Nonvolatile Memory Read Reclaim for Data Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nonvolatile memory devices face challenges in maintaining data integrity and operational efficiency due to deteriorating read characteristics over time, leading to increased read times and potential data loss if not addressed.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for nonvolatile memory devices that perform a read reclaim operation by comparing the read time of a first address region with a reference time, and if exceeding, storing read data in a second address region to maintain data integrity and improve operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is continuously stored in the same address region, then storage capacity is utilized efficiently, but read characteristics deteriorate over time leading to increased read times and potential data loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidread time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs read reclaim operations proactively by monitoring read times and migrating data before read characteristics fully deteriorate. The controller detects when read time exceeds a reference threshold and preemptively copies data to a different address region, preventing data loss and maintaining optimal read performance without waiting for complete degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical location parameter of stored data by migrating data from a first address region to a second address region. This parameter change restores read characteristics by moving data away from deteriorated memory cells to fresh regions with optimal read performance, thereby maintaining reliability and reducing read times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If read reclaim operations are performed frequently, then data integrity is maintained, but device complexity and operational overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors read time parameters and compares them against reference thresholds. This feedback loop enables automatic detection of deteriorating read characteristics and triggers read reclaim operations only when necessary, maintaining data integrity while avoiding unnecessary operations that would increase complexity and overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The memory device performs self-diagnosis and self-repair through automatic read reclaim operations. The controller monitors its own performance metrics and autonomously migrates data when degradation is detected, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex manual management while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If read data is immediately stored in the same address region, then storage efficiency is maintained, but read characteristics continue to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidread characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension to data management by using multiple address regions (first address region and second address region) instead of a single location. Data is migrated between different spatial regions to restore read characteristics, maintaining storage efficiency while improving reliability through dimensional diversification of data locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8203881B2Nonvolatile memory device, method of operating nonvolatile memory device and memory system including nonvolatile memory device

Publication Date: 2012.06.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The method of operating the nonvolatile memory device may include performing a read operation on a first address region, comparing a read time of the first address region with a reference time, and storing read data from the read from the first address region in a second address region based on the comparison result.