Memory Controller PHY Parameter Lookup for Temperature Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in maintaining high-speed access to NAND flash memory when temperature changes, as frequent calibration and training are required to adjust PHY parameters, which can increase power consumption and reduce performance during temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A memory system that includes a nonvolatile memory, a controller, and a temperature sensor, where the controller acquires and sets PHY parameter sets from a pre-stored table in the NAND flash memory based on temperature changes, allowing for continuous high-speed access without the need for real-time calibration and training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calibration and training are performed on the SSD to adjust PHY parameters for temperature changes, then the interface speed and signal integrity are improved, but high-speed access to the NAND flash memory cannot be performed at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration and training operations in advance to determine optimal PHY parameters for different temperature ranges. These pre-determined parameters are stored in a lookup table within the controller. When the SSD operates, the controller only needs to query the stored parameters based on current temperature rather than performing time-consuming calibration routines, thus maintaining signal integrity without sacrificing access speed.
2Reliability
If frequent calibration and training are performed to maintain interface performance during temperature changes, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic calibration only when temperature transitions between predefined ranges, rather than continuously or frequently. The controller monitors temperature and triggers calibration events only at specific temperature thresholds, reducing the frequency of power-intensive operations while maintaining reliable data transmission during actual temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-determining and storing optimal PHY parameters for various temperature conditions, the system eliminates the need for frequent real-time calibration. The controller simply retrieves pre-computed parameters based on current temperature, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining transmission reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time calibration and training are performed to adapt PHY parameters to temperature changes, then the interface performance is maintained, but startup time and operational delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all calibration and training operations during manufacturing or initialization phases to pre-determine optimal PHY parameters for the entire temperature range. These parameters are stored in a lookup table, allowing the SSD to instantly retrieve appropriate parameters during operation without performing time-consuming calibration routines, thus eliminating startup delays while maintaining temperature adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of optimal PHY parameters for different temperature conditions and stores them in a lookup table. Instead of performing real-time calibration, the controller copies the appropriate pre-determined parameters from storage based on current temperature, enabling instant adaptation without time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory, a controller, and a temperature sensor. The controller includes an interface circuit that controls an access to the nonvolatile memory. The temperature sensor measures a temperature of the memory system. The controller is configured to acquire a first temperature from the temperature sensor, acquire a first parameter set corresponding to the first temperature from parameter information including a plurality of parameter sets respectively corresponding to plurality of temperatures, and set the first parameter set in the interface circuit.