Memory Controller Erase Block Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The degradation of erase distribution characteristics in semiconductor memory devices due to upward shifts in threshold voltage, caused by degradation of retention characteristics after an erase operation, leads to inefficient data storage and retrieval processes.
Innovation Solution
A memory system comprising a semiconductor memory device and a controller that temporarily stores erase block information upon receiving an erase command and only performs the erase operation when a program command is input, ensuring that the erase operation is completed before initiating the program operation, thereby preventing retention characteristic degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the program operation starts immediately after the erase operation is completed, then the productivity is improved, but the retention characteristics of memory cells degrade due to upward shift of threshold voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the erase operation in advance and completing it before the program operation starts. The controller monitors the erase operation completion status and ensures that the erase operation is fully completed before initiating the program operation, thereby preventing threshold voltage shift degradation while maintaining efficient data storage operations
2Speed
If the erase operation is performed immediately when an erase command is input, then the response time is improved, but the erase distribution characteristics degrade due to long program operation time afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the completion status of the erase operation and using this information to control the timing of the program operation. The controller receives feedback signals indicating whether the erase operation is completed and adjusts the program operation timing accordingly, ensuring optimal erase distribution characteristics while maintaining fast response times
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system and a method for operating the same are provided. The memory system includes a semiconductor memory device suitable for performing an erase operation in response to a control signal, and if an erase command is input from a host, a controller suitable for temporarily storing erase block information according the erase command, and when a program command is input after the erase command is input, transmitting the control signal according to the erase command to the semiconductor memory device.