Non-Volatile Memory Calibration via Host-Controller Logical Address
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-volatile memory technologies face challenges in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of operational information, such as temperature and erase counts, which affect the performance and longevity of data storage devices like flash memory.
Innovation Solution
A calibration technique is introduced using a second type of logical address that allows for the transfer of calibration information from a host to a controller, enabling dynamic calibration of operational information, including temperature and erase counts, through a non-volatile memory express interface, minimizing interference with the file system operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operational information is used to control non-volatile memory operations, then memory operations can be optimized for performance and reliability, but the accuracy of this operational information may deteriorate over time due to drift or environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration of operational information before actual memory operations. The host system calibrates temperature and erase count data using a second type of logical address before the controller uses this information to control memory operations, ensuring accurate baseline data for reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a calibration mechanism where the host system measures actual operational parameters (temperature, erase counts) and compares them with the controller's operational information. The calibrated data is fed back to the controller via a dedicated logical address, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves accuracy
2Ease of operation
If a file system operates using logical addresses, then data access and management are simplified, but calibration of operational information becomes difficult without interfering with file system operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the logical address space into two distinct types: first type logical addresses for normal file system operations and second type logical addresses for calibration operations. This segmentation allows calibration to occur in a separate namespace, preventing interference with file system operations while maintaining ease of operation for both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a second type of logical address as an intermediary mechanism between the host and controller for calibration purposes. This intermediary address space acts as a dedicated communication channel that transfers calibration information without disrupting the primary file system operations using first type logical addresses
Data Source
AI summary
A technology for calibrating device-end operational information of a data storage system is shown. A controller operates a non-volatile memory with reference to operational information. A second type of logical address requested by the host that is different from the first type of logical address used in operating a file system of a host is introduced. As indicated by the second type of logical address, the controller receives calibration information from the host and calibrates the operational information based on the calibration information.