Memory Controller Super Block Segmentation for I/O Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current memory systems lack an efficient method to manage and optimize memory blocks across multiple planes, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of input/output speed and firmware management.

Innovation Solution

A memory controller that divides memory blocks into super blocks based on reference values, using firmware to manage and allocate resources effectively, thereby improving operational efficiency and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If memory blocks are managed without division into super blocks, then the management structure is simple, but the input/output speed and firmware management efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput/output speedVSAvoidmanagement structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides memory blocks into super blocks based on reference values such as input/output speed and firmware management requirements. This segmentation allows for optimized management of memory resources, improving I/O speed by grouping blocks with similar characteristics while maintaining a structured but manageable complexity level through systematic organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If firmware management is not optimized for super blocks, then the firmware management process is simple, but the reliability and performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirmware management reliabilityVSAvoidfirmware management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements separate firmware management for each super block, allowing independent control and optimization. This segmentation improves reliability by isolating firmware operations to specific super blocks, reducing the impact of errors, while the systematic firmware structure maintains manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different firmware management strategies to different super blocks based on their specific characteristics and reference values. This local quality approach optimizes firmware management for each super block's specific requirements, improving overall reliability while maintaining structured complexity through localized optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If memory blocks are not grouped by characteristics, then the management process is simple, but the operational efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidmanagement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments memory blocks into super blocks based on characteristic reference values such as input/output speed and firmware requirements. This segmentation improves operational efficiency by grouping blocks with similar performance characteristics, allowing for optimized management operations while maintaining structured complexity through systematic classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10852971B2Memory controller and memory system having the same
Publication Date: 2020.12.01 SK HYNIX INC
  • US10852971B2 patent drawing
  • US10852971B2 patent drawing
  • US10852971B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There are provided a memory controller and a memory system having the same. The memory controller includes: a control processor configured to set groups of memory blocks among memory blocks in a memory device to respective super blocks based on reference values, and store and execute firmware blocks respectively allocated to the super blocks; and a buffer memory configured to store information regarding the super blocks set by the control processor.