Memory Controller Read Count Management for Power-Off Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face reliability issues due to sudden power-offs, which can lead to data distortion and unreliability, especially when read operations exceed a threshold, causing read disturbance and potential data loss during recovery operations.
Innovation Solution
A controller for memory devices that obtains and updates read counts for open blocks, performs a sudden power-off recovery operation, and stores these counts to maintain data reliability by determining whether blocks are open or closed based on threshold values, and manages memory operations to prevent further data damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If read operations are performed on memory blocks, then data access speed is improved, but read disturbance occurs causing data distortion and reliability degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by updating read counts before sudden power-off recovery operations. The controller pre-calculates and stores updated read count values that account for potential read disturbance, so when power is restored, the system can immediately use these pre-computed values to make informed decisions about memory block reliability without performing additional read operations that would cause further disturbance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously tracking read counts for each memory block and using this information to determine block status (open/closed). The system monitors read operations, updates read counts, and uses this feedback to make decisions about data reliability and trigger recovery operations when thresholds are exceeded, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual usage patterns.
2Reliability
If sudden power-off recovery operation is performed, then data reliability is improved, but read counts may not be accurately reflected causing potential data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing updated read count values in the memory device before sudden power-off recovery operations are triggered. These pre-updated read counts are saved to non-volatile storage, ensuring that when power is restored, the system retrieves accurate read count information without needing to re-count or estimate, thus preventing information loss during recovery.
3Reliability
If read count threshold is used to determine block status, then data distortion is prevented, but additional read operations are required to update counts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operations by combining read count updates with the sudden power-off recovery operation itself. Instead of performing separate read operations to update counts and then separately executing recovery operations, the system integrates these functions so that the recovery operation simultaneously updates read counts and determines block status, eliminating redundant operations and improving overall efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a controller controlling a memory device, the method includes: obtaining open block information and read counts of open blocks of the memory device; updating each of the read counts by adding a variable value for each open block to each of the read counts; storing the updated read counts in the memory device; and performing a sudden power-off recovery operation on the memory device based on the open block information.