Semiconductor Memory Controller with Internal Command Cache
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing semiconductor memory devices face inefficiencies in operation speed due to the sequential generation of internal commands within the controller, which slows down the overall performance of the storage device.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an internal command cache within the controller to store and retrieve internal commands directly, eliminating the need for sequential generation, thereby improving the operation speed by allowing immediate transmission of cached commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If internal commands are generated sequentially within the controller, then the controller structure remains simple, but the operation speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating and caching internal commands in the internal command cache before they are actually needed for memory operations. The command cache stores previously generated internal commands so that when similar operations are needed, the controller can retrieve cached commands instead of generating them sequentially again, thus improving operation speed without significantly increasing controller complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by creating cached copies of internal commands in the internal command cache. Instead of generating the same internal commands repeatedly through sequential processing, the controller generates them once and stores copies in the cache, allowing fast retrieval and reuse. This copying mechanism speeds up operations while maintaining a relatively simple controller architecture
2Loss of time
If internal commands are generated sequentially, then the controller design remains straightforward, but the time consumed in generating commands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary action by pre-generating internal commands and storing them in the internal command cache before actual memory operations occur. This allows the controller to avoid time-consuming sequential generation during critical operations, as cached commands can be retrieved immediately when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reduces time loss by creating and storing copies of internal commands in the cache memory. When the same or similar operations are required, the controller retrieves these pre-generated copies instead of spending time generating commands sequentially, thus significantly reducing the time consumed in command generation
Data Source
AI summary
A controller controls an operation of a semiconductor memory device based on a request received from a host. The controller includes a host interface, a first function block, a second function block, and an internal command cache. The host interface generates a first internal command in response to the request. The first function block generates a second internal command in response to the first internal command. The second function block operates in response to the second internal command. The internal command cache caches at least one internal command corresponding to a reference internal command.