Non-Volatile Memory Programming Modes for Peak Current Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-volatile memory devices face challenges in managing current consumption during data interleaving operations, leading to increased peak currents that can exceed allowable limits, thereby limiting performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a storage controller that transmits either a normal or slow program command to non-volatile memories, with each memory outputting a ready/busy signal at different times based on the command type, allowing for reduced peak current through the use of slow program operations when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data interleaving is used to increase parallelism in non-volatile memory devices, then productivity is improved, but current consumption increases causing peak currents to exceed allowable limits

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveparallelismVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic command selection where the storage controller chooses between normal program commands and slow program commands based on real-time current consumption conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high productivity when current limits are not exceeded, while switching to low-current operations when peak current thresholds are approached, thus resolving the contradiction between parallelism and current consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the program operation parameter by introducing two distinct program modes with different timing characteristics. Normal program commands execute faster but consume higher peak current, while slow program commands execute slower but consume reduced peak current. The storage controller monitors current consumption and adjusts the program command type accordingly, allowing the system to optimize between productivity and current usage based on operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If normal program commands are used to maintain fast programming speed, then productivity is improved, but peak current exceeds allowable limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming speedVSAvoidpeak current

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between normal and slow program commands based on monitored current consumption levels. When peak current approaches allowable limits, the storage controller switches to slow program commands that maintain functionality while reducing peak current output. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting programming speed to current conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of high peak current into a useful control mechanism. By monitoring current consumption and intentionally selecting slower program commands when current limits are approached, the system transforms what would be a performance limitation into an active power management strategy. This allows the system to operate reliably within current constraints while still maintaining acceptable productivity through intelligent command selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Use of energy by moving object

If slow program commands are used to reduce peak current, then current consumption is reduced, but programming time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent consumptionVSAvoidprogram time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic command selection where the storage controller chooses between normal and slow program commands based on real-time current consumption monitoring. Slow program commands are used selectively only when current reduction is necessary, while normal commands are used when current limits are not approached. This dynamic approach minimizes the time penalty by using slow commands only when required by power conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conditional parameter change mechanism where the program command type (normal or slow) is adjusted based on current consumption thresholds. This allows the system to maintain fast programming speeds under normal conditions and switch to slower, lower-current operations only when necessary. The selective application of slow program commands minimizes overall programming time while still achieving current reduction when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250232815A1Non-volatile memory device, storage device, and operation method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A storage device includes a storage controller configured to transmit either a normal program command or a slow program command to a non-volatile memory via data lines, and the non-volatile memory comprising a plurality of non-volatile memories. Each of the plurality of non-volatile memories is configured to output a ready/busy signal to the storage controller during a first program time in response to the normal program command, and output a ready/busy signal to the storage controller during a second program time, the second program time being is different from the first program time, in response to the slow program command.