Separate Command-Address Interface for Faster Nonvolatile Memory Reads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-volatile memory devices face challenges in meeting high-speed data input/output demands due to limitations in the existing interfacing method of commands, addresses, and data through input/output pins, necessitating techniques for efficient memory operation using a separate command/address (SCA) interface.
Innovation Solution
A storage device and method that utilize a separate command/address (SCA) line to transmit commands and addresses separately from data lines, enabling high-speed and reliable data transmission by incorporating a storage controller and non-volatile memory device that sense and transmit read data through the SCA line, with the controller decompressing compressed soft-decision data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If commands, addresses, and data are transmitted through input/output pins, then the interface structure is simple, but data input/output speed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into separate command/address lines and data lines. The command/address lines are further divided into control signals and address signals, allowing independent transmission paths for different types of data, thereby increasing data input/output speed while maintaining manageable structural complexity through functional separation
2Productivity
If separate command/address lines are used, then data transmission speed is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The command/address lines serve multiple functions: transmitting control signals, addresses, and setting signals for compression ratio adjustment. This multi-functionality increases memory operation efficiency and productivity while avoiding the need for additional dedicated lines, thereby limiting the increase in interface structure complexity
3Loss of time
If soft-decision data is transmitted uncompressed, then data integrity is maintained, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Compression setting signals are transmitted in advance through the command/address lines before the actual data transmission begins. This preliminary configuration allows the system to optimize the compression level based on data characteristics, reducing transmission time while maintaining data integrity through controlled compression of soft-decision data
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a storage device, a method of operating a storage controller (1100), and an operating method of a nonvolatile memory device (1200). The storage device comprises a storage controller (1100) configured to transmit a command and an address with a command/address line separated from a data line, and a nonvolatile memory device (1200) configured to sense read data and reliability data from a memory area corresponding to the address and transmits the read data and the reliability data to the storage controller (1100). The storage controller (1100) is configured to transmit a setting signal associated with controlling output of the reliability data to the nonvolatile memory device (1200) using the command/address line.