Reconfigurable Memory Device with Extra Arrays for Flexible Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory devices have fixed page sizes, limiting their ability to store extra data efficiently, especially for applications requiring flexible storage configurations.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with reconfigurable extra arrays, allowing for the storage of extra data alongside standard array data, with two access modes for reading and writing operations, enabling flexible data management through specific command codes and access sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed page sizes are used in conventional memory devices, then the memory structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to store extra data efficiently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is segmented into two distinct types of memory blocks: array blocks for storing array data and extra array blocks for storing extra data. Each block type can be independently managed and accessed, allowing flexible storage configurations without complicating the overall memory structure
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified structure that can store both array data and extra data. The same basic memory cell structure serves dual purposes by being organized into different block types, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing storage versatility
2Quantity of substance
If extra arrays are added to store additional data, then storage capacity and flexibility are improved, but the read/write operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A logic unit acts as an intermediary between the controller and the memory blocks. It automatically determines whether to access array blocks or extra array blocks based on the command code, shielding the user from the complexity of dual-block management while enabling enhanced storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The memory access mode is made dynamic through different command codes (first command code for array data, second command code for extra data). The logic unit adapts the access sequence based on the command received, allowing flexible storage capacity expansion without requiring complex user-side access logic
3Reliability
If sequential reading of array data and extra data is implemented, then data security and error correction are enhanced, but the read operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Error correction and data security measures are integrated into the sequential read operation through preliminary actions performed by the logic unit. The logic unit prepares and executes error correction codes during the sequential access process, enhancing reliability without requiring separate post-processing steps that would further increase read time
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A memory device includes a memory array and a logic unit communicatively coupled to the memory array. The memory array includes a plurality of pages for storing array data and a plurality of extra arrays respectively corresponding to the plurality of pages for storing extra data. The logic unit is configured to receive a read instruction, and perform a read operation in a first access mode or in a second access mode. In the first access mode, the logic unit sequentially reads out the array data stored in the plurality of pages. In the second access mode, the logic unit sequentially reads out the array data stored in the plurality of pages and the extra data stored in the plurality of extra arrays.