Temperature-Aware Memory Block Refresh for Manufacturing Data Errors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems in mobile devices experience data errors due to varying temperatures during manufacturing processes, leading to unpredictable data refresh times and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
Prioritize data refresh operations based on the recorded temperatures of memory blocks during initial programming, ordering blocks with higher temperature differences or above a threshold for prioritized refresh, to correct a greater quantity of errors efficiently during factory production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data refresh operations are performed uniformly across all memory blocks, then the manufacturing process is simple, but data errors caused by varying temperatures during manufacturing cannot be effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating refresh operations based on the specific temperature conditions experienced by each memory block during manufacturing. Blocks that were programmed at higher temperatures are identified and prioritized for refresh operations, while blocks programmed at lower temperatures follow standard refresh schedules. This localized approach to refresh operations addresses data errors in temperature-sensitive blocks without unnecessarily complicating the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by recording the temperature conditions during the initial programming phase and using this information to plan and prioritize subsequent refresh operations. Before normal operation begins, the system identifies which blocks require prioritized refresh based on their manufacturing temperature history, allowing proactive error correction before data degradation occurs during customer usage.
2Reliability
If data refresh operations are prioritized based on temperature differences, then data errors are corrected more efficiently, but the refresh operation duration increases during factory production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the memory system automatically track and record its own temperature conditions during programming without requiring external monitoring equipment. The system uses its internal temperature sensors and programming control logic to identify which blocks need prioritized refresh, eliminating the need for complex external testing equipment and reducing overall process time.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing the temperature recording and block identification during the programming phase itself, the system prepares the refresh priority information in advance. This preliminary action allows refresh operations to be efficiently scheduled and executed without adding significant time to the overall manufacturing process, as the decision-making information is already available.
3Reliability
If all memory blocks are refreshed during start-up procedure, then data errors are addressed, but the start-up duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refresh operation into priority-based groups rather than treating all blocks uniformly. Blocks are divided into categories based on their temperature-induced error risk, with high-risk blocks refreshed immediately during start-up and lower-risk blocks handled during normal operation. This segmentation allows critical error correction to occur quickly while deferring less critical refresh operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing refresh operations only on the subset of blocks that most need them (those programmed at higher temperatures with greater temperature differences), rather than refreshing all blocks equally during start-up. This selective approach corrects the most problematic data errors while minimizing the extension of start-up duration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for techniques for data refresh based on environmental conditions are described. A memory system may program data to a set of blocks, where an order in which the data be programmed to respective blocks of the set of blocks may be based on a first block ordering. The memory system may also program respective indications of respective temperatures of the programming for the respective blocks. The memory system may identify, during a start-up procedure, a flag indicating to perform a refresh operation for the set of blocks. As such, the memory system may perform during the start-up procedure, the refresh operation for the set of blocks using a second block ordering. In some examples, the second block ordering may be based on the respective indications of the respective temperatures for the set of blocks.