Storage Controller Dynamic History Buffer Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face challenges in improving read reliability and performance due to the dynamic nature of memory cell deterioration, which affects the accuracy of read operations.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a storage controller that dynamically adjusts the number of history read level storage areas allocated to memory blocks based on their reliability, increasing allocation to blocks with low reliability and reducing it for blocks with high reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed history buffer is allocated to all memory blocks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the read reliability deteriorates due to uniform allocation not accounting for varying block reliabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread reliabilityVSAvoidhistory buffer management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic allocation of history buffer storage areas to memory blocks based on their reliability characteristics. The controller adjusts the number of storage areas allocated to each memory block according to its read reliability, transitioning from a static uniform allocation to a dynamic adaptive allocation that responds to actual memory block performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different history buffer allocation strategies to different memory blocks based on their individual reliability characteristics. Each memory block receives a customized number of storage areas proportional to its read reliability needs, rather than applying a uniform allocation policy across all blocks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the number of history read level storage areas is increased for all memory blocks, then the read reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases due to larger buffer allocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption of history buffer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies differentiated history buffer allocation to different memory blocks based on their individual reliability characteristics. Only memory blocks with lower read reliability receive increased storage area allocation, while high-reliability blocks maintain their original allocation, thereby concentrating energy resources where they are most needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the history buffer is dynamically adjusted based on memory block reliability, then the read reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to dynamic management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread reliabilityVSAvoidhistory buffer control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic allocation mechanism where the controller automatically adjusts the number of storage areas in the history buffer for each memory block based on their read reliability characteristics, enabling adaptive resource management that responds to actual memory block performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-assessment of memory block reliability through read operations and automatically adjusts history buffer allocation accordingly. The controller monitors read reliability metrics and autonomously reallocates storage areas without requiring external intervention, allowing the system to self-optimize based on observed performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If uniform history buffer allocation is used for all memory blocks, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity deteriorates due to insufficient optimization for low reliability blocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread operation efficiencyVSAvoidhistory buffer management simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static uniform history buffer allocation to dynamic adaptive allocation that automatically adjusts storage areas based on memory block reliability, enabling the system to optimize read operation efficiency for low-reliability blocks while maintaining simple operation through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4141874B1Storage device, storage controller, and operating method of storage controller
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4141874B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4141874B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4141874B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A storage device includes a non-volatile memory including memory blocks, and a storage controller including a history buffer including plural history read level storage areas corresponding to the memory blocks. The storage controller dynamically adjusts a number of the history read level storage areas allocated to one or more of the plurality of memory blocks based on reliabilities of the memory blocks during runtime of the storage device. The storage controller increases a number of history read level storage areas allocated to a first memory block among the memory blocks that has a relatively low reliability with respect to the reliabilities of remaining ones of the memory blocks.