Non-Volatile Memory Block Segmentation for In-Place Data Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices, particularly non-volatile memory cells, face inefficiencies in updating data due to the inability to perform in-place updates, leading to time-consuming erase and write operations and increased degradation of memory cells.
Innovation Solution
A memory block is configured with data pages of one type and log pages of another type, allowing for in-place updating by writing updated sectors to log pages without prior erasure, utilizing different memory technologies for enhanced efficiency and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional in-place updating is used in non-volatile memory, then data can be updated, but it requires time-consuming erase operations before writing
Solution Approach 1:
The memory block is divided into two distinct types of memory cells: first type memory cells for storing original data pages, and second type memory cells for storing updated data in log pages. This segmentation allows each memory type to be optimized for its specific function, enabling direct writing to log pages without erase operations while maintaining data integrity in the original pages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces log pages as an intermediary storage structure between the original data pages and the final updated data. Updated sectors are first written to log pages (which can be overwritten directly), then subsequently copied back to the original data pages. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for erase operations before updating the original data pages.
2Reliability
If traditional updating methods are used, then data can be updated, but memory cells undergo increased degradation due to repeated erase and write operations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the memory into first type cells (for original data) and second type cells (for updates), the patent reduces the number of erase-write cycles on the first type memory cells. Updated data is written to second type cells which are designed to handle frequent writes, thereby protecting the first type cells from excessive degradation and extending overall memory lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the update operation in a preliminary manner by first writing to log pages (second type memory cells) without erasing the original data pages. This preliminary update is then conditionally copied back to the original pages only when successful, reducing unnecessary erase operations and their associated harmful effects on memory cells.
3Productivity
If traditional updating is performed, then data updates can be completed, but processing overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The division into first type and second type memory cells allows the system to perform updates on second type cells (log pages) which require less processing overhead and energy consumption. Since second type cells can be directly overwritten without erase operations, the overall energy consumption and processing overhead for data updates are significantly reduced compared to traditional methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an apparatus and associated method for updating data in a non-volatile memory array. In accordance with some embodiments, a memory block is formed with a plurality of types of memory cell sectors arranged in data pages of a first type and log pages of a second type that can be updated in-place. A first updated sector is written to a first log page while maintaining an outdated sector in an original data page, and overwritten with a second updated sector.