Read Voltage Offset Profiles for Memory Controller Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The overhead involved in specifying individual offsets for read voltage levels in memory reading operations is substantial, especially as the number of bits stored by memory cells increases, leading to inefficiencies and the need for frequent data refresh to maintain accurate reading.
Innovation Solution
Storing and using a read voltage offset profile that adjusts read voltages based on a profile identifier, allowing for efficient adjustment of read voltages without significant overhead, thereby reducing the need for frequent data refresh.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual offsets are specified for each read voltage level, then read accuracy is improved, but overhead increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the read voltage adjustment parameters into two parts: a default offset that applies to all read voltage levels, and individual offsets only for specific read voltage levels where adjustments are needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain read accuracy where required while avoiding the overhead of specifying individual offsets for all voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying individual offset specifications to all read voltage levels (excessive action), the patent applies individual offsets only to the specific read voltage levels where adjustments are necessary (partial action). This reduces the overall overhead while maintaining sufficient read accuracy for the critical voltage levels.
2Measurement precision
If individual offsets are specified for each read voltage level, then read accuracy is improved, but data refresh frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the offset specification into default and selective individual components, the patent reduces the complexity of tracking and managing offset parameters. This enables the system to maintain accurate reads for longer periods without requiring frequent refresh operations, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically determines which read voltage levels require individual offsets based on the data characteristics and aging patterns. This self-adjusting capability reduces the need for manual intervention and frequent refresh operations to maintain read accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If read voltage offsets are adjusted frequently, then read accuracy is maintained, but overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis to determine which read voltage levels require individual offsets before executing read operations. By pre-configuring the necessary offset specifications, the system avoids the need for frequent adjustments during operation, thereby reducing the time overhead associated with maintaining read accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a memory array and a controller. The controller is to receive a first read command specifying a read voltage offset profile identifier; identify a read voltage offset profile associated with the read voltage offset profile identifier, the read voltage offset profile comprising at least one read voltage offset; and perform a first read operation specified by the first read command using at least one read voltage adjusted according to the at least one read voltage offset of the read voltage offset profile.