Is the P/E cycle of MLC really only 3,000 times as its datasheet said?

Firstly, let’s see the conclusion that Renice draw based on the test from Nand Flash test platform
NFA100.

1, the P/E cycle of some Block up to 20,000 times in real test, though it said only 3,000 times in
datasheet.
2, Each block is an independent individual, and the initial condition of each block is not exactly
the same, even though they are the same process in the same production line.
3, No matter it’s original Nand Flash or non-original, they have the necessity of testing, the Nand
Flash can be sorted and classified into different levels.
4, Though it is the same Nand Flash chip, the health condition of each Block is not the same
5, The real lifetime (P/E cycle) of Nand Flash may be far greater than its datasheet, only when test,
it can play the greater value.
6, Deep understanding of the life performance of Nand Flash in different P/E stages can help
better plan ECC.
7, For those who want to convert MLC mode to SLC at a certain stage, when to start conversion is
crucial, its RBER corresponding to P/E is the most important reference.

Here is the correlation of P/E and RBER,

Enlarger
The test took 108h and 45 minutes.
Renice test process:

Test 16 Blocks, make each Block initialize pseudo-random

variable. Each Block and each Page use different
pseudo-random number

Erase Block (Block 3, 1051, 2091, 3103, 2, 6, 1050, 4055, 1049,

1053, 2089, 2093…)

Repeat
Program Block, initialize pattern by Step1 19 times

Initializing seed +1

Totally 20 P/E times

Erase Block (Block 3, 1051, 2091, 3103, 2, 6, 1050, 4055, 1049,
1053, 2089, 2093…totally 16 Blocks)

Program Block, initialize pattern by Step1 1st time

Record Error Bit every 20 P/E times

Pseudo-random seed +1

1,000 rounds, totally 20*1000=20,000 times

1, The selected Block has a discrete distribution and adjacent distribution (2, 3, 1050, 1051)
2, Each Block and the Page of the Block are Pseudo-random number.
3, The next P/E will automatically +1 to the last pseudo-random number to ensure that the
pseudo-random number written this time is completely different from the last time.
4, Record the number of bit Errors every 20 P/E times.
5, The interval between Erase and Program is 0
6, 22,960 times of P/E corresponding bit Errors (20*1148=22960) data record took 108 hours
and 45 minutes.
7, Renice use Intel MLC Nand Flash (3,000 P/E cycles) for testing.
8, Worksheets are named in decimal, e.g., Block3130 represents Block 3103 (0C1F)