Nonvolatile Memory Controller Adaptive Readout Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face inefficiencies in input/output operations due to the use of timing parameters with predefined fixed time values, which can decrease data transfer efficiency even as data input/output speed increases.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a storage device with a nonvolatile memory device and a controller that issues a second readout command to transfer both status information and read data, allowing the controller to instantly check the status of the nonvolatile memory device and reduce waiting times for issuing commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a timing parameter with a predefined fixed time value is used to transmit commands from controller to nonvolatile memory device, then the command transmission can be simplified, but the input/output efficiency of data transfer decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand transmission simplicityVSAvoidinput/output efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by changing the timing parameter from a fixed predefined value to a variable value that is dynamically adjusted based on the actual status of the nonvolatile memory device. The controller waits for a ready signal from the memory device before issuing the readout command, making the timing adaptive to the device's actual state rather than using a rigid fixed schedule, thereby improving input/output efficiency while maintaining command transmission simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the controller issues a status command to check completion status before issuing readout command, then the data transfer accuracy can be ensured, but the waiting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer accuracyVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the status checking function and the readout command issuance into a single integrated operation. Instead of issuing a separate status command followed by a separate readout command after waiting for completion, the controller issues a readout command that inherently includes status verification. This combined approach ensures data transfer accuracy by verifying status while eliminating the separate waiting period, thus reducing overall waiting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the nonvolatile memory device signal its readiness status directly to the controller before the readout operation begins. The controller uses this feedback signal to determine when to issue the readout command, ensuring that data transfer accuracy is maintained through proper timing while minimizing waiting time by avoiding unnecessary sequential status checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If the data input/output speed is increased, then the data transfer performance improves, but the input/output efficiency decreases due to fixed timing parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata input/output speedVSAvoidinput/output efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the timing parameter from a fixed predefined value to a variable value that adapts to the actual data transfer conditions. The controller adjusts the timing based on the nonvolatile memory device's status and the data input/output speed, allowing the system to maintain high data transfer performance while improving input/output efficiency through dynamic timing optimization rather than rigid fixed timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3846170B1Storage device and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3846170B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3846170B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3846170B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method of operating a storage device that includes a nonvolatile memory device and a controller that controls operation of the nonvolatile memory device includes issuing, by the controller, a first command to the nonvolatile memory device, reading, by the nonvolatile memory device, first data from a memory cell array into a page buffer of the nonvolatile memory device, in response to the first command, issuing, by the controller, a second command to the nonvolatile memory device, and outputting, by the nonvolatile memory device to the controller, in response to the second command, status information indicating whether a read operation according to the first command has been completed and second data obtained from the page buffer of the nonvolatile memory device.