Memory Device Internal Copy for Defragmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor memory devices face fragmentation issues due to discontinuous data storage, requiring internal copy operations to secure continuous memory space for efficient data management and defragmentation.

Innovation Solution

A memory device with a memory cell array and control logic unit that performs internal copy operations by comparing source and destination addresses to determine the type of copy operation (internal block, inter-bank, or internal bank copy) and executes the selected operation, generating a copy-done signal upon completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data is stored in discontinuous data regions of the memory device, then the memory device can store program code flexibly, but fragmentation of the memory cell region occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible storageVSAvoidmemory fragmentation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device performs internal copy operations autonomously based on defragmentation commands received from the external memory controller. The control logic unit automatically identifies fragmented regions, selects source and destination addresses, and executes data relocation without requiring external intervention for each individual copy operation, thereby resolving fragmentation while maintaining flexible storage capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the memory device performs copy operations to secure empty continuous memory space, then continuous memory space is available for big data storage, but copy operation time is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous memory space availabilityVSAvoidcopy operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The copy operation is segmented into three distinct operation modes based on address comparison results: intra-block copy (same bank, same block), inter-block copy (same bank, different block), and inter-bank copy (different banks). This segmentation allows the control logic unit to select the most efficient operation mode for each defragmentation task, optimizing copy speed and reducing overall operation time while securing continuous memory space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control logic unit performs preliminary address comparison between source and destination addresses before executing the actual copy operation. This preliminary action determines the appropriate copy mode in advance, enabling the memory device to prepare the optimal data transfer path beforehand and execute the copy operation more efficiently, thereby reducing total copy time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10983792B2Memory device that performs internal copy operation

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A memory device performing an internal copy operation is provided. The memory device may receive a source address, a destination address, and page size information together with an internal copy command, compares the source address with the destination address, and performs an internal copy operation. The internal copy operation may be an internal block copy operation, an inter-bank copy operation, or an internal bank copy operation. The internal copy operation may be performed with respect to one-page data, half-page data, or quarter-page data, based on the page size information. The memory device may output as a flag signal a copy-done signal indicating that the internal copy operation has been completed.