer between the host and the internal buffer caches. This mediator enables the host to issue commands for memory operations (read, write, erase) on the buffer caches while the control logic manages the coordination between these operations and ongoing programming operations, resolving the complexity issue by providing a structured interface rather than direct access.
2Productivity
If data is moved between caches during programming operations, then data management efficiency is improved, but data loss may occur if programming is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by completing data programming operations before allowing data to be moved from the buffer caches. The control logic monitors programming status and only permits data movement commands to execute after programming is confirmed complete, preventing data loss by ensuring data is fully programmed before being relocated or overwritten in the buffer.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the control logic continuously monitors the status of programming operations and uses this information to gate data movement operations. The system provides status feedback about programming completion and uses this feedback to enable or disable data movement commands, ensuring that data integrity is maintained by preventing moves during active programming.
3Reliability
If the host waits for programming completion before sending more data, then data integrity is maintained, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer is segmented into multiple independent caches that can be individually addressed and controlled by the host. This segmentation allows the host to send data to one cache while other caches remain available for reading or are being programmed independently, enabling parallel operations that reduce latency while maintaining data integrity through controlled access to each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous useful action by allowing the host to maintain data transmission pipelines without waiting for programming completion. Data can be continuously written to buffer caches while programming operations proceed in the background, and the host can subsequently read from or program other buffer regions without interruption, eliminating idle wait time while preserving data integrity through the control mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods to control memory operations on buffers. An example apparatus includes a memory device and a host. The memory device includes a buffer and an array of memory cells, and the buffer includes a plurality of caches. The host includes a system controller, and the system controller is configured to control performance of a memory operation on data in the buffer. The memory operation is associated with data movement among the plurality of caches.