Memory Device Toggle Counter Status Read Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face inefficiencies in status read operations, particularly when multiple memory devices are connected, leading to reduced speed due to the need for multiple status read commands, which complicates the process and slows down data retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A memory device and method that utilize a toggle counter and status register to count signal toggles and determine if they match a reference number, allowing for the efficient transmission of status information to the memory controller through a single status read command, thereby improving the speed of status information retrieval across multiple memory devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple status read commands are sent to read status information from multiple memory devices, then status information from all memory devices can be retrieved, but the operation time increases and speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple status read operations into a single command cycle. The memory controller sends one status read command that triggers all memory devices to output their status information simultaneously on the same data line, allowing parallel retrieval of status from multiple devices without sending multiple separate commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a periodic toggle signal (e.g., CKE# or RE# signal toggling) to control when memory devices output their status information. By toggling this control signal, the memory devices sequentially or simultaneously present their status information on the data line during a single command cycle, enabling efficient multi-device status reading.
2Loss of information
If multiple status read commands are used to read status from multiple memory devices, then all status information is obtained, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control logic for reading status from multiple memory devices into a single unified process. The memory controller issues one status read command and uses a single toggle signal to manage all memory devices, eliminating the need for separate command sequences for each device and simplifying the overall control process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal status read mechanism where a single command and control signal structure can read status information from any number of memory devices. The toggle counter and status output controller work together to handle multiple devices using the same control logic, making the system scalable without increasing process complexity.
3Speed
If a single status read command is used to read status from multiple memory devices, then operation speed improves, but it becomes difficult to distinguish which memory device corresponds to which status information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a toggle counter that counts the number of times a control signal (such as CKE# or RE#) toggles during the status read operation. This count serves as feedback to the memory controller, indicating which memory device's status information is currently being output. When the toggle count matches a predetermined value, the controller knows the status corresponds to a specific memory device, enabling accurate identification without separate commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a toggle counter as an intermediary mechanism between the memory devices and the memory controller. This counter mediates the identification process by tracking signal toggles and providing the controller with information about which memory device is currently active, allowing the controller to correctly associate status information with the appropriate device.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes an input/output circuit configured to receive a status read command from a memory controller, a toggle counter configured to count a number of toggles of a signal received from the memory controller, and a status register configured to store status information of the memory device and configured to output the status information to the input/output circuit. The memory device also includes a status output controller configured to determine whether the number of toggles counted by the toggle counter corresponds to a reference number of toggles and configured to control the status register to transmit the status information to the memory controller through the input/output circuit, in response to the status read command.