NAND Memory Block Sub-Segmentation for Over-Provisioning Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NAND memory systems face inefficiencies due to over-provisioning costs associated with special functional blocks, where increased block sizes lead to wasted memory space and higher costs, as these blocks are often assigned entire blocks rather than utilizing their capacity effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple sub-blocks within blocks allows for more efficient use of memory by mapping special functions into these sub-blocks, reducing the number of blocks needed to store data and optimizing wear leveling operations based on the entire block's operation rather than individual sub-block usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If entire blocks are assigned to special functional blocks, then functional requirements are met, but memory space is wasted and over-provisioning costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides each block into multiple sub-blocks (e.g., first sub-block, second sub-block, third sub-block, fourth sub-block) within the same block structure. This segmentation allows the special functional blocks to use only the necessary portion of the block for their specific function while leaving other sub-blocks available for general data storage, thereby eliminating the waste of assigning entire blocks to special functions.
2Quantity of substance
If block sizes are increased to accommodate more data, then storage capacity increases, but over-provisioning costs and wasted memory space increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting blocks into sub-blocks, the system can allocate only the necessary portion of the block to special functions while using the remaining sub-blocks for general storage. This allows the memory system to achieve high storage capacity without proportionally increasing the overhead cost of special functional blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sub-blocks within the same block are assigned different functions: some sub-blocks are designated for special functional blocks while others are available for general data storage. This local differentiation optimizes the utilization of each portion of the block according to its specific requirements, maximizing overall storage efficiency.
3Productivity
If more complete virtual blocks are used for data storage, then storage utilization increases, but wear leveling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sub-blocks into a single virtual block structure that is managed as one unit for wear leveling purposes. This merging approach allows the system to treat the entire virtual block (including both special functional sub-blocks and general storage sub-blocks) as a single entity for wear leveling operations, simplifying the management process while maintaining high storage utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for dividing blocks for special functions are described. Some memory systems may be configured to assign a block of the memory system as a special function block configured with a first portion for storing information associated with a first function of the memory system and a second portion for storing information associated with a second function of the memory system; write a first set of information to the first portion of the block based at least in part on assigning the block as the special function block, the first set of information associated with the first function of the memory system; and write a second set of information to the second portion of the block based at least in part on assigning the block as the special function block, the second set of information associated with the second function of the memory system.