Pilot Data Interspersed With User Data for Disturbance Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-volatile semiconductor memory technologies face inefficiencies due to hardwired block and page sizes, leading to unused memory cells and variations caused by physical disturbances and defects, which affect data storage and retrieval operations.
Innovation Solution
A memory control module with a format module that selects predetermined locations for pilot data within memory blocks, compares written and read-back pilot signals to identify variations, and adjusts the memory map to avoid using affected areas, embedding pilot data with user data during operations to accurately determine and mitigate disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hardwired block and page sizes are used in non-volatile semiconductor memory, then the memory structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but memory cells remain unused and data operations are affected by physical disturbances and defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic block and page size adjustments based on disturbance parameters detected during operations. The memory control module modifies block and page sizes in response to detected disturbances, transitioning from static hardwired sizes to dynamic adaptable sizes, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and data reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of block and page sizes based on disturbance conditions. By detecting disturbance parameters and adjusting block/page sizes accordingly, the system optimizes memory usage and reliability without requiring complex hardware changes, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability
2Device complexity
If hardwired block and page sizes are used, then device complexity is low, but data operations are affected by variations from physical disturbances and defects
Solution Approach 1:
The memory control module autonomously detects disturbance parameters and adjusts block and page sizes without external intervention. The system self-regulates based on detected variations, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while improving data operation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where disturbance parameters detected during data operations are fed back to the memory control module, which then adjusts block and page sizes accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system improves reliability while keeping device complexity manageable
3Measurement precision
If pilot data is embedded with user data during operations, then disturbance estimation accuracy is improved, but memory usage efficiency decreases due to additional data written
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding pilot data only in specific locations within memory blocks rather than throughout the entire memory space. This selective embedding approach provides accurate disturbance estimation for affected areas while minimizing the impact on overall memory usage efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by writing pilot data only in selected blocks and pages rather than all blocks and pages. This partial embedding strategy provides sufficient disturbance estimation accuracy for practical purposes while avoiding excessive memory usage that would result from universal pilot data embedding
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a write module to write pilot data at predetermined locations in a page of memory cells that are interspersed with user data in the page. The pilot data has a first predetermined pattern and provides an indication of a disturbance experienced by the user data due to noise and a read, write, or erase operation performed on the page. A read module reads data from the predetermined locations subsequent to writing the pilot data. A signal processing module compares the data read from the predetermined locations with the pilot data and estimates, based on the comparison of the data read from the predetermined locations in the page with the pilot data, and the first predetermined pattern of the pilot data, the disturbance experienced by the user data due to the noise and the read, write, or erase operation performed on the page.