Memory Controller Status Determination via Read Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices require a separate status check command to determine the status of the memory device, which reduces the efficiency of read operations by adding additional communication steps and time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating status information into the read data generated by the memory device, allowing the memory controller to determine the status based on the received data and generate appropriate commands without the need for a separate status check command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate status check command is used to determine memory device status, then status information can be obtained, but read operation efficiency decreases due to additional communication steps and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines status information with read data by incorporating status bits into the read data structure. The memory device outputs read data that includes both the actual data and status information (such as ready/busy status) in a unified data structure, eliminating the need for separate status check commands. This merging of status information into the read data stream resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable status determination while removing the additional communication overhead that reduced read operation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The read data structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it carries both the user data and the status information. By making the read data structure universal, the system can obtain both data and status information through a single read operation, rather than requiring separate operations for each purpose. This multi-functionality approach resolves the technical contradiction by consolidating multiple communication steps into one efficient operation.
2Reliability
If a separate status check command is sent to determine memory device status, then status can be determined, but the number of communication steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges status information into the read data structure, allowing both data and status to be transmitted through a single communication step. The memory device incorporates status bits (such as ready/busy indicators) directly into the read data output, eliminating the need for separate status check commands and reducing the total number of communication steps between the memory controller and memory device.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device provides status information automatically as part of its normal read operation without requiring additional commands from the memory controller. By making the status information self-contained within the read data structure, the system achieves self-service status determination, reducing communication complexity while maintaining reliable status checking.
3Productivity
If status information is included in read data, then read operation time is reduced, but data structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges status information with read data in a structured manner that minimizes additional complexity. By incorporating status bits into the existing read data structure rather than creating a completely new complex structure, the system achieves faster read operations while keeping the data structure manageable. The status information is integrated in a way that leverages existing data transmission protocols and memory controller capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein may be a storage device configured to check a status of a memory device based on data read without output of a status check command, and determine a subsequent command to be generated. The storage device may include a memory device and a memory controller configured to control the memory device. The memory device may include a read data generator configured to generate new read data including both read data corresponding to a read command received from the memory controller and information indicating a status of the memory device. The memory controller may include: a status information determiner configured to determine the status of the memory device based on the new read data received from the read data generator and generate status information and a command generator configured to generate a command to be output to the memory device based on the status information.