Zoned Memory Controller Reporting for Zone Write Mode Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems lack efficient mechanisms to manage and utilize zone-based storage efficiently, particularly in supporting different data write modes and returning necessary memory mode information to hosts.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a memory controller that supports zoned storage by zone, enabling sequential write and includes a mechanism to return MEMORY MODE information through REPORT ZONES parameter data based on host commands, allowing differentiation between single and multi-level cell modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MEMORY MODE information is always returned in REPORT ZONES parameter data, then the host can manage data allocation optimally, but the communication overhead and data transmission volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mechanism where the host can control whether MEMORY MODE information is returned by setting the MODE RETURN information field in the REPORT ZONES command. This allows the system to adapt between returning full information (when needed for optimal data management) and returning minimal information (when not needed), thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and data transmission volume.
2Productivity
If zone-based storage with sequential write is implemented, then storage efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing different memory modes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the memory controller reports MEMORY MODE information to the host through the REPORT ZONES command. This allows the host to understand the current zone states and make informed decisions about data allocation, managing the complexity of different memory modes (SLC, MLC, TLC, QLC) without sacrificing storage efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different MEMORY MODEs (SLC, MLC, TLC, QLC) are supported in the same zone, then storage flexibility is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring zone capabilities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the MEMORY MODE information as a separate, identifiable field within the REPORT ZONES parameter data structure. This allows the host to easily detect and measure zone capabilities by reading the specific MEMORY MODE information field, rather than having to infer capabilities from complex zone characteristics, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and detection difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure provide memory systems and operation methods thereof, systems, and storage mediums. An example memory system includes a memory and a memory controller coupled with the memory. The memory controller is configured to control the memory to achieve zoned storage by zone, wherein a storage space of a single zone is configured to support sequential write; wherein the memory controller is configured with a first interface coupled with a host and to receive a first command from the host through the first interface, wherein the first command includes MODE RETURN information indicating whether MEMORY MODE information of the zone needs to be returned; and the memory controller is further configured to send REPORT ZONES parameter data satisfying what the MODE RETURN information indicates to the host through the first interface according to the first command.