Memory Controller Voltage Drop Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices with MLC flash memory face instability issues due to unstable power supply voltage, leading to potential malfunctions and crashes caused by errors in reference voltage provided by the analog IP module.
Innovation Solution
A method and architecture that dynamically maps rising and falling reference voltages to different candidate voltages generated by a reference voltage generating circuit, using a voltage detector to monitor the driving voltage and pause access operations during voltage-drop events, ensuring optimal performance without side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If MLC flash memory is used to increase storage capacity and reduce cost, then the recording density is improved, but the stability and reliability deteriorate due to voltage instability and reference voltage errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting voltage-drop events before they cause memory operations to fail. The controller continuously monitors the driving voltage and proactively pauses access operations when a voltage-drop event is detected, preventing data corruption or crashes that would occur if operations continued during unstable voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a voltage detector to continuously monitor the driving voltage and provide real-time information to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to dynamically adjust memory access operations based on the actual voltage conditions, ensuring reliable operation despite variations in power supply stability.
2Measurement precision
If reference voltage is used to monitor driving voltage for stability, then the voltage monitoring capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to large errors in the reference voltage from the analog IP module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the reference voltage as an intermediary for voltage monitoring rather than directly measuring the driving voltage. By comparing the driving voltage against the reference voltage through a voltage detector, the system can detect voltage-drop events even though the reference voltage itself has large errors. The intermediary approach allows the monitoring function to work despite the imprecision of the reference voltage source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the monitoring parameter from absolute voltage measurement to relative voltage comparison. Instead of requiring precise absolute voltage values, the system monitors changes in voltage relative to the reference voltage level. This parameter change allows the system to detect voltage-drop events based on voltage differences rather than absolute values, compensating for the large errors in the reference voltage.
3Reliability
If voltage-drop event detection and operation pausing are implemented to prevent crashes, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity and access speed deteriorate due to paused operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pausing memory access operations before voltage instability can cause crashes or data corruption. By proactively stopping operations during voltage-drop events, the system prevents harmful effects from occurring, even though this temporarily reduces productivity. The pausing is a preventive measure that eliminates the risk of more severe failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of memory access operations based on real-time voltage conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts the state of memory operations - pausing when voltage-drop events are detected and resuming when voltage stabilizes. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between reliability and productivity by adapting operations to the current power supply conditions rather than maintaining a fixed operation mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling operations of a memory device, the memory device and the controller thereof, and the associated electronic device are provided. The method can comprise: before a voltage-drop event regarding a driving voltage occurs, mapping a rising reference voltage and a falling reference voltage to a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, respectively; when the voltage-drop event occurs, pausing at least one access operation to a non-volatile (NV) memory, and mapping the rising reference voltage and the falling reference voltage to another first reference voltage and another second reference voltage, respectively; and when the voltage-drop event ends, mapping the rising reference voltage and the falling reference voltage to the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage, respectively.