Memory Controller Read Count Management for Data Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems face inefficiencies in data processing due to the lack of effective mechanisms for managing read counts and performing operations like erase and reclaim, leading to potential data loss and system malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a controller that counts read operations for each page, determines if a read count initialization is required at check-pointing periods, and updates the read counts accordingly, enabling efficient data management and reducing the likelihood of data loss by selectively programming and updating read count information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If read counts are updated at every check-pointing period, then data reliability is improved, but system productivity deteriorates due to excessive write operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by updating read counts selectively rather than at every check-pointing period. The controller determines whether update is necessary based on specific conditions (erase operations, reclaim operations, read count thresholds), performing updates only when needed rather than continuously, thus reducing unnecessary write operations while maintaining data reliability.
2Productivity
If read counts are not updated frequently, then system productivity is improved, but data reliability deteriorates due to potential data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors read counts and determines update necessity based on current system state. The controller receives feedback about erase operations, reclaim operations, and read count values, and uses this feedback to dynamically decide whether to update read counts, ensuring reliability while optimizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by initializing read counts to zero before erase operations and updating read counts before reclaim operations. This ensures that read count information is prepared and available before needed, preventing data loss while avoiding unnecessary continuous updates.
3Reliability
If read reclaim operations are performed frequently, then data reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional management mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing read reclaim operations selectively for specific pages rather than uniformly across all pages. The controller identifies pages with high read counts or specific conditions and performs reclaim operations only on those pages, maintaining reliability while avoiding unnecessary complexity in managing all pages.
4Reliability
If erase operations are performed frequently, then data reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to operation overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing erase operations based on check-pointing periods and accumulated read counts rather than continuously. The controller monitors read counts over time and performs erase operations when specific conditions are met, balancing reliability requirements with time efficiency by avoiding excessive erase operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a memory device and a controller suitable for controlling the memory device based on read counts for a plurality of pages of the memory device, wherein the controller counts at least one of the read counts in response to a read request, determines whether there is a page whose read count is initialized at every check-pointing period to generate a determination result, and controls the memory device to update the read counts based on the determination result.