NAND Flash Block Allocation for Parallel Processing Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems using solid-state drives with NAND flash memory face challenges in maximizing processing capability due to inefficient management of user and management data, leading to suboptimal parallel operation and reduced processing speed.
Innovation Solution
The memory system employs a configuration where the memory controller sets specific blocks as block units for user data storage and allocates others for management data, allowing for parallel operations in the user data area while managing defective blocks by reallocating them to a system area, thereby optimizing processing speed and capacity utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blocks are managed individually without block units, then defective blocks can be handled separately, but parallel operation capability is reduced and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device divides blocks into two distinct categories: block units (comprising multiple blocks organized for parallel operations) and non-block-unit blocks (including defective blocks). This segmentation enables parallel processing within block units while isolating defective blocks to prevent them from impacting overall system performance, thereby resolving the contradiction between processing speed and management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension in block management by organizing blocks into hierarchical structures (block units containing multiple blocks) rather than managing blocks individually. This dimensional change enables parallel operations across multiple blocks simultaneously while providing a systematic framework to handle defective blocks, thus improving processing speed without proportionally increasing management complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If all blocks are allocated for user data storage, then storage capacity is maximized, but defective blocks reduce reliable capacity and processing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts defective blocks from the general block pool and excludes them from block unit formations. By taking out unreliable blocks from the system's active management structure, the patent ensures that only functional blocks participate in parallel operations and user data storage, thereby maintaining both high storage capacity utilization and data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the presence of defective blocks from a harmful factor into a manageable condition by automatically identifying and isolating them. Instead of allowing defective blocks to compromise reliability, the system uses them as opportunities to demonstrate robust error handling and to optimize the allocation of good blocks for parallel operations, thus turning potential harm into benefit.
3Productivity
If block units are formed for parallel operations, then processing capability is improved, but flexibility in handling defective blocks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic block management system where the distinction between block units and non-block-unit blocks is not fixed but can be adjusted based on block status. When blocks are identified as defective, they are dynamically reclassified and removed from block units. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain high processing capability through parallel operations while remaining flexible in handling defective blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a memory system includes first and second memory chips. The first memory chip has a first plane with a first block and a second block and a second plane with a third block and a fourth block. The second memory chip has a third plane with a fifth block and a sixth block and a fourth plane with a seventh block and an eighth block. The memory controller sets the first and third blocks as a first block unit in a user data storage area and the fifth and seventh blocks as a second block unit in the user data storage area. The memory controller allocates the second block, the fourth block, the sixth block, and the eighth block to a management data storage area. The memory controller manages user data operations for accessing the user data storage area in block units.