Non-Volatile Memory Refresh Control via Temperature Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memories face challenges in data retention time due to temperature variations, leading to increased memory latency, power consumption, and reduced Program/Erase (P/E) cycles, especially in high-temperature environments like data centers.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a temperature sensor and a control module that monitors temperature impact on data retention time, generating alerts for imminent data loss and triggering adaptive refresh cycles, reducing unnecessary refresh cycles and maintaining memory performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed refresh rate is used to mitigate reduced retention time at high temperatures, then data retention is improved, but response latency and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic refresh rate adjustment based on real-time temperature monitoring. The system transitions from a fixed refresh rate to a variable refresh rate that adapts to temperature conditions, using multiple refresh rate levels (e.g., first, second, and third refresh rates corresponding to different temperature ranges) to optimize both data retention and response latency across varying thermal environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the refresh rate parameter based on temperature thresholds. When temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system switches between different refresh rates (e.g., from a lower first refresh rate to a higher second refresh rate), thereby adjusting the refresh behavior to match thermal conditions and prevent data loss while minimizing performance impact
2Reliability
If a fixed refresh rate is applied to ensure data retention at elevated temperatures, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic refresh rate adjustment based on real-time temperature monitoring. The system transitions from a fixed refresh rate to a variable refresh rate that adapts to temperature conditions, using multiple refresh rate levels (e.g., first, second, and third refresh rates corresponding to different temperature ranges) to optimize both data retention and response latency across varying thermal environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the refresh rate parameter based on temperature thresholds. When temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system switches between different refresh rates (e.g., from a lower first refresh rate to a higher second refresh rate), thereby adjusting the refresh behavior to match thermal conditions and prevent data loss while minimizing performance impact
3Quantity of substance
If more bits are stored per cell to reduce SSD price difference with HDDs, then storage capacity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but data retention time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective actions by monitoring temperature conditions and proactively adjusting refresh rates before data loss occurs. The system uses temperature thresholds to trigger refresh operations in advance, counteracting the accelerated data degradation that occurs at high temperatures in multi-bit flash memory cells
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring temperature and using this information to dynamically adjust refresh rates. The temperature sensor provides feedback to the control logic, which then modifies the refresh behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to thermal conditions and preserves data integrity
4Duration of action of moving object
If the number of guaranteed P/E cycles is increased to improve endurance, then memory lifespan is improved, but retention time guarantee is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective actions by monitoring temperature conditions and proactively adjusting refresh rates before data loss occurs. The system uses temperature thresholds to trigger refresh operations in advance, counteracting the accelerated data degradation that occurs at high temperatures in multi-bit flash memory cells
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring temperature and using this information to dynamically adjust refresh rates. The temperature sensor provides feedback to the control logic, which then modifies the refresh behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to thermal conditions and preserves data integrity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively adapts refresh frequency to temperature changes, minimizing memory latency, power consumption, and extending P/E cycles, thereby enhancing the endurance and retention time of flash memories in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor capable of measuring temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for controlling the refresh cycles of data stored in a non-volatile memory. The device comprises a temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of at least one non-volatile memory and of delivering information representing the measured temperature, and a control module coupled to the temperature sensor capable of using the temperature information with modelling of the impact of the temperature on the retention time of the data in order to determine whether a loss of data is imminent and, if so, in order to generate an alarm.