Memory Controller Sub-Erase Wear Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in efficiently managing and maintaining the operational status of memory blocks in nonvolatile memory devices, particularly in accurately tracking erase counts and optimizing performance through wear leveling and garbage collection.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that perform sub erase operations on memory blocks, varying the erase count based on the number of sub erase operations and time intervals, allowing for precise tracking of erase counts and optimizing block usage through the selection of blocks with lower erase counts for programming operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sub erase operations are performed on memory blocks, then erase count tracking precision is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The erase operation is segmented into multiple sub-erase operations, where each sub-erase operation erases a portion of the memory block. The controller tracks the number of sub-erase operations performed on each block and uses this information to calculate a precise erase count, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the number of sub-erase operations performed on each memory block and uses this information to dynamically adjust the erase count. This feedback loop ensures accurate tracking of erase counts based on actual operational history, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If erase count is varied based on number of sub erase operations, then wear leveling accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary tracking of sub-erase operation counts during the erase process itself, rather than conducting separate verification operations. By accumulating the number of sub-erase operations as part of the normal erase workflow, the system improves wear leveling accuracy without adding significant processing time overhead.
3Reliability
If multiple sub erase operations are performed, then data erasing completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs a predetermined number of sub-erase operations to ensure complete data erasure, using this partial action approach to guarantee reliability. By specifying a fixed number of sub-erase operations in advance, the system achieves complete erasure without excessive energy consumption, as the operation count is optimized to meet the reliability requirement without unnecessary additional cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a memory device including a plurality of blocks, each capable of storing data, and a controller, coupled with the memory device. The controller can perform at least one sub erase operation on each of the plurality of blocks, and variably increase an erase count of each of the plurality of blocks based on a timing of erasing data of each of the plurality of blocks through the sub erase operation.