On-Chip NVM Search Circuitry for Reduced Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems in SSDs, such as NAND flash drives, inefficiently handle data searches within logical block address ranges, leading to unnecessary data fetching and processing, which increases power consumption and decreases endurance due to numerous read cycles and the need for large index tables.
Innovation Solution
Implementing on-chip search circuitry within the NVM die to perform data searches directly, using bitwise latch logic or under-the-array/next-to-the-array dedicated search circuitry to identify and transfer only relevant data, reducing the need for host device processing and minimizing bus bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host fetches all data from NVM within an LBA range for searching, then the search can be performed, but power consumption increases and endurance decreases due to numerous read cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the search function from the host device and implements it directly within the NVM die. The search circuitry is integrated into the memory array itself, allowing search operations to be performed on data remaining in the memory array without requiring full data retrieval to the host. This extraction of the search function to the memory level eliminates unnecessary data transfers and read cycles, thereby reducing power consumption and improving endurance while maintaining search capability.
2Productivity
If the host fetches all data from NVM within an LBA range for searching, then the search can be performed, but unnecessary data transfers increase bus bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The search function is extracted from the host and embedded within the NVM die. The search circuitry processes data directly in the memory array, extracting only matching results rather than transferring entire data sets. This reduces the quantity of data traversing the bus, optimizing bandwidth utilization and improving overall processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated search circuitry acts as an intermediary between the NVM array and the host device. It receives search criteria from the host, performs the search operation within the memory array, and returns only relevant results. This intermediary function eliminates the need for the host to process and filter large volumes of data, reducing bus bandwidth requirements while improving processing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the host performs search operations on fetched data, then searching capability is achieved, but host device load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The search capability is extracted from the host device and implemented within the NVM die. The memory array includes integrated search circuitry that performs search operations locally, returning results to the host without requiring the host to fetch and process all data. This maintains full search functionality while significantly reducing the computational load on the host device.
Solution Approach 2:
The NVM die provides self-service search functionality through integrated search circuitry. The memory array can autonomously perform search operations based on criteria provided by the host, without requiring the host to retrieve and process the data. This self-service capability maintains searching versatility while minimizing host device involvement and load.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates in some aspects to on-chip processing circuitry formed within the die of a non-volatile (NVM) array to perform data searches. In some aspects, the die includes components configured to sense wordlines of stored data in the NVM array by applying voltages on the wordlines serially, and then search for an input data pattern within the serially- sensed wordlines. In some examples, the components of the die include latches and circuits configured to perform bitwise latch logic search operations. In other examples, the search components are configured with under-the-array or next-to-the-array dedicated search circuitry that uses registers and/or random access memory (RAM). Other aspects relate to a separate controller device for controlling the on-chip NVM search operations. For example, the controller may determine whether to search for data using search components of the NVM die or processors of the controller based, e.g., on a degree of fragmentation of data.