Direct Write to MLC Memory with SLC Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face errors during data transfer from single-level cell (SLC) to multi-level cell (MLC) memory, leading to data loss and inefficiencies due to power cycles or write aborts, which are not effectively mitigated by current folding methods.
Innovation Solution
Direct writing of data to MLC memory without transferring from SLC, with a backup in SLC memory to ensure data integrity in case of errors, allowing for simultaneous or staggered programming of SLC and MLC data to minimize delays and ensure data recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is transferred from SLC memory to MLC memory through folding operation, then data can be stored in MLC memory, but data loss occurs during transfer due to power cycles or write aborts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first writing data to SLC memory before attempting to write to MLC memory. This ensures that data is prepared and available in a reliable manner before the potentially risky MLC write operation, allowing for recovery if the MLC write fails due to power cycles or write aborts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining a backup copy of data in SLC memory prior to the MLC write operation. This backup acts as a cushion against data loss in case of failures during the MLC programming process, enabling data recovery without loss
2Reliability
If data is transferred from SLC memory to MLC memory through folding operation, then data can be stored in MLC memory, but write amplification increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-writing data to SLC memory before the MLC write operation. This allows the MLC write to proceed directly from volatile memory without requiring a separate folding operation, thereby reducing write amplification and improving write performance while maintaining data storage reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data transfer step from the traditional folding operation sequence. Instead of transferring data from SLC to MLC through folding, the system extracts the data preparation step and performs it separately in SLC memory, then directly writes to MLC, eliminating the inefficient intermediate folding transfer
3Reliability
If traditional folding operation is used to write to MLC memory, then data can be written to MLC, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing data in SLC memory before the MLC write operation. This pre-preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming folding operations during the write process, allowing direct writing to MLC and significantly reducing write time while maintaining full data writing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data preparation function from the time-consuming folding operation. By separating the preparation step (writing to SLC) from the execution step (writing to MLC), the system eliminates the redundant folding process and achieves direct writing, reducing overall write time
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for writing data directly to multi-level cell (MLC) memory without folding or transferring of the data from single-level cell (SLC) memory to MLC memory are disclosed. A memory device, which includes the SLC memory and MLC memory, receives data from a host device. The memory device programs the data (such as the lower/middle/upper pages) from volatile memory into MLC memory, without transferring data from SLC memory. The memory device also stores part of the data (such as the lower/middle pages) in SLC memory as a backup in case of error. In particular, if the data is not properly programmed into the MLC memory, the data in SLC memory is used to program the data a second time into the MLC memory.