Memory Controller Workload Adaptation via Dynamic Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face challenges in efficiently managing workload patterns, leading to increased error rates during read operations due to inadequate read voltage settings, which affects performance and data integrity.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a memory controller that determines a workload state based on optimal read voltages and adjusts the operating environment by modifying buffer allocations and command queue prioritization to optimize read operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If read operations are performed with default reference voltages, then the storage device operates with standard performance, but read operation failures increase when workload patterns change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread operation success rateVSAvoidadaptability to workload patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of reference voltages based on detected workload patterns. The memory controller monitors read operation outcomes and adjusts reference voltages in real-time to match current workload characteristics, transitioning from static default voltages to dynamic adaptive voltages that maintain high read success rates across varying workload conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the memory controller monitors read operation results and uses this information to adjust reference voltages. When read failures occur or performance degradation is detected, the controller modifies voltage levels and reconfigures buffer assignments based on the feedback, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes read operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the memory controller uses fixed buffer assignments, then the device structure remains simple, but performance degrades under varying workload conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage device performanceVSAvoidcontroller configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of buffer assignments based on workload patterns. The memory controller detects whether the workload is read-intensive or write-intensive and automatically adjusts buffer assignments accordingly, allocating more buffers to read operations during read-intensive workloads and to write operations during write-intensive workloads, thereby optimizing performance without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The memory controller performs self-configuration by automatically detecting workload patterns and adjusting its own buffer assignments and reference voltage settings. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external configuration or manual tuning, allowing the controller to adapt to changing workload conditions autonomously while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If read voltages are adjusted to improve read success rate, then data integrity improves, but the complexity of voltage management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidvoltage management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback from read operation outcomes to guide voltage adjustments. The memory controller monitors read success rates and uses this feedback to determine when and how to adjust reference voltages, ensuring that voltage changes are made only when necessary to maintain data integrity. This feedback-driven approach prevents unnecessary voltage adjustments and simplifies overall voltage management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts reference voltage parameters dynamically based on workload detection. Rather than managing multiple complex voltage settings simultaneously, the controller changes voltage parameters in response to detected workload patterns, using standardized adjustment schemes that simplify voltage management while maintaining data integrity across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11204698B2Memory controller to set operating environment of memory device, method of operating the same and storage device including the same
Publication Date: 2021.12.21 SK HYNIX INC
  • US11204698B2 patent drawing
  • US11204698B2 patent drawing
  • US11204698B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory controller controls a memory device including a plurality of memory cells. The memory controller may include a workload determination circuit configured to determine a workload state indicating an operating pattern of the memory device based on optimal read voltages for reading the plurality of memory cells when a read operation performed on the memory cells fails; and an operating environment setting circuit configured to set an operating environment of the memory device based on the workload state.