Memory Controller Initialization via Empty-Memory Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-capacity memory devices with newer manufacturing techniques face issues such as prolonged booting times and initialization failures due to longer initialization times and instability in MLC flash memories, particularly with downgraded flash dies.
Innovation Solution
A method for initializing memory devices that involves searching for an empty-memory indicator after power-on, allowing the controller to selectively skip or perform a program code search, thereby optimizing initialization processes without introducing additional costs or side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a program code search is performed during initialization in high-capacity memory devices with newer manufacturing techniques, then the reliability of data access is improved, but the booting time and initialization time are significantly prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-writing an empty memory indicator into the memory device during manufacturing before it is shipped to the customer. This indicator is prepared in advance so that during initialization, the controller can quickly check its presence without performing a full program code search, thereby reducing initialization time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the empty memory indicator as a separate, dedicated element from the memory device structure. This indicator is stored in a specific location (first page of first block) and can be independently checked by the controller, allowing the system to determine memory status without searching through the entire memory space for program codes
2Ease of manufacture
If downgraded flash dies are installed in memory devices, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but initialization failures and longer initialization time occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the memory device carry its own identification indicator (empty memory indicator) that automatically informs the controller of its state. This eliminates the need for the controller to perform complex searches or assumptions about the memory contents, allowing reliable initialization even with downgraded flash dies from different manufacturers
3Quantity of substance
If MLC flash memory is used to increase storage capacity, then the recording density is improved, but stability issues and initialization failures arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the empty memory indicator - that mediates between the controller and the MLC flash memory contents. This indicator provides a stable, easily detectable signal that allows the controller to quickly determine memory status without relying on the stability of the MLC memory cells themselves, thus overcoming MLC instability issues during initialization
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing initialization in a memory device, the associated memory device and the controller thereof, and an associated electronic device are provided. The method may include: after a non-volatile (NV) memory within the memory device is powered on, searching for an empty-memory indicator in the NV memory, wherein the empty-memory indicator is applicable to determining whether the NV memory is empty; and according to whether the empty-memory indicator is found or not, selectively skipping or performing a program code search in the NV memory, to complete an initialization process, wherein the initialization process includes at least one initial setting of the memory device, and if the empty-memory indicator is found, the program code search is skipped, otherwise, the program code search is performed.