Memory Controller Channel Split for Parallel Status-Aware Reads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory systems face reliability issues due to data degradation caused by factors like voltage level shifting and interference with adjacent cells, leading to inefficient error detection and correction processes that decrease performance.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller system that communicates status information between the controller and memory devices using separate channels for commands and data, allowing for efficient error correction and recovery operations based on cell degradation status, thereby optimizing read levels and reducing recovery time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error detection and correction operations are performed frequently to maintain data reliability, then data reliability is improved, but system performance decreases due to complicated recovery processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transferring status information about cell regions before actual read operations are performed. The memory controller receives status information (indicating degradation levels) in advance, stores it, and uses it to determine whether recovery operations are needed before the read operation completes. This prevents unnecessary recovery operations from degrading system performance while still maintaining data reliability through proactive error detection.
2Device complexity
If status information is transferred through the same channel as data, then device complexity is reduced, but data transfer bandwidth is reduced and transfer time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the channel into two distinct parts: a first channel for transferring status information and control signals, and a second channel for transferring data. This allows status information to be transferred independently without blocking data transfer, enabling parallel operations that reduce overall transfer time while maintaining manageable device complexity through dedicated channel functions.
3Reliability
If recovery operations are performed frequently to correct errors, then data reliability is improved, but resource consumption and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using status information about cell region degradation to determine whether recovery operations should be performed. The memory controller receives feedback regarding the health status of memory cells, stores this information, and uses it as a condition for initiating recovery operations only when necessary. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary recovery operations from consuming system resources and time while still maintaining data reliability through targeted error correction.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the method includes transferring a first read command corresponding to a first cell region of the memory device through a first channel, receiving first data, read from the first cell region, from the memory device through a second channel physically separated from the first channel, transferring a status information request command through the first channel, the status information request command request the transfer of status information about a second cell region of the memory device, receiving the status information about the second cell region from the memory device through the first channel, and transferring a second read command corresponding to the second cell region of the memory device through the first channel, at least a portion of a period in which the status information is received through the first channel overlaps a period where the first data is received through the second channel.