Nonvolatile Memory Page Data Setup via Alternating Channel Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nonvolatile memory systems face performance limitations due to slow operating speeds, particularly in program operations, which are exacerbated by the need for sequential data setup across multiple memory devices through a single channel, leading to time delays.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile memory system comprising multiple memory devices and a memory controller that alternately sets up page data across these devices through a single channel, reducing the time required for data setup by overlapping operations between devices during dummy busy times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple nonvolatile memory devices are connected through one channel to improve system capacity, then the system can handle larger data volumes, but the program operation speed decreases due to sequential data setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting up page data in advance in the page buffers of multiple memory devices before the actual program operation. The controller alternately sets up data in different devices during dummy busy periods, so that when program operations are initiated, all data is already prepared and ready to be programmed simultaneously, eliminating sequential delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by utilizing dummy busy periods (times when memory devices are not actually processing but appear busy) to perform data setup operations. This allows the controller to continuously prepare data for multiple devices without idle waiting time, keeping the system continuously productive rather than alternating between active and idle states
2Device complexity
If data is set up sequentially in multiple memory devices through a single channel, then device complexity is reduced by using one channel, but time delays increase due to sequential setup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from sequential data setup (one-dimensional time progression) to parallel data setup across multiple devices. The controller alternately sets up data in different memory devices during what would traditionally be dummy busy periods, effectively adding a parallel processing dimension while maintaining the single-channel physical constraint
3Device complexity
If the memory controller transmits signals to multiple memory devices through one channel, then the system structure is simplified, but the program performance is limited by the single channel bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary data setup in the page buffers of multiple memory devices before initiating program operations. By alternately setting up data in different devices during dummy busy periods, the controller ensures all data is prepared in advance, enabling simultaneous program operations that maximize the utilization of the single channel bandwidth
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous productive action by utilizing dummy busy periods to perform data setup operations. This eliminates idle time in the system, as the controller continuously prepares data for program operations rather than having periods where no useful work is being done, thereby maximizing program performance despite the single-channel constraint
Data Source
AI summary
A nonvolatile memory system includes first and second nonvolatile memory devices and a memory controller configured to control the first and second nonvolatile memory devices through one channel. During a program operation, the memory controller transmits first signals, for setting first page data up in the first nonvolatile memory device, to the first nonvolatile memory device through the channel. While the first nonvolatile memory device sets up the first page data in response to the first signals, the memory controller transmits second signals, for setting second page data up in the second nonvolatile memory device, to the second nonvolatile memory device.