Memory Controller Weak Page Data Copy Strategy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in ensuring data reliability during read operations, particularly when read failures occur, as they lack effective mechanisms to identify and manage weak pages and bad blocks, leading to potential data loss and reduced system performance.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a memory controller that performs data copy operations by preferentially selecting weak pages adjacent to failed pages and moving valid data to a target block, while also managing read counts to identify blocks for data copy operations, thereby enhancing data reliability and system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data copy operation is performed on all pages in a selected memory block, then data reliability is improved, but operation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data copy operation into two distinct phases: first copying data from weak pages (pages adjacent to failed pages) to the target block, and then copying data from normal pages. This segmentation allows the system to prioritize critical data recovery while maintaining operational efficiency, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive data protection and operation time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of weak pages before executing the data copy operation. By detecting pages adjacent to failed pages in advance and marking them as weak pages requiring priority copying, the system prepares a targeted recovery strategy that improves data reliability without requiring exhaustive copying of all pages, thus reducing overall operation time.
2Reliability
If weak pages are identified and prioritized for data copy, then data reliability is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating weak pages differently from normal pages in the data copy operation. Weak pages (those adjacent to failed pages) are identified and prioritized for copying with higher urgency, while normal pages are processed subsequently. This localized differentiation improves overall data reliability without requiring complete system-level complexity changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting failed pages and identifying adjacent weak pages that require priority data recovery. The system autonomously determines which pages need urgent copying without external intervention, improving reliability through self-monitoring while keeping the control logic integrated within the existing memory controller architecture.
3Reliability
If read count checking is performed on all memory blocks, then data reliability is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs read count checking and data copy operations selectively rather than universally. Instead of checking all memory blocks equally, the system focuses on blocks containing failed or weak pages, performing partial data copy operations only where necessary. This partial action approach maintains data reliability for critical pages while preserving overall system productivity by avoiding unnecessary operations on healthy memory blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system, and a method of operating the memory system, includes a memory device including a plurality of memory blocks. The memory system also includes a memory controller for controlling the memory device to perform a data copy operation of moving and storing valid data stored in a selected memory block among the plurality of memory blocks in a target block among the plurality of memory blocks. The memory controller is configured to control the memory device to perform the data copy operation by preferentially selecting a weak page among a plurality of pages included in the selected memory block rather than the other pages.