Memory Controller Interleaved Garbage Collection for MLC Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems face challenges in performing effective garbage collection operations across different channels, particularly in managing multi-level cell (MLC) structured memory blocks, which hinders efficient data storage and retrieval, especially in portable electronic devices where data is stored using various interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A memory system and operation method that includes a controller performing sequential garbage collection operations across multiple MLC structured memory blocks, interleaving data storage to enable interleaved read operations, and utilizing identification information to classify and manage victim and target blocks across different channels, ensuring efficient data management and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If garbage collection operation is performed on MLC structured memory blocks through different channels, then data storage efficiency is improved, but data access speed deteriorates due to sequential processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The memory blocks are divided into first and second groups that operate through different channels (CH1 and CH2). The controller performs garbage collection operations on victim blocks from different groups simultaneously through different channels, enabling parallel processing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high data storage efficiency while improving data access speed by avoiding sequential processing bottlenecks.
2Reliability
If data is stored in separate memory blocks through different channels, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple channels and block management
Solution Approach 1:
The controller merges the management of first and second victim blocks from different channels into a unified garbage collection process. By combining the selection and processing of victim blocks from both channels, the system maintains reliability through diversified storage paths while reducing the complexity of managing separate channel operations. The unified approach simplifies control logic compared to independently managing each channel's garbage collection.
3Speed
If interleaved read operation is enabled across different memory blocks, then data access speed is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary arrangement of data during the garbage collection operation, organizing data in first and second target blocks in a manner that enables subsequent interleaved read operations. By pre-arranging data in the correct positions before read operations occur, the system achieves high data access speed through interleaved reading while avoiding the need for complex real-time data repositioning, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system may include: a data storage unit comprising a first memory device through which data are inputted/outputted through a first channel and a second memory device through which data are inputted/outputted through a second channel, wherein each of the first and second memory devices comprises a plurality of blocks each having multi-level cells (MLCs); and a controller suitable for selecting a first target block among the plurality of blocks of a channel which includes a first victim block and selecting a second target block among the plurality of blocks of a channel of which does not include the first victim block, and separating data of the MLCs included in the first victim block on a level basis and copying the separated data into the first and second target blocks, respectively, during a garbage collection operation.