NAND Data Encoding Schemes for Lower Programmed 0 Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

NAND memory cell endurance is degraded due to the high number of logical '0's programmed during each program/erase cycle, leading to reduced memory cell lifespan and storage capacity.

Innovation Solution

The proposed data encoding and decoding schemes convert user data into a format with a reduced number of logical '0's, thereby minimizing the stress on memory cells during programming cycles, while maintaining a high degree of variation in stored bit patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If user data is programmed directly to NAND memory cells, then storage capacity is maximized, but memory cell endurance is degraded due to high number of logical '0's programmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidmemory cell endurance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the data representation parameters through encoding schemes that alter the distribution of logical '0' and '1' bits. Specifically, it uses techniques such as inverting least significant bits, applying Gray codes, or using other encoding transformations that change the bit pattern parameters to reduce the frequency of logical '0's, thereby improving memory cell endurance while preserving storage capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary encoding layer between the host system and the NAND memory cells. This intermediary transformation layer processes user data through encoding schemes that modify the bit patterns before storage, reducing the direct impact of logical '0's on memory cells while maintaining the ability to store diverse data patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If encoding schemes are applied to reduce logical '0's, then memory cell endurance is improved, but data encoding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory cell enduranceVSAvoiddata encoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the encoding process into simple, modular operations that can be applied independently to different portions of data. The encoding scheme is broken down into basic transformations such as bit inversion, bit shifting, or lookup table applications, which can be implemented through simple logic circuits or software functions, thereby limiting the increase in encoding complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs lightweight encoding transformations that require minimal computational resources and can be executed quickly. The encoding schemes use simple operations such as XOR transformations, bit inversions, or pre-computed lookup tables that can be applied with minimal processing overhead, keeping the complexity increase manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20250150094A1Data encoding and decoding schemes
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20250150094A1 patent drawing
  • US20250150094A1 patent drawing
  • US20250150094A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method includes receiving user data having a number of first bits. The method further includes encoding the user data by generating a number of second encoded bits having a first quantity of bits greater than that of the number of first bits. The number of second encoded bits can include one or more bits having a particular binary value and a quantity of the one or more bits is less than a threshold quantity. The method further includes writing the number of second encoded bits as the user data to a memory.