Memory Controller Mode Maintenance Signals for Storage Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of memory controllers in storage devices deteriorates over time due to increased operational hours, leading to decreased performance and lifespan, necessitating simplified operations to maintain reliability.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a memory controller that generates mode maintenance or mode change signals to allow the memory device to perform operations in a previous mode or change modes accordingly, reducing the need for complex mode determination and thereby simplifying operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the memory controller continuously performs complex operations for converting commands, then the functionality and adaptability of the storage device are improved, but the reliability of the memory controller deteriorates over time due to increased operational hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mode determination function from the memory controller and implements it in the memory device. The memory controller only generates mode maintenance or mode change signals based on simple comparisons, while the memory device autonomously determines and switches between SLC and MLC modes, reducing the operational burden on the memory controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device performs self-service by autonomously determining its operational mode based on program counter values. The memory device monitors its own programming status and automatically switches between SLC and MLC modes without requiring complex control logic in the memory controller, thereby simplifying the controller's operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the memory controller performs frequent mode determination operations, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the operation time and complexity of the memory controller increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device performs preliminary actions by pre-determining mode switch points during the programming process. The memory device monitors program counter values and proactively prepares for mode transitions, allowing the memory controller to simply issue mode change signals without performing complex real-time mode determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mode maintenance and mode change signals as intermediaries between the memory controller and memory device. These signals serve as a simplified communication mechanism that conveys mode control information without requiring the memory controller to perform complex mode determination operations.
3Reliability
If the memory controller simplifies its operations, then the reliability and lifespan are improved, but the complexity of the overall system may increase due to additional control signals
Solution Approach 1:
The mode maintenance and mode change signals serve multiple functions: they convey mode control information, indicate programming status, and enable autonomous memory device operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms and minimizes overall system complexity despite the memory controller's simplified operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a storage device, including: a memory controller configured to generate mode maintenance information or mode change information in response to a command received from a host; and a memory device configured to perform a selected operation in a previous mode when the mode maintenance information is received, and change a mode and perform the selected operation when the mode change information is received.