Nonvolatile Memory Controller Dummy Program Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices face inefficiencies in handling sudden power-offs, leading to unnecessary erase operations and reduced memory block lifetime, as they often require assigning new memory blocks instead of continuing use after such events.
Innovation Solution
A program method for nonvolatile memory devices that includes performing a dummy program operation on a boundary page during sudden power-off, determining program depth, and continuing normal program operations on clean pages, thereby reducing the need for new memory block assignments and minimizing erase operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new memory block is assigned after sudden power-off, then data integrity is ensured, but memory block lifetime is reduced due to unnecessary erase operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a dummy program operation on the boundary page before determining whether to assign a new memory block. This preliminary action prepares the memory block for continuous use by ensuring the boundary page is properly programmed, thereby avoiding unnecessary erase operations and extending memory block lifetime while maintaining data integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state of the boundary page from an incomplete program state to a complete program state through the dummy program operation. This parameter change enables the memory block to transition from requiring erasure to being eligible for continuous use, thus resolving the contradiction between data integrity and memory block lifetime
2Productivity
If continuous use of memory block is attempted after power-off, then memory efficiency is improved, but data security may be compromised without proper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy program operation on the boundary page serves as a preliminary security measure before enabling continuous use. By ensuring the boundary page is properly programmed with valid data, the system prevents potential data corruption or security issues that could arise from attempting to use an incompletely programmed memory block
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a read operation on the boundary page after the dummy program operation to verify data integrity. This feedback mechanism ensures that only memory blocks with properly programmed boundary pages are eligible for continuous use, thereby maintaining data security while improving memory efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A program method of a storage device which includes at least one nonvolatile memory device and a memory controller to control the at least one nonvolatile memory device, the program method comprising: performing a first normal program operation to store first user data in a memory block; detecting, at the memory controller, a first event; performing a dummy program operation to store dummy data in at least one page of the memory block in response to the detection of the first event; and performing a second normal program operation to store second user data in the memory block after the dummy program operation, dummy program operations being operations in which random data is programmed into the memory block, normal program operations being operations in which data other than random data is programmed in the memory block.