Non-volatile Memory Probing for Parameter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for accessing non-volatile memory require prior knowledge of device-specific parameters, limiting the ability of system-on-a-chip (SoC) to communicate with various types of non-volatile memory devices without specific information.
Innovation Solution
The described techniques enable SoC to determine and access non-volatile memory parameters by sending sequences of data with different address cycles and page sizes, using a probing mechanism to identify valid access parameters, allowing generic flash memory access without prior knowledge of device specifics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior knowledge of device-specific parameters is required for memory access, then access reliability is improved, but adaptability to different memory devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-identification by automatically detecting memory device parameters through a probing mechanism. The SoC sends test sequences and analyzes responses to determine page size, address cycle count, and other access parameters without external configuration, enabling the system to adapt to different memory devices while maintaining reliable access
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines memory access parameters by analyzing device responses to test sequences. By detecting parameters such as page size and address cycle requirements through the probing mechanism, the system adapts its access patterns to match the specific characteristics of each memory device, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a probing mechanism with multiple address cycles is used to determine memory parameters, then adaptability improves, but access time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs parameter detection during the initial boot sequence or memory initialization phase, before normal operations begin. By completing the probing mechanism and parameter determination in advance, the system incurs the time penalty only once during setup, while subsequent memory accesses benefit from optimized, parameter-specific access patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The probing mechanism is structured as a separate initialization phase distinct from normal memory operations. The system segments the access process into a detection phase (with multiple address cycles for parameter determination) and an operation phase (with optimized access times), allowing adaptability without continuous time penalties
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to non-volatile memory. A described technique includes iteratively issuing read command sequences to a non-volatile memory device based on a predetermined address, using different probing parameters, until a read result includes an indication of a successful read of the non-volatile memory device; accessing one or more access parameters from the read result; and issuing one or more additional read command sequences to the non-volatile memory device based on the one or more access parameters to retrieve additional data. The different probing parameters can include different address lengths, different command lengths, or both. The non-volatile memory device can be configured to store device information at the predetermined address.