Semiconductor Memory Control Logic for Command Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor memory devices face challenges in efficiently managing operations when transitioning between different commands, particularly when in a busy state, leading to reduced operational speed and stability.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor memory device with a controller that includes a host request receiver, operation mode determiner, and ready-busy signal receiver, allowing for the generation of operation commands that suspend or resume operations based on the device's status, enabling the performance of secondary operations during primary operations, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the memory device waits for the first operation to complete before accepting or processing the second command, then operational stability is maintained, but operational speed and productivity deteriorate due to idle waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic suspends the first operation in advance upon receiving the second command during busy status, allowing the second operation to be prepared and executed without waiting for the first operation to complete naturally. This preliminary suspension action eliminates idle waiting time and improves operational speed while maintaining stability through controlled state transitions.
2Productivity
If the device processes commands sequentially one at a time, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to idle wait times between operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic dynamically adjusts operation execution based on command priority and device status. When a second command is received during busy status, the system dynamically suspends the first operation and executes the second operation instead. This dynamic command management improves productivity by reducing idle wait times while maintaining manageable complexity through status-based decision rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic ensures continuous useful action by suspending the first operation and immediately executing the second operation when received during busy status. This eliminates idle waiting periods between operations, maintaining continuous productive activity. The continuity is achieved through controlled suspension and resumption mechanisms that keep the device actively engaged in useful operations.
3Reliability
If the device accepts multiple commands during busy status without suspension, then resource utilization improves, but operational reliability deteriorates due to potential conflicts and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic acts as an intermediary between command reception and operation execution. When a second command is received during busy status, the control logic mediates by suspending the first operation and directing execution to the second operation. This intermediary control mechanism ensures reliable operation sequencing without conflicts, while eliminating unnecessary wait time through intelligent command prioritization and operation suspension/resumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, a peripheral circuit, and control logic. The memory cell array includes a plurality of memory cells. The peripheral circuit is configured to perform a first operation, corresponding to a first command, on the memory cell array. The control logic is configured to control the first operation of the peripheral circuit. The control logic is configured to control the peripheral circuit to suspend the performance of the first operation and perform a second operation corresponding to a second command, in response to the second command being received while the first operation is being performed.