Memory Controller Read Disturb Mitigation via Dummy Data Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compact internal structure of advanced memory devices leads to increased read disturbance, causing unexpected voltage offsets and uncorrectable errors in memory cells, particularly when data is written to blocks affected by read disturbance.
Innovation Solution
A data storage apparatus and method that includes a memory controller which records read counts, performs error bit checks on target blocks, and programs dummy data to affected blocks to prevent data errors by identifying and isolating blocks impacted by read disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the internal structure of memory is arranged more compact to achieve large storage capacity per unit, then storage capacity is improved, but read disturbance becomes more serious causing voltage offsets and uncorrectable errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of read disturbance by checking error bits in free storage spaces before writing data to blocks. By detecting affected blocks in advance and marking them as unavailable, the system prevents writing data to blocks that would suffer from read disturbance, thus resolving the contradiction between compact storage and data reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (error bit check and block status marking) between the compact memory structure and data storage operations. This intermediary detects and isolates blocks affected by read disturbance, allowing the system to maintain high storage capacity while ensuring data accuracy by redirecting writes to unaffected blocks
2Reliability
If error bit check is performed on free storage space to detect read disturbance, then data reliability is improved, but additional detection operations increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the memory controller's existing read and error detection capabilities to perform self-diagnosis of read disturbance. By leveraging built-in functions for reading and error bit checking, the system detects affected blocks without requiring external testing equipment or complex additional circuitry, thus improving reliability while minimizing increases in system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage apparatus and a method for preventing data error using the same are provided. The data storage apparatus includes a memory and a memory controller. The memory includes a plurality of blocks. The memory controller is coupled to the memory and configured to perform the following operations: recording a read count of a target block of the memory; performing an error bit check on a free storage space of the target block when the read count of the target block meets a condition; and programming a dummy data to the free storage space of the target block in response to the determination that the check result is negative.