Memory Controller Zone Block Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in write and read performances due to uneven distribution of open zone blocks across memory devices, leading to suboptimal interleaving of operations and performance.

Innovation Solution

A memory system with a controller that evenly distributes open zone blocks by selecting candidate memory devices based on activated and full zone block counts, using a candidate memory device list to map free zone blocks as new open zones, and evicting devices when thresholds are exceeded to ensure balanced usage across all memory devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If open zone blocks are not evenly distributed across memory devices, then the system structure is simpler, but write and read performances deteriorate due to suboptimal interleaving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrite and read performancesVSAvoidcontroller complexity for distributing zone blocks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller monitors and changes the distribution parameters of open zone blocks across memory devices by selecting candidate memory devices based on activated zone block counts and full zone block counts, thereby optimizing write and read performances through balanced distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller uses feedback from activated zone block count tables and full zone block count tables to dynamically adjust the distribution of open zone blocks, selecting candidate memory devices based on current distribution status to maintain optimal performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the controller actively manages and redistributes open zone blocks to achieve even distribution, then interleaving performance improves, but the operational complexity and control overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterleaving performanceVSAvoidcontroller operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller changes operational parameters by selecting candidate memory devices based on activated zone block counts and full zone block counts, dynamically adjusting the distribution strategy to maximize interleaving performance while managing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller performs preliminary selection of candidate memory devices using activated zone block count tables and full zone block count tables before actual data operations, preparing the optimal distribution state in advance to improve interleaving performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11698739B2Memory system and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A memory system includes a plurality of memory devices and a controller, wherein each of the plurality of memory devices includes zone blocks. The controller is configured to evenly distribute open zone blocks within the memory devices by referring to an activated zone block count table and a full zone block count table. The activated zone block count table includes an activated zone block count of each of the memory devices, and the full zone block count table includes a full zone block count of each of the memory devices.