Partial Die Blocks for Higher SSD Capacity and Die Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
The uneven distribution of bad die blocks across planes in solid state devices limits the efficient utilization of die blocks, leading to unused good blocks and reduced performance and endurance in data storage devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing partial die blocks that contribute to super blocks, allowing the use of previously unused physical capacity, thereby increasing over provisioning and die yield, and enhancing performance and endurance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full die blocks are used to form super blocks, then the reliability of data storage is improved, but the productivity of die utilization deteriorates due to unused good blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments die blocks into full die blocks and partial die blocks, allowing different types of blocks to be used in different super blocks. This segmentation enables the system to utilize both complete blocks (for reliability) and partially usable blocks (for increased productivity), resolving the contradiction between reliable data storage and efficient die utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by allowing partial die blocks (containing good blocks from some planes) to contribute to super blocks. Instead of requiring complete die blocks from all planes, the system accepts partial contributions, thereby increasing overall die utilization while maintaining adequate reliability through the use of good blocks.
2Volume of stationary object
If the number of planes is increased to improve storage capacity, then the volume of data storage is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to greater skew of bad die blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different planes to contribute differently to super blocks based on their individual quality (presence of bad blocks). Instead of treating all planes uniformly, the system identifies and utilizes good blocks from specific planes locally, thereby reducing the loss of usable storage capacity as the number of planes increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of block composition from requiring complete die blocks to accepting partial die blocks. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to the increased skew of bad blocks across multiple planes, converting previously unusable good blocks into usable storage capacity.
3Speed
If strict full die block requirements are enforced to maintain performance, then the speed of programming is improved, but the loss of time increases due to fewer usable super blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-identifying and categorizing good and bad blocks across planes during manufacturing or initial characterization. This preliminary classification enables the system to quickly assemble super blocks using both full and partial die blocks without time-consuming runtime analysis, thereby maintaining programming speed while increasing the number of usable super blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
Rather than having unused die blocks, partial die blocks can contribute to a super block. In so doing, as much of the available physical capacity of the data storage device may be achieved. The result could be an increase in over provisioning (OP) and good capacity for the data storage device or an increase in die yield. An increase in good capacity through the use of previously unused physical blocks would lead to an increase in performance and endurance. A yield increase would result in a reduction in cost per die and per data storage device. A partial die block is the solution.