Memory Device Configuration Commands for SLC MLC Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory device configuration methods require a command queue and data transfer over the bus, leading to a busy state and inefficient use of bus bandwidth, especially when switching between different operating modes like single level cell (SLC) and multi-level cell (MLC) modes.
Innovation Solution
The use of configuration commands that allow memory devices to operate in various modes, such as SLC and MLC, without requiring a command queue or data transfer phase, enabling the memory device to remain in a ready state and execute operations like write, read, and erase without bus bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If configuration commands are executed using existing methods with command queue and data transfer, then the memory device can be configured to different modes (SLC/MLC), but the bus bandwidth is occupied and the device enters a busy state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration command execution from the traditional command queue mechanism. Instead of using standard read/write commands with data transfer phases that occupy the bus, a dedicated configuration command structure is used that configures the memory device directly without requiring data transfer over the bus, thus freeing up bus bandwidth for other operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device is enabled to configure itself through the configuration command without requiring external data transfer or complex host intervention. The configuration command contains all necessary parameters (mode selection, timing parameters, voltage levels) that the memory device uses to self-configure, eliminating the need for a busy data transfer phase and allowing the device to remain in a ready state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration commands are executed using existing methods with command queue, then the memory device can switch between SLC and MLC modes, but the command queue is occupied causing increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration command is designed to be executed immediately without requiring prior queueing or data transfer preparation. All configuration parameters are embedded within the command itself, allowing the memory device to begin configuration processing as soon as the command is received, significantly reducing configuration latency compared to traditional methods that require multiple queued commands and data transfer phases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional configuration methods with data transfer phase are used, then mode switching is achieved, but bus bandwidth is consumed during configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the data transfer phase entirely from the configuration process. The configuration command structure is designed to convey all necessary configuration information through command parameters rather than through data transfer, extracting the configuration function from the data transfer mechanism and allowing bus bandwidth to remain available for actual data operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for configuring a memory device using configuration commands are provided. One example method can include executing a first command while the memory device is in a ready state to configure the memory device to a particular mode and executing a second command to perform a first operation while the memory device is in the particular mode.