Memory Super Block Configuration via VMEC-Based Block Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face disturbances and inefficiencies during sudden power-off (SPO) events due to repeated power interruptions, which can lead to data reliability issues and suboptimal utilization of memory blocks.
Innovation Solution
A memory system and operating method that configure super blocks by selecting memory blocks with the lowest maximum erasable count (VMEC) values across multiple dies, allowing for efficient storage of hot and cold data based on the VMEC values, thereby minimizing disturbances and optimizing block utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory blocks are randomly assigned to super blocks, then configuration is simple, but data reliability deteriorates due to uneven wear distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using VMEC (variable max erase count) values as a key parameter to select and group memory blocks. Instead of random assignment, memory blocks are selected based on their VMEC values, which represent their durability characteristics. This parameter-based selection ensures that blocks with similar endurance are grouped together in super blocks, improving data reliability while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through systematic criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements homogeneity by grouping memory blocks with similar VMEC values together in the same super block. This ensures that all blocks within a super block have comparable durability characteristics and wear levels. By maintaining homogeneous groups, the system achieves uniform wear distribution across all super blocks, which directly improves data reliability without requiring complex configuration mechanisms.
2Productivity
If memory blocks with different durability are grouped together, then block utilization is high, but disturbance phenomenon increases during SPO events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by grouping memory blocks with similar VMEC values together in super blocks. This ensures uniform durability characteristics within each super block, preventing the disturbance phenomenon that occurs when blocks with different durability are mixed. The homogeneous grouping maintains system stability during sudden power-off events while still achieving high overall block utilization through systematic selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-selecting and organizing memory blocks into super blocks based on their VMEC values before any data storage operations begin. This advance organization ensures that blocks with similar durability are grouped together from the start, preventing disturbance phenomena during SPO events. The preliminary configuration optimizes both block utilization and system stability before actual usage.
3Productivity
If all memory blocks are treated equally, then management is simple, but hot and cold data storage optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using VMEC values as the basis for differential treatment of memory blocks. Instead of treating all blocks equally, the system selects blocks based on their VMEC parameters to configure super blocks specifically suited for hot data or cold data storage. This parameter-driven approach optimizes data storage efficiency by matching block characteristics with data access patterns while maintaining systematic management through clear selection criteria.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a memory device including a plurality of source dies, wherein each of the plural source dies includes a plurality of memory blocks; and a controller suitable for configuring a super block by selecting a memory block of which a maximum erasable count value is lowest in each of the plurality of dies.