Memory Maintenance Scheduling Using Host Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory devices face challenges in determining optimal timing for internal maintenance operations, leading to premature wear-out due to excessive or insufficient performance of these operations, which can degrade system performance and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where the host system and memory apparatus communicate to enable intelligent management of internal maintenance operations, allowing the memory apparatus to report the amount of work required and receive scheduling information for optimized performance and lifespan utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If internal maintenance operations are performed frequently to maintain performance, then system performance is improved, but memory device lifespan deteriorates due to premature wear-out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidmemory device lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device reports the amount of internal maintenance operation work required to the host system based on monitored parameters (e.g., wear level, performance degradation). The host system uses this feedback information to determine optimal scheduling, preventing both over-maintenance (which causes wear) and under-maintenance (which degrades performance). This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling data-driven maintenance frequency control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The maintenance scheduling is made dynamic rather than static. The host system adjusts the timing and frequency of internal maintenance operations based on real-time or historical data about memory device condition and usage patterns. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to perform maintenance only when necessary, optimizing both performance and lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If internal maintenance operations are delayed to reduce wear, then memory device lifespan is improved, but system performance deteriorates due to insufficient maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory device lifespanVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism provides continuous monitoring of memory device health parameters, enabling the host system to detect when maintenance is actually needed. This prevents both premature maintenance (reducing wear) and excessive delays (maintaining performance), finding the optimal balance point based on real-time condition data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of maintenance needs by monitoring wear parameters before actually executing maintenance operations. This preliminary action allows the host system to schedule maintenance at the optimal moment, ensuring performance is maintained without causing unnecessary wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If host system schedules internal maintenance operations to minimize interference, then operational smoothness is improved, but maintenance timing precision deteriorates due to inability to determine optimal timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational smoothnessVSAvoidmaintenance timing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback loop provides the host system with precise information about memory device condition (wear level, performance metrics), enabling accurate determination of optimal maintenance timing. This precise measurement capability allows the host system to schedule maintenance at the best possible moment, balancing operational smoothness with timing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces mechanical or heuristic scheduling approaches with information-based scheduling. Instead of using fixed intervals or simple timers, the host system uses data from the memory device's status reporting to intelligently determine timing, achieving both operational smoothness and timing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260030153A1Reporting for host initiated internal maintenance operations

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In some implementations, a memory apparatus may transmit, to a host system, an indication of an amount of internal maintenance operation work to be completed for the memory apparatus, wherein the amount of internal maintenance operation work is based on at least one of: one or more lifespan utilization parameters, or one or more types of additional maintenance operations to be performed by the memory apparatus. The memory apparatus may receive, from the host system, scheduling information for one or more internal maintenance operations, wherein the scheduling information is based on the amount of internal maintenance operation work. The memory apparatus may perform the one or more internal maintenance operations in accordance with the scheduling information.