On-Die Controller Interface for Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-volatile memory technologies face compatibility issues due to differences in speed and latency, as previous interfaces and protocols are not suited for the higher speeds of new non-volatile memory technologies, and volatile memory interfaces are not compatible with non-volatile memory characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus and system with an on-die controller that uses multiple ports for command and data operations, allowing for both a high-speed mode and a legacy compatibility mode, with the on-die controller queuing commands and shifting them based on clock pulses to ensure efficient data transfer and compatibility with various memory types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If previous non-volatile memory interfaces and protocols are used, then compatibility with legacy systems is maintained, but data transfer speed is limited and cannot meet the requirements of higher speed non-volatile memory technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is designed to dynamically switch between different operational modes (first mode using both first and second ports for high-speed operation, and second mode using only the first port for legacy compatibility). This dynamic adaptability allows the same interface to optimize for speed when needed while maintaining compatibility with older systems, resolving the contradiction between speed improvement and adaptability preservation.
2Speed
If volatile memory interfaces and protocols are used for high speed data transfers, then data transfer speed is improved, but compatibility with non-volatile memory characteristics such as latency and persistence is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into multiple ports with distinct functions: the first port handles command and address information, while the second port handles data transfer. This segmentation allows the interface to process commands and transfer data through optimized paths, achieving high-speed performance while maintaining proper handling of non-volatile memory characteristics through the coordinated operation of separated functional blocks.
3Productivity
If an on-die controller with multiple ports and command queuing is implemented, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The on-die controller implements a command queue that pre-queues multiple commands before execution. This preliminary action allows the controller to prepare and organize commands in advance, enabling more efficient data transfer operations without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic, thus improving productivity while keeping the controller structure manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for accessing non-volatile memory. An apparatus includes one or more memory die. A memory die includes an array of non-volatile memory cells, a set of ports, and an on-die controller. The set of ports includes a first port and a second port. The first port includes a first plurality of electrical contacts and the second port includes a second plurality of electrical contacts. The on-die controller communicates via the set of ports to receive command and address information and to transfer data for a data operation on the array of non-volatile memory cells. The on-die controller uses the first port and the second port in a first mode and uses the first port without the second port in a second mode. The second mode provides compatibility with an interface of a legacy type of memory die.