Memory Controller Idle Channel Warming for Storage Read Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices face challenges in transitioning efficiently from an idle state to an active state, leading to potential performance degradation due to switching noise and increased read operation time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a data storage device with a memory controller that detects idle time and generates a read enable signal to output dummy data during this period, thereby warming up the channel and minimizing switching noise without compromising read operation speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the channel is activated during idle time to reduce transition time, then the read operation speed is improved, but switching noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by activating the channel during idle time before the actual read operation begins. The memory controller outputs dummy data through the channel during this idle period, which warms up the channel and reduces the transition time when switching from idle to active state. This preliminary activation ensures the channel is ready for immediate data transmission, improving read operation speed while managing switching noise through controlled dummy data output.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If dummy data is output during idle time to warm up the channel, then switching noise is reduced, but channel utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful idle time period into a beneficial opportunity by outputting dummy data during this time. Instead of leaving the channel completely inactive, the system utilizes the idle period to perform channel warming operations that reduce switching noise for subsequent read operations. This approach transforms wasted idle time into a productive period that prepares the channel for faster, cleaner operations, effectively converting potential harm (noise) into benefit (improved signal quality).
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device having improved performance includes: a plurality of memory devices, each memory device including a plurality of memory blocks, the plurality of memory devices coupled to a channel; and a memory controller coupled to the channel to be in communication with the plurality of memory devices to provide a read command for instructing a read operation on the plurality of memory blocks to read out data and provide a read enable signal to the memory devices during at least part of an idle time of the channel, which occurs while the read operation is being performed. The plurality of memory devices output first data to the memory controller through the channel in response to the read enable signal, wherein the first data is different from the data previously read out by the read operation that provides the read enable signal in response to the read command.