Memory Controller Meta Data Manager Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonvolatile memory devices experience wear-out due to frequent programming and power-off operations, leading to reduced lifespan of the meta data region, which is not effectively addressed by existing memory systems.
Innovation Solution
A meta data manager is implemented to selectively store meta logs in the meta data region based on specific status information, such as the number of programming operations, data amount, and power-off notices, using a three-dimensional flash memory cell array to manage user and meta data regions efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If meta log is stored in the meta data region after every programming operation, then data integrity is maintained, but memory device lifespan is reduced due to wear-out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of meta log storage frequency by introducing conditional judgment based on programming operation counts and data amounts. Instead of storing meta log after every programming operation, the system selectively stores meta log only when threshold values are exceeded, thereby reducing the frequency of write operations to the meta data region and extending memory device lifespan while maintaining data integrity when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by storing meta log selectively rather than continuously. The meta data manager judgment unit determines whether to store meta log based on whether programming operation counts or data amounts exceed predetermined thresholds, performing the storage action only when necessary rather than in every case, thus reducing unnecessary wear on the meta data region
2Measurement precision
If meta log is stored frequently to maintain accuracy, then metadata accuracy is improved, but wear-out phenomenon increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces threshold parameters (programming operation count threshold and data amount threshold) to control meta log storage frequency. The meta data manager judgment unit compares actual programming operation counts and data amounts against these thresholds, storing meta log only when thresholds are exceeded, thereby maintaining metadata accuracy for significant changes while reducing wear-out from excessive storage operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the meta data manager judgment unit continuously monitors programming operation counts and data amounts, and selectively triggers meta log storage based on whether these monitored parameters exceed predetermined thresholds. This feedback-based selective storage maintains metadata accuracy for significant changes while minimizing unnecessary write operations that cause wear-out
3Duration of action of stationary object
If selective storage based on status information is implemented, then memory device lifespan is extended, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the meta data manager into distinct functional units: a meta data manager judgment unit that evaluates status information and determines whether storage is necessary, and a meta data manager storage unit that executes the storage operation. This segmentation allows the system to implement complex selective storage logic while maintaining clear functional separation, managing system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a meta data manager judgment unit as an intermediary between the programming operation and the meta log storage operation. This intermediary evaluates status information (programming operation counts, data amounts) and determines whether meta log storage is necessary, acting as a mediator that reduces unnecessary storage operations and extends memory device lifespan while managing system complexity through intelligent intermediation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a memory system including a nonvolatile memory, having a meta data region and a user data region, and a memory controller having a meta data manager. The method includes programming data to a memory block of the user data region and, by operation of the meta data manager, generating a meta log based on the programming. The meta log is stored to the memory controller. Upon a power-off operation, selectively storing the meta log to the meta data region of the nonvolatile memory based on status information of the nonvolatile memory.