Memory Controller Adaptive Program Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in reliably storing data during read reclaim operations, as they often rely on a single program mode for all memory blocks, which can lead to reduced data reliability and inefficient use of memory resources.
Innovation Solution
A memory system and method that utilize a controller to select a program mode for a target memory block based on the amount of valid data read from a victim memory block, allowing data to be stored in a lower level cell program mode when necessary, thereby improving data reliability and optimizing memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single program mode is used for all memory blocks, then device complexity is reduced, but data reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different program modes to different memory blocks based on their specific conditions. The controller determines whether to use first or second program mode for each target memory block individually, considering factors like valid data amount and memory block status. This allows each memory block to have optimized data storage characteristics suitable for its local state, thereby improving overall data reliability without requiring a completely complex unified system.
2Reliability
If adaptive program mode selection is implemented, then data reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the program mode parameter based on the amount of valid data in the memory block. The controller changes the program mode from first mode to second mode (or vice versa) depending on whether the valid data amount exceeds a threshold. This parameter-based adaptive approach improves data reliability through conditional mode selection while keeping the controller logic manageable by using a clear threshold-based decision criterion.
3Reliability
If valid data is always stored in high reliability mode, then data reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using the more reliable second program mode only partially - specifically when the valid data amount in the memory block exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the valid data amount is below the threshold, the system uses the first program mode which has lower overhead. This selective application of high-reliability mode improves data reliability where needed while maintaining memory operation efficiency in other cases, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a memory system and a method of operating the memory system. The memory system may include: a memory device including a plurality of memory blocks; and a controller configured to control the memory device to perform a read operation in response to a host command, and configured to control a read reclaim operation based on a read count of each of the plurality of memory blocks. During the read reclaim operation, the controller may select a program mode of a target memory block depending on the amount of valid data read from a victim memory block, and control the memory device to store the valid data in the target memory block based on the selected program mode.