Memory Controller Concurrent Die Programming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor memory systems face challenges in programming data efficiently, as increasing the number of bits per memory cell leads to longer programming times, and current methods that transfer data twice for different densities on the same die or between dies are inefficient, tying up the data bus and limiting concurrent processing.
Innovation Solution
Implement a memory system that concurrently programs data at a first density per memory cell on one die and a second density per memory cell on another die using a common data transfer, allowing the controller to report successful programming to the host before the second die is complete, enabling faster data availability and efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is transferred twice for different densities (same die or between dies), then storage density is optimized, but data bus efficiency deteriorates and programming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate data transfer operations into a single concurrent transfer operation. The controller simultaneously transfers data to both the first memory die (for first density programming) and the second memory die (for second density programming) over the same data bus, eliminating the need for sequential transfers and reducing total programming time while maintaining optimal storage density
2Productivity
If data is transferred twice for different densities, then storage efficiency is improved, but data bus availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by keeping the data bus actively transferring data throughout the programming process. Instead of leaving the data bus idle between sequential transfers, the controller maintains continuous data flow by concurrently programming both memory dies simultaneously, maximizing data bus utilization and availability
3Reliability
If programming is performed sequentially on multiple dies, then programming completeness is ensured, but overall programming speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing both memory dies for concurrent programming before the actual data transfer begins. The controller sets up both dies with appropriate programming parameters and then simultaneously initiates data transfer to both dies, ensuring programming completeness while achieving parallel execution and improved overall programming speed
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system comprises a plurality of memory dies and a controller (or other control circuit) connected to the memory dies. To reduce the time it takes for the memory system to program data and make that programmed data available for reading by a host (or other entity), as well as persistently store the data in a compact manner that efficiently uses space in the memory system, the data is concurrently programmed as single bit per memory cell (fast programming) and multiple bits per memory cell (compact storage). To accomplish this programming strategy, the controller concurrently transfers data to be programmed to a first memory die and a second memory die. The transferred data is programmed in the first memory die at a single bit per memory cell and in the second memory die at multiple bits per memory cell.