Read Voltage Level Correction for Non-Volatile Memory

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Rewritable non-volatile memory modules face challenges in maintaining optimal read voltage levels due to changing operating and environmental conditions, leading to increased error bits and reduced efficacy in data read operations, especially when the host system is powered off or in low power mode.

Innovation Solution

A read voltage level correction method that uses a transient look-up table to record association information between initial and successfully used read voltage levels, allowing for fine-tuning of previously monitored optimal read voltage levels, thereby reducing the time to find a suitable read voltage level and enhancing data read operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the memory storage device continuously monitors the optimal read voltage level, then the accuracy of read voltage level is improved, but the time interval between actual data reading and monitoring becomes excessively long when the host system is powered off or in low power mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread voltage level accuracyVSAvoidtime interval between monitoring and actual reading
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring and recording the optimal read voltage level in advance when the host system is active. The monitoring results are stored so that when the actual data reading occurs later (after power off or low power mode), the pre-recorded optimal read voltage level can be directly used, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a record (copy) of the optimal read voltage level monitoring results. This recorded information is then reused during actual data reading operations, avoiding the need to perform the same monitoring process again and reducing the time interval issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If the memory storage device uses a preset read voltage level, then the operation is simple, but the threshold voltage shift due to changing operating and environmental conditions causes too many error bits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread operation simplicityVSAvoiddata read accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the optimal read voltage level and using this information to adjust the read voltage level for subsequent data reading operations. The monitoring results are fed back into the read operation to ensure accuracy despite threshold voltage shifts caused by changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the read voltage level based on monitored optimal values and environmental conditions. Instead of using a fixed preset voltage, the system changes the voltage parameter according to actual conditions, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the memory storage device performs optimal read voltage level tracking operation, then the read voltage level accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to continuous monitoring and recording requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal read voltage level accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring and recording system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the memory storage device to automatically monitor, record, and adjust its own read voltage level without requiring external intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction, reducing the need for complex external monitoring equipment while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Use of energy by stationary object

If the host system is powered off or enters low power consumption mode, then the power saving is achieved, but the interval between actual data reading and previous monitoring time becomes excessively long causing optimal read voltage level to shift

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoptimal read voltage level validity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring and recording the optimal read voltage level in advance while the host system is powered on. This pre-recorded information remains valid even when the system enters low power mode or is powered off, allowing accurate read operations to resume quickly without requiring continuous power consumption for monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11972139B2Read voltage level correction method, memory storage device, and memory control circuit unit
Publication Date: 2024.04.30 PHISON ELECTRONICS
  • US11972139B2 patent drawing
  • US11972139B2 patent drawing
  • US11972139B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A read voltage level correction method, a memory storage device, and a memory control circuit unit are provided. The method includes: using a first read voltage level as an initial read voltage level to perform a first data read operation on a first physical unit among multiple physical units to obtain a second read voltage level used to successfully read the first physical unit; recording association information between the first read voltage level and the second read voltage level in a transient look-up table; and performing a second data read operation according to a read level tracking table and the association information recorded in the transient look-up table.