Memory System Peak Current Reduction via Complementary Metablock Grouping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems like solid-state drives face limitations in power threshold, leading to reduced performance and increased bit error rates due to the need to program memory 'softly' to avoid peak current consumption, which restricts the number of operations and dies that can be used simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
Creating metablocks and metawordlines by grouping blocks and word lines with complementary peak current consumption, allowing for parallel programming and reducing peak current consumption to a similar level across each metablock or metawordline, thereby optimizing power usage and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If memory is programmed softly using B2h command to reduce peak current consumption, then power threshold is not exceeded, but performance decreases and bit error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory blocks are segmented into different groups based on their peak current consumption characteristics. By dividing blocks into segments with similar current profiles, the system can program multiple segments in parallel while maintaining controlled peak current levels, thus improving performance without exceeding power thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes programming parameters such as voltage levels and timing based on the specific block characteristics and current consumption patterns. This allows optimization of programming speed for each block while maintaining acceptable error rates, resolving the trade-off between performance and reliability.
2Productivity
If more dies are used in parallel to improve performance, then productivity increases, but peak current consumption exceeds maximum power threshold
Solution Approach 1:
Dies are segmented into multiple groups, and within each group, blocks are further segmented based on current consumption characteristics. This hierarchical segmentation allows the system to activate a larger total number of dies while controlling the number of simultaneously active blocks per die, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining power within thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active dies and blocks based on real-time power conditions and workload requirements. This dynamic configuration allows maximum utilization of available dies without consistently exceeding power thresholds, optimizing both performance and energy consumption.
3Loss of energy
If the number of simultaneous operations is limited to stay within power threshold, then peak current consumption is controlled, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Operations are segmented into multiple batches or waves, where different groups of blocks are programmed in sequence rather than all at once. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a steady stream of operations while limiting the number of simultaneous operations, thus improving throughput without exceeding peak current limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by seamlessly transitioning between different groups of blocks and dies. While one group completes programming, another group is prepared or being programmed, ensuring continuous useful action without interruption, thereby maximizing productivity within power constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system and method for reducing peak current consumption. In one embodiment, a method is provided that is performed in a memory system comprising a memory with a plurality of blocks, wherein each block has a peak current consumption. In this method, a plurality of metablocks is created, wherein each metablock is created by grouping together blocks with complementary peak current consumption. Next, the metablocks are programmed. Because each of the metablocks has blocks with complementary peak current consumption, each of the metablocks has similar peak current consumption when programmed. Other embodiments are provided.