NVM Partition Wear Balancing via Dynamic P/E Cycle Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems with dual partition non-volatile memory (NVM) arrangements, comprising both Single-Level Cells (SLC) and Multi-Level Cells (MLC), experience unbalanced wear due to differing endurance rates, leading to premature failure of one partition over the other.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a balance proportion scheme in non-volatile memory devices partitioned into multiple types, each with distinct program/erase (P/E) endurance, to ensure proportional usage across all partitions, thereby balancing their respective P/E cycles and extending the operational life of both partitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional dual partition NVM arrangement is used with different cell types (SLC and MLC), then storage capacity and performance are improved, but unbalanced wear occurs causing one partition to wear out at a different rate than the other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic wear-balancing mechanism that continuously monitors P/E cycle counts across different NVM partitions and dynamically adjusts write operation distribution. The controller adapts the balance proportion scheme in real-time based on current wear states, ensuring that partitions with higher endurance (SLC) receive more write operations while partitions with lower endurance (MLC) receive fewer operations, thereby maintaining balanced wear rates across all partition types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of write operations by introducing a balance proportion scheme that modifies the distribution ratio of write operations to different partitions. The controller adjusts the proportion of write operations directed to SLC versus MLC partitions based on their respective endurance characteristics and current P/E cycle counts, transforming the static write distribution into a dynamically adjusted parameter that optimizes wear balancing
2Reliability
If SLC partition is used which has higher endurance, then reliability and operational life are improved, but the partition may be underutilized if write operations are not properly balanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the write operation distribution parameter by implementing a balance proportion scheme that allocates a higher proportion of write operations to SLC partitions compared to MLC partitions. This parameter change ensures that the high-endurance SLC partition is fully utilized while maintaining appropriate utilization of MLC partitions, optimizing both reliability and productivity
3Quantity of substance
If MLC partition is used which has lower endurance, then storage density is improved, but the partition reaches failure prematurely causing reduced overall system lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic protection mechanism that continuously monitors the P/E cycle count of MLC partitions and dynamically adjusts the balance proportion scheme to reduce write operations to MLC partitions when they approach their endurance limits. This dynamic adjustment prevents premature failure of MLC partitions while maintaining high storage density, thereby extending the overall operational lifespan of the NVM system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by proactively monitoring the wear state of MLC partitions and preemptively adjusting the write operation distribution before the MLC partition reaches its failure threshold. The controller cushiones the MLC partition from excessive wear by redirecting write operations to SLC partitions with higher endurance, preventing premature failure and extending system lifespan
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for balancing multiple partitions of non-volatile memory devices are provided. Embodiments discussed herein execute a balance proportion scheme in connection with a NVM that is partitioned to have multiple partition types. Each partition type has an associated endurance that defines an average number of program/erase (P/E) cycles it can endure before it reaches failure. For example, a first partition type may have a substantially greater endurance than a second partition type. The balance proportion scheme ensures that, even though each partition type has a different associated endurance, all partition types are used proportionally with respect to each other to balance their respective P/E cycles. This way, both partition types will reach the upper limits of their respective endurance levels out at approximately the same time.