Memory Block Allocation Using Partial Blocks After Defects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face limitations in storage capacity due to unallocated partial blocks resulting from manufacturing defects, which restrict the pairing of these blocks, thereby reducing the total available memory space.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flexible allocation and access mechanism for both full and partial blocks across multiple levels in memory devices, allowing independent allocation and access of partial blocks, thereby increasing the total available storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manufacturing defects occur in memory levels, then reliability of the memory device is improved by excluding defective blocks, but storage capacity is reduced due to unallocated partial blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a full block into multiple partial blocks (e.g., first partial block and second partial block) that can be independently allocated. This segmentation allows the system to allocate only the functional portions of blocks, excluding defective partial blocks while still utilizing the remaining capacity, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation parameter from all-or-nothing full block allocation to flexible partial block allocation. By modifying the allocation unit from a fixed full block to variable partial blocks, the system can dynamically adjust which portions of blocks are allocated based on defect locations, improving both reliability and capacity utilization.
2Reliability
If partial blocks are excluded from allocation due to defects, then data integrity is maintained, but total available memory space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple partial blocks from different full blocks to form allocatable units. By combining functional partial blocks (e.g., first partial block from one full block and second partial block from another full block), the system creates usable storage units that maintain data integrity while maximizing total available memory space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables partial blocks to serve multiple functions: they can be independently allocated, combined with other partial blocks, and managed separately from full blocks. This multi-functionality allows the same partial block structure to address both data integrity requirements and capacity maximization goals.
3Ease of operation
If full block allocation is used exclusively, then management simplicity is maintained, but storage efficiency is reduced due to unused partial blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic allocation capabilities where the system can adaptively choose between allocating full blocks and partial blocks based on defect patterns and storage requirements. This dynamic approach maintains operational simplicity for defect-free scenarios while improving storage efficiency when defects are present, by automatically adjusting the allocation strategy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for partial block allocations for memory systems are described. A memory system may allocate partial blocks of a memory device for storage of data. In some examples, one or more full blocks across a set of layers of the memory device may be allocated for data storage. Additionally, one or more partial blocks across a subset of the set of layers of the memory device may be allocated for data storage, such as user data or system data. Accordingly, a total utilization of the memory may be increased, thereby increasing the overall capacity of the memory device. As such, the memory system may provide additional storage for a user or additional storage for supporting memory system operations, including overprovisioning for garbage collection or error correction operations.