Memory Scan Alignment Using Page-Level Last Written Page Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory sub-systems inaccurately determine last written page (LWP) data, leading to misaligned scans and scan errors during media and read disturb scans, which impact reliability and trigger rates.

Innovation Solution

The memory sub-system determines LWP data at a page level per die, using a data structure to identify and correct misalignment by adjusting scan locations based on sub-block candidate groups and empty pages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional memory sub-systems determine LWP data at a block level, then the scan process is simpler and faster, but scan alignment accuracy deteriorates leading to misaligned scans and scan errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan alignment accuracyVSAvoidscan process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the memory device into multiple dies, with each die containing multiple planes. The LWP determination process is segmented to operate independently on each die, identifying the last written page for each die separately. This segmentation enables precise scan alignment at the page level while maintaining manageable complexity through modular processing of individual dies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from block-level LWP determination to page-level determination, adding a dimension of granularity to the scan alignment process. By operating at the page level rather than block level, the system achieves finer control over scan alignment accuracy while using data structures to organize and manage the increased data dimensionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional memory sub-systems perform scans without page-level LWP data, then the scan process is faster and requires less computational resources, but reliability deteriorates due to scan errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan reliabilityVSAvoidscan throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of LWP data at the page level for each die before executing the scan operation. By pre-calculating and storing the accurate LWP positions in data structures, the system ensures scan reliability is maintained while the actual scan execution remains efficient, as the alignment calculations are completed in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces data structures as intermediary components that store and manage LWP information for each die. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the complex page-level LWP determination process and the simplified scan execution, allowing high reliability through accurate data tracking while maintaining productivity by pre-organizing scan targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If memory sub-systems use inaccurate LWP data, then the system operation is simpler, but misaligned scans occur affecting reliability and trigger rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan reliabilityVSAvoidLWP determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously tracks and updates LWP information for each die based on write operations. This feedback loop ensures that the LWP data remains accurate and current, enabling reliable scan alignment while the automated tracking reduces the perceived complexity through systematic data maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The memory sub-system performs self-service by automatically determining and updating LWP data for each die without external intervention. The system uses internal data structures to track write operations and maintain accurate LWP information, enabling reliable scans while managing complexity through autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260038610A1Last written page handling for open cursor block scans in a memory sub-system
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20260038610A1 patent drawing
  • US20260038610A1 patent drawing
  • US20260038610A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A scan trigger event is detected. Last written page (LWP) data for one or more memory devices of a plurality of memory devices is determined. A scan on one or more pages of the one or more memory devices of the plurality of memory devices is performed based on the LWP data.