Non-volatile Memory Copy Back Error Flagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior non-volatile memory devices do not effectively utilize error correction during internal data move operations, potentially leading to errors in multi-level cells and data disturb conditions, as they do not read data during moves and thus fail to employ ECC circuitry for error detection and correction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating control circuitry within non-volatile memory devices to perform a verify operation during writes, setting an error flag if data is not correctly written, and allowing the external controller to read and correct errors before moving data from one location to another, enabling error detection and correction during internal data moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is not read during internal move operations in non-volatile memory, then the operation speed is faster and energy consumption is lower, but data errors may occur and spread without detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a verify operation during the write process to detect potential errors before they can propagate. The error flag is set in advance during programming, allowing the controller to take corrective action before the data move operation occurs, thus preventing error propagation without significantly impacting move operation speed.
2Reliability
If ECC verification is performed during every write operation, then data accuracy is improved, but the write operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing ECC verification selectively rather than on every write operation. The verify operation is performed based on specific conditions or probabilities, providing sufficient error detection capability while avoiding the time penalty of verifying every single write operation, thus balancing data accuracy with write operation speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Data move operations in a memory device are described that enable identification of data errors. During a write operation, identified errors are flagged and used to provide an error status during the data move operation. Results of the error detection can be accessed by a memory controller for data repair operations by the controller.