Memory Metadata Plane Mapping for Single-Pass Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor memory devices face challenges in efficiently storing metadata while maintaining single-pass access and minimizing the loss of addressable memory space, leading to increased access time and reduced performance in some applications.
Innovation Solution
The memory device is configured with additional column planes for metadata storage, allowing single-pass retrieval of data, metadata, and ECC data, and can be selectively switched to operate without metadata storage, forming virtual planes to maintain compatibility with existing access protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If metadata is stored in the memory array, then metadata retrieval is enabled, but addressable memory space is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The memory array is segmented into distinct column planes: data column planes for storing data, a metadata column plane for storing metadata, and an ECC column plane for storing error correction code. This segmentation allows each type of information to be stored in dedicated regions, enabling metadata storage while preserving the addressable memory space for data through selective activation of column planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the memory architecture by adding a dedicated metadata column plane alongside the existing data and ECC column planes. This dimensional expansion allows metadata to be stored without encroaching on the addressable memory space allocated for data, as the metadata resides in a separate organizational dimension within the memory array.
2Productivity
If metadata is stored in additional column planes, then single-pass access is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow selective activation and deactivation of the metadata column plane based on operational mode. During metadata operations, the metadata column plane is activated alongside data and ECC column planes for single-pass access. During standard data operations, the metadata column plane can be deactivated, reducing the effective complexity. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize between access speed and complexity management.
3Quantity of substance
If metadata column plane is added, then metadata storage capacity increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory array architecture is designed with universal column plane structures that can serve multiple functions. The same basic column plane building blocks used for data storage are reused for the metadata column plane, allowing the metadata storage capacity to be increased without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity. The uniform design of column planes enables standardized fabrication processes to be applied across all planes, simplifying the manufacturing of the extended memory array.
Data Source
AI summary
A bank of a memory device may be divided into column planes. Each column plane may be associated with column selects. In some examples, one or more physical column planes may be selectively configured to store metadata. When the memory device is configured not to store metadata, the column selects may be arranged into virtual column planes to allow data to be stored in physical column planes used for metadata. The physical column planes may be arranged into virtual planes to store the data. Different mapping of the virtual planes to the physical planes may be used.