Dynamic Non-Volatile Memory Bit Density Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional memory devices are limited in their ability to dynamically configure and reference memory regions, specifically in terms of bit density, which restricts their flexibility in data storage and addressing schemes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that allows users to dynamically configure bit densities in memory regions by generating appropriate physical addresses based on user-defined specifications, using control circuitry that converts user addresses to physical addresses and manages bit density changes, enabling flexible memory region configurations and referencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional memory devices use fixed memory cell configurations, then manufacturing and addressing are simplified, but adaptability and flexibility in data storage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of memory cell parameters including bit density and word line counts. The system allows runtime reconfiguration where memory regions can be dynamically adjusted to store different numbers of bits per cell (1-bit, 2-bit, 3-bit, or 4-bit modes) and can change the number of word lines active in a region, providing adaptability without permanent hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of memory operation including bit density (bits per cell), word line counts per region, and voltage levels. The system dynamically adjusts these parameters based on configuration data, allowing the same hardware to operate in multiple modes (e.g., changing from 1-bit to 2-bit per cell mode) without manufacturing different devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If memory devices allow dynamic reconfiguration of bit density, then storage flexibility improves, but addressing and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is divided into multiple independently configurable regions, each with its own bit density and word line configuration. This segmentation allows different parts of the memory to operate with different parameters simultaneously, providing flexibility while managing complexity through modular regional control rather than global reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration data structures and control circuitry that act as intermediaries between the user/system and the physical memory cells. These intermediaries translate high-level configuration requests into specific physical addressing and control signals, hiding the complexity of bit density changes from the user while enabling flexible reconfiguration
3Productivity
If memory regions are dynamically reconfigured, then storage optimization improves, but reference and access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of memory regions by establishing configuration data that defines bit density, word line counts, and physical address mappings before data storage operations begin. This pre-configuration allows the memory controller to directly translate logical addresses to physical addresses using pre-computed mappings, avoiding time-consuming calculations during actual data access
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices dynamically configure non-volatile memories. Devices include non-volatile memories comprising a plurality of memory regions, each of the plurality of memory regions having a configurable bit density. Devices also include control circuitry configured to retrieve user partition configuration data identifying a plurality of bit densities for the plurality of memory regions, convert a received user address to a plurality of physical addresses based, at least in part, on the plurality of bit densities, compare the user address with the user partition configuration data, and select one of the plurality of physical addresses based, at least in part, on the comparison.