Non-Volatile Memory Controller Recovery via Dummy Data Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face challenges in maintaining data reliability and extending the lifespan of non-volatile memory devices due to sudden power off events during program operations, which can lead to inefficient use of storage space and increased erase operations.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a controller circuitry that performs recovery operations by determining status information of affected pages, programming dummy data based on this information, and dynamically managing memory blocks to minimize waste and optimize storage usage, thereby reducing unnecessary erase operations and extending device lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory system performs traditional recovery operations after sudden power off, then data reliability is improved, but the number of erase operations increases and device lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the status of memory pages and identifying suitable candidates for dummy data programming before the actual recovery operation. The controller pre-selects pages that require dummy data based on their status information, and performs the dummy data programming in advance during the recovery process. This preliminary identification and preparation of target pages reduces the need for subsequent full erase operations, thereby extending device lifespan while maintaining data reliability.
2Reliability
If the memory system erases all pages after sudden power off, then data reliability is improved, but storage efficiency decreases due to increased erase operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different memory pages based on their individual status information. Instead of uniformly erasing all pages, the controller examines each page's status and selectively programs dummy data only into pages that require it (those with incomplete or invalid data). Pages that are already in a valid state are left untouched. This localized, selective approach maintains data reliability for pages that need it while preserving storage efficiency by avoiding unnecessary erase operations on pages that are already valid.
3Reliability
If the memory system determines status information for all pages, then data reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the memory pages into different groups or categories based on their status information. The controller segments pages into those that require dummy data programming and those that do not, by examining status indicators such as program completion flags or error correction codes. This segmentation allows the system to focus processing efforts only on the relevant subset of pages rather than uniformly processing all pages, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive reliability checks where necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a non-volatile memory device and controller circuitry. The non-volatile memory device includes an array of memory cells that includes memory blocks and pages. Each separate memory block includes a separate, respective set of one or more pages. The controller circuitry is configured to control an operation of the non-volatile memory device. The controller circuitry includes processing circuitry configured to perform a recovery operation for the non-volatile memory device in response to a determination that a specific event has occurred at the memory system during a program operation of the non-volatile memory device. The recovery operation includes determining status information associated with a first group including at least one page, determining a quantity of a set of pages included in a second group based on the status information, and programming dummy data for one or more pages of the set of pages included in the second group.