Nonvolatile Memory Compressed Data Management via ECC Block Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nonvolatile memory devices face inefficiencies in utilizing storage space due to the need for independent programming of compressed data, leading to wasted space and increased program operations when managing data by page units rather than ECC block units.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a storage device with a compressor, ECC circuit, and compressed data management logic that manages data by ECC block units, allowing for collective write operations and efficient storage by dividing data into ECC blocks smaller than page size, thereby reducing waste and minimizing program operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is managed by page units, then programming operations are simpler, but storage space utilization decreases and number of program operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data management into two levels: page-level operations for simplicity and ECC block-level management for efficiency. Data is divided into ECC blocks (512 bytes each) that can be independently managed and combined to fill pages completely, eliminating waste while maintaining straightforward programming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of management granularity between page and ECC block levels. By managing data in ECC block units (smaller than page size) and dynamically combining them, the system achieves both operational simplicity and high storage utilization without being constrained by fixed page boundaries.
2Ease of operation
If data is managed by page units, then programming operations are simpler, but number of program operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the programming process into ECC block-level operations that can be batched and combined. Multiple small data units are accumulated and programmed together in fewer operations, reducing the total count while keeping each individual operation simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary accumulation of ECC blocks in a buffer before programming to the nonvolatile memory. This preliminary action allows multiple data units to be prepared and combined in advance, reducing the number of actual programming operations needed and improving overall efficiency.
3Productivity
If ECC block unit is used for managing compressed data, then storage space utilization increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compressed data management logic as an intermediary component that handles ECC block-level operations. This dedicated logic module manages the complexity of segmented data handling, combining multiple ECC blocks, and coordinating with the buffer and nonvolatile memory, thereby achieving high storage utilization without overwhelming system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If compressed data is stored in buffer area, then storage flexibility increases, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the buffer area to perform preliminary accumulation and preparation of compressed data in ECC block units before programming to nonvolatile memory. This preliminary action enables flexible data collection and combination, reducing the number of programming operations and minimizing data transfer time despite the additional buffering step.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device which includes a user area of a memory cell array; a buffer area configured to temporarily store compressed data to be written into the user area; and compressed data management logic configured to control the user area and the buffer area such that compressed data stored in the buffer area is written into the user area. The compressed data management logic manages compressed data to be written into the user area by an ECC block unit rather than by a page-size unit.