Memory Controller Read-Mode Switching for Cache Read Failures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face increased data read times due to failed cache read operations, which are prone to error bits and require additional read retries, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller that includes a buffer memory to store fail counts for cache read operations, allowing it to switch to normal read operations when fail counts exceed a threshold, thereby preventing increased read times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If cache read operation is performed to improve read speed, then data read time is reduced, but error bits increase and correction becomes impossible requiring additional read retries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by storing fail count information in a buffer memory and using it to dynamically control subsequent cache read operations. When the fail count exceeds a threshold, the controller switches to normal read operation, using the feedback from previous operation results to adjust system behavior and prevent repeated failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the read operation mode dynamic by switching between cache read and normal read operations based on the fail count threshold. The system transitions from a static read mode to a dynamic one that adapts to the actual memory block conditions, selecting the appropriate read mode (cache or normal) based on real-time fail count status.
2Reliability
If additional read operation is performed to correct error bits, then data accuracy is improved, but data read time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by checking the fail count before executing the cache read operation. By anticipating potential failures through the stored fail count information, the system prevents unnecessary cache read operations that would lead to errors and require corrective retries, thereby avoiding time loss upfront.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by using the fail count threshold as a preventive measure. When the fail count approaches or exceeds the threshold, the system switches to normal read operation in advance, cushioning against potential read failures and eliminating the need for time-consuming error correction retries.
3Productivity
If cache read operation is repeatedly attempted on failed memory blocks, then read throughput is maintained, but system efficiency decreases due to impossible error correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the buffer memory containing fail count information to control the read operation selection. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from past failures and adjust its operation accordingly, preventing repeated unsuccessful cache read attempts that would degrade system efficiency while maintaining overall read throughput through intelligent operation selection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electronic device. A memory system according to the present disclosure includes a memory device including memory blocks each including a plurality of pages, a buffer memory configured to store information including a fail count of a cache read operation corresponding to each of the memory blocks, and a memory controller configured to control the memory device to perform a normal read operation or the cache read operation on a target memory block based on the fail count corresponding to the target memory block among the memory blocks.