Wear-Based Memory Access Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage systems, particularly those using NAND flash memory, face performance variations due to wear and tear from program and erase cycles, leading to unreliable data storage and access times, as traditional wear leveling methods can cause significant performance fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

A wear management module (WMM) is implemented to determine the wear value of target memory locations by comparing them to a global wear value, adjusting data access parameters such as error correction algorithms and resource allocation based on wear severity, to optimize data access operations and maintain reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional wear leveling methods are used to distribute program and erase cycles across memory locations, then memory lifespan is extended, but performance fluctuations and access time consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory lifespanVSAvoidaccess time consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating access parameters based on the wear level of specific memory locations. Instead of uniform treatment, the system assigns different read voltage thresholds, error correction codes, and access timing parameters to locations based on their individual wear values, thereby maintaining consistent performance across worn and fresh locations simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts access parameters in real-time based on the wear level of each memory location. The controller continuously monitors wear values and modifies read voltage, error correction strength, and access timing accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to changing memory conditions and maintain performance consistency throughout the memory's lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If data access parameters are adjusted based on wear values to maintain performance consistency, then access time reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess time consistencyVSAvoidwear management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own wear levels and adjusting access parameters without external intervention. The controller internally tracks program/erase cycle counts and wear values, then autonomously modifies read voltages and error correction parameters, eliminating the need for complex external wear management systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors wear values from memory locations and uses this information to adjust access parameters. This closed-loop feedback ensures that parameter adjustments are based on actual memory conditions, maintaining performance consistency while avoiding overly complex predetermined parameter sets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If error correction algorithms are strengthened for worn memory locations to maintain data reliability, then data integrity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring error correction strength to the specific wear level of each memory location. Fresh locations use minimal error correction, while worn locations receive enhanced error correction only when needed, based on their individual wear values. This localized approach ensures data integrity for worn locations without applying excessive error correction universally, thereby reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10324648B1Wear-based access optimization
Publication Date: 2019.06.18 SEAGATE TECH LLC
  • US10324648B1 patent drawing
  • US10324648B1 patent drawing
  • US10324648B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for wear-based access optimization. An apparatus may comprise a circuit configured to perform a data access operation at a target location of a memory, and determine a wear value of the target location. The circuit may compare the wear value to global wear value of other locations of the drive, and adjust data access parameters for the target location based on the comparison.