Memory Controller Variable Page Length Cell Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory controllers are inflexible and inefficient, as they are hardwired for specific block and page sizes, which limits their ability to accommodate multi-bit memory cells and results in unused memory cells due to fixed configurations, leading to inefficiencies and higher error rates in certain types of data storage.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller with a type determining module and a page configure module that adjusts the number of memory cells for data and overhead portions per page, allowing for variable cell density and page length, enabling flexible configuration to accommodate different memory types and reducing error rates by optimizing cell usage based on data type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If memory controller uses hardwired block and page sizes, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different memory types deteriorates and storage efficiency is reduced due to unused memory cells
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller dynamically configures block and page sizes based on the detected memory type rather than using fixed hardwired sizes. The controller adjusts the number of memory cells per page and bits per cell according to the specific memory device characteristics, enabling adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a standardized detection and configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of block size, page size, and bits per cell based on the detected memory type. The controller detects memory type information and accordingly adjusts these parameters to optimize storage efficiency and performance for different memory technologies, resolving the contradiction between fixed configuration and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If memory controller uses fixed page size configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but storage efficiency deteriorates due to unused memory cells in variable density memory
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller dynamically adjusts the number of memory cells allocated per page based on the detected memory type and density requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the controller to fully utilize available memory cells in variable density memory without leaving unused cells, thereby improving storage efficiency while maintaining reasonable device complexity through automated detection and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the page size parameter according to the detected memory type information. By adjusting the number of memory cells per page to match the actual memory capacity and density, the system eliminates wasted storage space while keeping the configuration process automated and relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If memory controller uses hardwired configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to higher error rates in certain data storage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller adjusts operational parameters such as the number of bits per cell and error correction overhead based on the detected memory type. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize reliability for different memory technologies and data storage scenarios while maintaining ease of operation through automated detection and configuration, eliminating the need for manual setup.
4Device complexity
If memory controller accommodates multi-bit memory cells with fixed configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different memory types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller dynamically configures the number of bits per cell and related parameters based on the detected memory type. This dynamic adaptation enables the controller to work with various memory technologies including multi-bit memory cells without requiring different hardware designs, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through a unified detection and configuration mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory controller including a type determining module and a page determining module. The type determining module is configured to determine a type of memory to which the memory controller is connected, wherein the memory includes a memory block comprising a plurality of pages, and each page includes a plurality of memory cells. The page configure module is configured to generate a memory map based on the determined type of the memory. The memory map specifies, for each page, (i) a number of memory cells for storing data, and (ii) a number of memory cells for storing overhead. The number of memory cells for storing data and the number of memory cells for storing overhead in a first page is configurable to be different from the number of memory cells for storing data and the number of memory cells for storing overhead in a second page.