Memory Column Plane Mapping for Single-Pass Metadata Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor memory devices face challenges in efficiently storing metadata while maintaining single-pass access and minimizing the loss of addressable memory space, leading to increased access time and reduced performance in some applications.
Innovation Solution
The memory device is configured with additional column planes for metadata and ECC data, allowing for selective storage and retrieval of metadata along with data in a single pass, while enabling flexibility to use the metadata space for data when not needed, through the use of virtual column planes formed by selectively activating or suppressing column select signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If metadata is stored in the memory array in additional column planes, then metadata can be retrieved along with data and ECC data in a single pass, but addressable memory space is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic column plane configuration where additional column planes can be selectively activated or deactivated based on whether metadata storage is needed. The system can transition between different operational modes (metadata mode and data mode) by dynamically reconfiguring the column plane assignments, allowing optimal performance for each specific application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional column planes are designed to serve multiple functions: they can store metadata when needed, or be reconfigured to extend data storage capacity when metadata is not required. This multi-functionality allows the memory system to adapt to different application requirements and maximizes the utility of the available memory resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If metadata is stored in the memory array, then metadata can supplement data with additional information, but array density for data storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration of column planes that can switch between storing metadata and storing data based on operational requirements. When metadata functionality is needed, additional column planes are activated for metadata storage; when maximum data capacity is required, those same column planes are reconfigured for data storage, providing adaptability without permanent capacity loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the column planes by modifying which column select signals are activated and how they are mapped to physical column planes. This parameter change allows the same physical hardware to support different logical configurations, enabling the system to adjust between metadata and data storage modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual column planes are formed by selectively activating or suppressing column select signals, then flexibility is provided for applications with or without metadata, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control of column select signals is segmented into different groups that can be independently activated or suppressed. By dividing the column select signal control into manageable segments, the system can selectively enable or disable specific column planes based on operational mode, reducing the complexity of managing all signals simultaneously while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A bank of a memory device may be divided into column planes. Each column plane may be associated with column selects. In some examples, one or more physical column planes may be selectively configured to store metadata. When the memory device is configured not to store metadata, the column selects may be arranged into virtual column planes to allow data to be stored in physical column planes used for metadata. The physical column planes may be arranged into virtual planes to store the data. Different mapping of the virtual planes to the physical planes may be used.