Nonvolatile Memory Plane State Determination via Extended Status Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nonvolatile memory devices face challenges in efficiently determining the state of each plane, particularly in minimizing area and supporting plane independent commands, while also managing the overhead of determining ready and busy statuses.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an operating method for a controller that includes transmitting an extended status check command to a nonvolatile memory device, toggling a read activation signal based on the number of planes, and receiving status information through data lines using a data strobe signal. This method allows for quick determination of the state of each plane and supports plane independent commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of planes in the nonvolatile memory device is increased to improve storage capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the area required for determining the state of each plane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the determination of ready and busy states for all planes into a single extended status check operation. The controller transmits one extended status check command and receives multiple status information values through data lines, each corresponding to a different plane. This merging approach allows the system to monitor multiple planes simultaneously using shared circuitry, thereby improving storage capacity while minimizing the area required for state determination.
2Measurement precision
If separate status check operations are performed for each plane to accurately determine plane states, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal extended status check mechanism that can determine the ready and busy states of multiple planes using a single command and shared data lines. The same data lines used for normal data transfer are repurposed to carry status information for multiple planes. This multi-functional approach maintains accurate plane state determination while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated status check circuits for each plane.
3Ease of operation
If traditional status check methods are used for each plane, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple status check operations into a single extended status check command transmission. The controller sends one command and receives multiple status information values in sequence through data lines, significantly reducing the number of communication cycles required. This approach maintains operational simplicity from the controller's perspective while dramatically improving productivity by reducing the overhead associated with checking each plane's state individually.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating method of a controller includes transmitting an extended status check command to a nonvolatile memory device, toggling a read activation signal /RE to correspond to the number of planes inside the nonvolatile memory device, after transmitting the extended status check command, and receiving status information of planes of the nonvolatile memory device through data lines according to a data strobe signal DQS corresponding to the read activation signal /RE.