Non-Volatile Memory Programming Metadata Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flash memory devices face challenges in maintaining the integrity of metadata stored in spare regions, particularly when using multi-level cells, due to hardware limitations and fewer methods available for securing metadata integrity compared to user data.

Innovation Solution

A method of programming multi-level cells in the spare region of a non-volatile memory device involves sequentially programming page data and dummy data in multiple cells, using control logic to manage the programming of first, second, and third page data, along with corresponding dummy data, to enhance data integrity by adjusting threshold voltages and storing data in latches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If metadata is programmed in multi-level cells included in the spare region, then storage capacity is improved, but data integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The metadata is divided into multiple pages (first page data, second page data, third page data) and stored across multiple multi-level cells (first MLC, second MLC, third MLC). This segmentation allows for systematic programming and verification of each page, improving overall data integrity while maintaining storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Dummy data is programmed into the multi-level cells before the actual metadata pages are programmed. This preliminary action prepares the cells in a controlled state, enabling better verification and integrity checking of the subsequent metadata programming operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple dummy data are programmed in each multi-level cell, then data integrity is improved, but programming complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprogramming complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the multi-level cells are assigned different functions: some bits store dummy data while others store actual metadata pages. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain simple programming operations for each individual cell while achieving enhanced overall integrity through the distributed dummy data strategy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If sequential programming of multiple pages is performed, then data integrity is improved through verification, but programming time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The programming operation continues sequentially through multiple pages and multiple cells without interruption. Each page is programmed and verified in continuous succession, maintaining data integrity through systematic verification while minimizing idle time and optimizing the overall programming process efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8711618B2Method for programming non-volatile memory device and apparatuses performing the method

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of programming multi-level cells included in a spare region, the method including programming first page data and at least one first dummy data in a first multi-level cell; and programming second page data and at least one second dummy data in a second multi-level cell.