Memory Controller Dynamic Program Mode Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory systems face inefficiencies due to excessive write amplification caused by high ratios of dummy data, which can lead to reduced lifespan of memory devices and increased program/erase cycles.

Innovation Solution

A memory controller that dynamically switches between program modes based on the ratio of dummy data to program data, changing from a first mode to a second mode when the dummy data ratio exceeds a threshold, thereby optimizing data programming and reducing write amplification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a first program mode with high dummy data ratio is used to fill memory blocks, then memory block utilization is improved, but write amplification increases and memory device lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory block utilizationVSAvoidwrite amplification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The memory controller dynamically switches between first and second program modes based on the dummy data ratio. When the ratio exceeds a threshold, the controller transitions from the first program mode (high dummy data) to the second program mode (low dummy data), making the system adaptive rather than static to optimize both utilization and write amplification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the program mode parameter based on the dummy data ratio threshold. By monitoring the ratio and switching modes when the threshold is exceeded, the system adjusts its programming behavior to balance memory utilization with write amplification control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a first program mode with high dummy data ratio is used, then memory block utilization is improved, but memory device lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory block utilizationVSAvoidmemory device lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The memory controller dynamically switches between first and second program modes based on the dummy data ratio. When the ratio exceeds a threshold, the controller transitions from the first program mode (high dummy data) to the second program mode (low dummy data), making the system adaptive rather than static to optimize both utilization and write amplification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the program mode parameter based on the dummy data ratio threshold. By monitoring the ratio and switching modes when the threshold is exceeded, the system adjusts its programming behavior to balance memory utilization with write amplification control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a first program mode with high dummy data ratio is used, then memory block utilization is improved, but program/erase cycles increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory block utilizationVSAvoidprogram/erase cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory controller dynamically switches between first and second program modes based on the dummy data ratio. When the ratio exceeds a threshold, the controller transitions from the first program mode (high dummy data) to the second program mode (low dummy data), making the system adaptive rather than static to optimize both utilization and write amplification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the program mode parameter based on the dummy data ratio threshold. By monitoring the ratio and switching modes when the threshold is exceeded, the system adjusts its programming behavior to balance memory utilization with write amplification control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10768854B2Memory controller, memory system having the memory controller, and operating method of the memory controller

Publication Date: 2020.09.08 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A memory system includes a memory device for storing data; and a memory controller performing a program operation on the memory device by using one of a first program mode and a second program mode. The memory controller counts a number of program operations performed by using the first program mode in which a ratio of dummy data to program data is greater than or equal to a predetermined value; and changes the program mode to the second program mode from the first program mode, when the counted number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.