Systems and methods for managing solid state storage devices in a low temperature environment

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for cryogenic management of storage systems are provided. An apparatus can include a temperature sensor to generate temperature readings, a timer configured with a time interval, a backup battery, one or more non-volatile memory (NVM) devices, and a storage controller. The storage controller can be configured to maintain a low power standby mode until a host electronic system is powered off, start the timer and check the temperature readings when the host electronic system is powered off, determine that the temperature readings are below a temperature threshold, set the time interval based on the temperature readings, receive an interrupt from the timer when the timer counts to the time interval, and perform a cryogenic management operation on data stored in the one or more NVM devices using power provided by the backup battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the management of solid-state storage devices, and more particularly to the thermal management of solid-state storage devices at low temperatures. Background Technology

[0002] In modern storage technologies, the performance and reliability of solid-state storage systems based on non-volatile memory (NVM) devices have proven to be highly dependent on temperature. On the one hand, increased access frequency and intensity can cause the system and individual semiconductor chips to overheat, requiring a range of cooling solutions to cool the entire system and individual components. On the other hand, at extremely low temperatures, NVM devices begin to experience data loss, which can lead to serious problems ranging from user data loss to operating system malfunctions in infotainment systems.

[0003] Data loss in low-temperature environments typically limits the large-scale adoption of solid-state storage (SSDs) in automotive applications. For example, in areas where winter temperatures often drop below -40°C, data loss may begin to occur after a vehicle has been parked outside for a day. Unless the vehicle is used daily, any extended parking time makes data loss inevitable, which in turn makes SSDs an undesirable storage solution for automotive applications. Therefore, improving the reliability of SSDs in low-temperature environments is crucial for the automotive industry to adopt SSDs for infotainment systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a storage system suitable for cryogenic environments and a method for enhancing data retention in cryogenic applications. The storage system may include a timer, a temperature sensor, and a removable backup battery. The timer and temperature sensor can adaptively set the refresh rate based on ambient temperature and the duration of power outages in the host electronic system, and the backup battery can provide dedicated power for cryogenic management operations without consuming main power (e.g., a vehicle's main battery). Cryogenic management operations may further include data backup schemes for further preserving critical programs and user data, and user notification steps suggesting actions to prevent potential data loss.

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided that may include: a temperature sensor for generating temperature readings, a timer configured with time intervals, a backup battery, one or more non-volatile storage devices, and a storage controller. The storage controller may be configured to: maintain a cryogenic management standby mode until the host electronic system is powered off, and start the timer when the host electronic system is powered off; check the temperature reading from the temperature sensor when the host electronic system is powered off, determine that the temperature reading is below a temperature threshold, set a time interval on the timer based on the temperature reading, receive an interrupt from the timer when the timer counts to the end of the time interval, and perform cryogenic management operations on data stored in the one or more non-volatile storage devices using power provided by the backup battery.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for managing a solid-state storage device in a cryogenic environment is provided. The method may include: maintaining a cryogenic management standby mode until the host electronic system is shut down; checking a temperature reading from a temperature sensor when the host electronic system is shut down; determining that the temperature reading is below a temperature threshold; setting a time interval on a timer based on the temperature reading; using the timer to calculate the time the host electronic system has been shut down; and when the timer counts to the time interval, sending an interrupt from the timer to the storage controller of the solid-state storage device; and performing cryogenic management operations using power provided by a backup battery.

[0007] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for managing a solid-state storage device in a cryogenic environment is provided. The method may include: setting a time interval on a timer based on a known ambient temperature reading; maintaining a cryogenic management standby mode until the host electronic system is shut down; using the timer to calculate the time the host electronic system has been shut down; when the timer counts to the time interval, sending an interrupt from the timer to the storage controller of the solid-state storage device; and performing cryogenic management operations using power provided by a backup battery. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 An electronic system suitable for operation in low-temperature environments is illustrated schematically according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a process for cryogenic management of a solid-state storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another process for cryogenic management of a solid-state storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Specific embodiments according to this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, the same elements in the various figures are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0012] This disclosure provides systems and methods suitable for non-volatile storage systems operating at low temperatures. Figure 1 An electronic system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. The electronic system 100 may include an electronic control unit 102 and a solid-state storage device 104. The solid-state storage device 104 may include a temperature sensor 106, a timer 108, a backup battery 110, a storage controller 112, a voltage regulator 114, and one or more non-volatile memory (NVM) devices 116. The electronic system 100 may be referred to as the host electronic system of the solid-state storage device 104. In some embodiments, the electronic system 100 may be an electronic system for a vehicle (e.g., engine management, ignition, radio, on-board computer, telematics, and / or in-vehicle entertainment) and may be turned on when the vehicle's ignition is turned on and off when the vehicle's ignition is turned off. It should be noted that whether the vehicle is an internal combustion engine vehicle, an electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle, ignition on or off may refer to whether the vehicle's main electrical system is on or off.

[0013] NVM device 116 can provide non-volatile data storage for solid-state storage device 104. In some embodiments, NVM device 116 can be one or more NAND flash memory devices. In some other embodiments, NVM device 116 can be one or more other types of non-volatile storage devices, such as NOR flash memory, magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), resistive random access memory (RRAM), phase-change random access memory (PCRAM), Nano-RAM, etc.

[0014] Temperature sensor 106 can measure ambient temperature and periodically send temperature readings to storage controller 112. It should be noted that, although... Figure 1 The temperature sensor 106 is shown to be part of the solid-state storage device 104, but in some embodiments, the temperature sensor 106 may be an existing temperature sensor in the vehicle's electronic system. For example, modern vehicles typically have temperature sensors to measure ambient temperature and display the measured ambient temperature to the driver. In these embodiments, the temperature sensor 106 may be coupled to the electronic control unit 102. In one embodiment of these embodiments, the electronic control unit 102 may set the time interval of the timer 108 based on the measured ambient temperature. In another embodiment of these embodiments, the electronic control unit 102 may transmit the measured ambient temperature to the storage controller 112, and allow the storage controller 112 to set the time interval of the timer 108 based on the measured ambient temperature.

[0015] Voltage regulator 114 can be configured to adapt the circuitry of solid-state storage device 104 to power supplied by power devices (e.g., backup battery 110). In some embodiments, solid-state storage device 104 may have more than one voltage regulator.

[0016] Storage controller 112 may be configured to control and manage other components of NVM device 116 and solid-state storage device 104. In some embodiments, storage controller 112 may implement the functions of a solid-state drive (SSD) controller, as well as cryogenic management operations (e.g., refresh, data backup, and user notification). In at least one embodiment, solid-state storage device 104 may include firmware comprising executable instructions for managing solid-state storage device 104. For example, storage controller 112 may include a computer processor (e.g., a microprocessor or microcontroller) configured to execute the executable instructions of the firmware to perform various operations for managing data in NVM device 116 (e.g., general operations of the SSD controller and cryogenic management operations).

[0017] Timer 108 can be set with a configurable time interval based on ambient temperature. In various embodiments, timer 108 can be coupled to electronic control unit 102. In one implementation example, timer 108 can remain off when electronic system 100 is on (e.g., vehicle ignition is on) and can be turned on after electronic system 100 is off (e.g., to start counting time). When the counted time reaches the time interval (or the time interval ends depending on whether the timer is counting from zero to the time interval or from the time interval to zero), timer 108 can send an interrupt to storage controller 112 to wake up storage controller 112 to perform cryogenic management operations. When the interrupt is set to storage controller 112, timer 108 can be reset and the counting time can restart. After the counted time reaches the time interval again, timer can send another interrupt to storage controller 112. The operation of restarting the counting time and sending interrupts can be repeated as long as the ignition is off.

[0018] In some embodiments, the time interval can be set based on ambient temperature. For example, to make cryogenic management effective and efficient, the time interval between operations can be a function of temperature: a shorter time interval when the temperature reading is low, and a longer time interval when the temperature reading is high. That is, for higher ambient temperatures, the time interval can be increased. As an example, when the ambient temperature drops to -40°C, the time interval can be in hours (e.g., 6 hours), but when the ambient temperature rises above -10°C, the time interval can be in days. In one embodiment, cryogenic management operations can be paused at room temperature. For example, at room temperature, the time interval can be set to indefinite, or timer 108 can be deactivated (e.g., turned off).

[0019] In addition to ambient temperature, the time interval can also depend on various factors that represent the durability and lifespan of the solid-state storage device 104. In some embodiments, these factors may include program / erase (P / E) cycle counts, page fault counts, and programming time. For example, a large P / E cycle count or page fault count may indicate that the solid-state storage device 104 may have entered the later stages of its lifespan and therefore may require a smaller time interval to ensure data retention.

[0020] In some embodiments, the temperature readings of the temperature sensor 106 can be continuously monitored (e.g., via a storage controller 112, an electronic control unit 102, or both), and the time interval can be set or adjusted based on detected temperature changes that reach or exceed a temperature change threshold (e.g., via a storage controller 112, an electronic control unit 102, or both). For example, if there is no significant temperature change, the current time interval can be maintained. However, if a significant temperature change is detected, the time interval can be set to a new value based on the new temperature reading, and cryogenic management operations can be performed according to the new time interval. As an example, a significant temperature change can be defined as a temperature equal to or exceeding a temperature change threshold (e.g., 5°C).

[0021] In some embodiments, the backup battery 110 can provide dedicated power to the solid-state storage device 104 for cryogenic management operations. Dedicated power for the solid-state storage device 104 can relieve the main battery of the electronic system 100 (e.g., the vehicle's main battery) from the heavy workload of refresh and backup operations, thereby preventing the main battery from rapidly depleting during ignition shutdown. The backup battery 110 can be charged in place or recharged after removal. Therefore, the user can conveniently charge the backup battery 110 instead of replacing the main battery. In some embodiments, the battery level of the removable backup battery 110 can be reported to the storage controller 112, the electronic control unit 102, or both. In one embodiment, the battery level can be reported to the user via user notification, allowing the user to be promptly informed of further necessary actions or pending risks.

[0022] In various embodiments, cryogenic management operations may include refresh and backup. In some embodiments, the electronic system 100 may also be configured to send notifications to the user using simple text messages (SMS), email, or in-app messages (e.g., via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth, 3G / 4G / 5G, or other wireless technologies). In such embodiments, cryogenic management operations may also include user notifications in addition to refresh and backup.

[0023] During a refresh operation, storage controller 112 can read data from one or more NVM devices 116, correct errors using the controller's ECC scheme, and reprogram the data into the NVM devices 116. Conversely, during a backup operation, storage controller 112 can read data, correct errors, and program the data into a second location on the NVM devices 116. As a result, a second copy of the data can be retained on different physical blocks after the backup operation. In some embodiments, for cryogenic management operations, storage controller 112 can be configured (e.g., via firmware) to prioritize and selectively back up the operating system, critical programs, and important user data.

[0024] In embodiments that provide user notifications, the user notification operation may be performed at the same or different intervals as the refresh and backup operations. Exemplary notifications may include the battery level of the backup battery 110, and one or more suggested actions, such as, but not limited to, charging the backup battery 110, starting the vehicle for a short period, and moving the vehicle to an indoor garage to prevent potential data loss.

[0025] Figure 2This is a flowchart of a process 200 for cryogenic management of a solid-state storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At block 202, the cryogenic management standby mode is maintained until the host electronic system is turned off. For example, electronic system 100 may be an electronic system in a vehicle. When the vehicle is in the ignition-on state, electronic system 100 can be turned on, and solid-state storage device 104 can perform its normal operation. The cryogenic management features of solid-state storage device 104 may be in standby mode (e.g., timer 108 may be off and temperature sensor 106 may be off or temperature readings may be ignored). It should be noted that after the ignition is turned off, solid-state storage device 104 can enter cryogenic management mode, in which timer 108 can be on and temperature sensor 106 can be on. However, in cryogenic management mode, to save power, the normal operation of the power regulator can be suspended. Therefore, the operation of the power regulator can be a low-power mode or a standby mode.

[0026] At box 204, the temperature reading of the temperature sensor can be checked. At box 206, it can be determined that the temperature reading is below a temperature threshold. In some embodiments, monitoring of the temperature reading of temperature sensor 106 and comparing it with a temperature threshold level can begin as part of low-temperature management mode operation from the moment the vehicle ignition is turned off. For example, 0°C can be used as the temperature threshold. If the temperature is found to be below the threshold level, the low-temperature management function can be activated (e.g., setting an interval and starting a timer). In some embodiments, temperature reading monitoring can be performed by storage controller 112. For example, after the host electronic system is turned off, solid-state storage device 104 can be configured to a low-power mode, wherein the number of power domains that solid-state storage device 104 keeps on can be reduced. Solid-state storage device 104 can be configured to perform temperature checks at a low sampling frequency to minimize power consumption. Alternatively, temperature monitoring can be performed by electronic control unit 102.

[0027] At block 208, a time interval can be set on a timer based on a temperature reading. In some embodiments, the time interval can be set on timer 108 based on a temperature reading from storage controller 112 or electronic control unit 102. At block 210, a timer can be used to calculate how long the host electronics system has been off. In some embodiments, timer 108 can count up (e.g., from zero to the time interval). In some other embodiments, timer 108 can count down (e.g., from the time interval to zero).

[0028] At block 212, an interrupt can be sent from the timer to the storage controller when the timer counts to the time interval. For example, when timer 108 counts to the value of the time interval, an interrupt can be generated by timer 108 and sent to storage controller 112. At block 214, power provided by a backup battery can be used to perform cryogenic management operations. In some embodiments, cryogenic management operations may include refresh and backup operations performed by storage controller 112 on data stored in NVM 116. In at least one embodiment, cryogenic management operations may also include issuing user notifications (e.g., SMS, email, and / or mobile application messages).

[0029] In some embodiments, process 200 may further include resetting timer 108, restarting time counting, and repeating the cryogenic management operation after another time interval. In one embodiment, while timer 108 is counting, temperature readings from temperature sensor 106 can be continuously monitored. If there is no significant temperature change, the current time interval is maintained, and the cryogenic management operation can be performed at the current time interval. If a significant temperature change is recorded, the value of the time interval can be set or adjusted based on the new temperature reading, and the cryogenic management operation can be performed at the new time interval. For example, a significant temperature change can be defined as a temperature of 5°C or higher.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another process 300 for cryogenic management of a solid-state storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. At block 302, a time interval can be set on a timer based on a known ambient temperature. In some embodiments, temperature sensor 106 may be a temperature sensor already present in electronic system 100. For example, modern vehicles typically have temperature sensors to measure ambient temperature and display the measured ambient temperature to the driver. This measured ambient temperature can be used to set the time interval of timer 108. At block 304, a standby mode for cryogenic management can be maintained until the host electronic system is shut down. At block 306, a timer is used to calculate how long the host electronic system has been shut down. At block 308, when the timer counts to the time interval, an interrupt can be sent from the timer to the storage controller. At block 310, power provided by a backup battery can be used to perform cryogenic management operations.

[0031] The operations in processes 300 at boxes 304, 306, 308, and 310 can be the same as or similar to the operations in processes 200 at boxes 202, 210, 212, and 214. That is, in some embodiments where existing ambient temperature knowledge is available, the time interval of timer 108 can be set based on existing ambient temperature knowledge before the cryogenic management function is activated. Once the vehicle ignition is turned off, timer 108 begins counting. When the time interval ends, a refresh and backup operation is performed, and a user notification is issued.

[0032] In some embodiments of processes 200 and 300, after an interrupt is sent or a cryogenic management operation has been performed, timer 108 may restart counting for the next operating cycle. If the electronic system 100 is restarted in the middle of any time interval (e.g., the vehicle's ignition is turned on), the cryogenic management characteristics of the solid-state storage device 104 may revert to a cryogenic management standby mode (e.g., timer off).

[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided that may include: a temperature sensor for generating temperature readings, a timer configured with time intervals, a backup battery, one or more non-volatile storage devices, and a storage controller. The storage controller may be configured to: maintain a cryogenic management standby mode until the host electronic system is powered off, and start the timer when the host electronic system is powered off; check the temperature reading from the temperature sensor when the host electronic system is powered off, determine that the temperature reading is below a temperature threshold, set a time interval on the timer based on the temperature reading, receive an interrupt from the timer when the timer counts to the end of the time interval, and perform cryogenic management operations on data stored in the one or more non-volatile storage devices using power provided by the backup battery.

[0034] In one embodiment, cryogenic management operations may include refreshing and backing up data stored in one or more non-volatile storage devices.

[0035] In one embodiment, cryogenic management operations may also include sending one or more user notifications.

[0036] In one embodiment, for cryogenic management operations, the storage controller can also be configured to prioritize and selectively back up data related to the operating system, critical programs, and important user data.

[0037] In one embodiment, the storage controller may also be configured to use a timer to calculate how much time has elapsed since the cryogenic management operation was performed, and to use another interrupt from the timer to activate the storage controller to repeat the cryogenic management operation.

[0038] In one embodiment, the storage controller may also be configured to: determine that there is a significant temperature change when a temperature reading indicates that the temperature change has reached a temperature change threshold, and set a new value for the time interval based on the temperature change.

[0039] In one embodiment, one or more non-volatile storage devices and memories may be part of a solid-state storage device, and the time intervals are further determined based on various factors representing the durability and lifespan of the solid-state storage device.

[0040] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for managing a solid-state storage device in a cryogenic environment is provided. The method may include: maintaining a cryogenic management standby mode until the host electronic system is shut down; checking a temperature reading from a temperature sensor when the host electronic system is shut down; determining that the temperature reading is below a temperature threshold; setting a time interval on a timer based on the temperature reading; using the timer to calculate the time the host electronic system has been shut down; and when the timer counts to reach the time interval, sending an interrupt from the timer to the storage controller of the solid-state storage device; and performing cryogenic management operations using power provided by a backup battery.

[0041] In one embodiment, cryogenic management operations may include refreshing and backing up data stored in one or more non-volatile storage devices within a solid-state storage device.

[0042] In one embodiment, cryogenic management operations may also include sending one or more user notifications.

[0043] In one embodiment, for cryogenic management operations, the storage controller can be configured to prioritize and selectively back up data related to the operating system, critical programs, and important user data.

[0044] In one embodiment, the method may further include using a timer to calculate how much time has elapsed since the cryogenic management operation was performed, and sending another interrupt to activate the storage controller to repeat the cryogenic management operation.

[0045] In one embodiment, the method may further include: determining that a significant temperature change exists when the temperature reading indicates that the temperature change has reached a temperature change threshold; and setting a new value for the time interval based on the temperature change.

[0046] In one embodiment, the time interval can be further determined based on various factors representing the durability and lifespan of the solid-state storage device.

[0047] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for managing a solid-state storage device in a cryogenic environment is provided. The method may include: setting a time interval on a timer based on a known ambient temperature reading; maintaining a cryogenic management standby mode until the host electronic system is shut down; using the timer to calculate the time the host electronic system has been shut down; when the timer counts to the time interval, sending an interrupt from the timer to the storage controller of the solid-state storage device; and performing cryogenic management operations using power provided by a backup battery.

[0048] In one embodiment, cryogenic management operations may include refreshing and backing up data stored in one or more non-volatile storage devices within a solid-state storage device.

[0049] In one embodiment, cryogenic management operations may also include sending one or more user notifications.

[0050] In one embodiment, for cryogenic management operations, the storage controller can be configured to prioritize and selectively back up data related to the operating system, critical programs, and important user data.

[0051] In one embodiment, the method may further include using a timer to calculate how much time has elapsed since the cryogenic management operation was performed, and sending another interrupt to activate the storage controller to repeat the cryogenic management operation.

[0052] In one embodiment, the time interval can be further determined based on various factors representing the durability and lifespan of the solid-state storage device.

[0053] Any disclosed methods and operations can be implemented as computer-executable instructions (e.g., software code of the operations described herein) stored on one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media, such as one or more optical disc media, volatile storage components (e.g., DRAM or SRAM), or non-volatile storage components (e.g., hard disk drives) and executed on a device controller (e.g., firmware executed by an ASIC). Any computer-executable instructions used to implement the disclosed techniques, as well as any data created and used during the implementation of the disclosed embodiments, can be stored on one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media).

[0054] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting; the true scope and spirit are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage device having a low temperature management function, characterized by comprising: comprising: a temperature sensor to generate temperature readings; a timer configured with a time interval; a backup battery; one or more non-volatile storage devices; and a storage controller configured to: maintain a low temperature management standby mode until a host electronic system is shut down, and initiate the timer when the host electronic system is shut down; check the temperature readings of the temperature sensor when the host electronic system is shut down; determine that the temperature readings are below a temperature threshold; set the time interval on the timer according to the temperature readings; receive an interrupt from the timer when the timer counts to the time interval; and perform low temperature management operations on data stored in the one or more non-volatile storage devices using power supplied by the backup battery. The low temperature management operations include refreshing and backing up data stored in the one or more non-volatile storage devices. The low temperature management operations further include sending one or more user notifications.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, For the low temperature management operations, the storage controller is further configured to prioritize and selectively back up data of operating systems, critical programs, and important user data.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The storage controller is further configured to use the timer to calculate how much time has elapsed since the low temperature management operations were performed, and use another interrupt from the timer to activate the storage controller to repeat the low temperature management operations.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The storage controller is further configured to determine that there is a significant temperature change when the temperature readings indicate that a temperature change has reached a temperature change threshold, and set a new value for the time interval based on the temperature change.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The one or more non-volatile storage devices and the storage controller are part of a solid state storage device, and the time interval is further determined based on various factors representative of the durability and life of the solid state storage device.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, comprising:

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, maintaining a low temperature management standby mode until a host electronic system is shut down; 8. A method of managing a solid state storage device in a cryogenic environment, characterized by, checking temperature readings from a temperature sensor when the host electronic system is shut down; determining that the temperature readings are below a temperature threshold; setting a time interval on a timer according to the temperature readings; using the timer to calculate how much time has elapsed since the host electronic system was shut down; sending an interrupt from the timer to a storage controller of the solid state storage device when the timer counts to the time interval; and performing low temperature management operations using power provided by a backup battery. The low temperature management operations include refreshing and backing up data stored in one or more non-volatile storage devices of the solid state storage device. The low temperature management operations further include sending one or more user notifications.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, For the low temperature management operations, the storage controller is configured to prioritize and selectively back up data of operating systems, critical programs, and important user data.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, further comprising:

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, using the timer to calculate how much time has elapsed since the low temperature management operations were performed, and sending another interrupt to activate the storage controller to repeat the low temperature management operations.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein, further comprising: ​ 13. The method of claim 12, wherein, ​ A significant temperature change is determined to exist when the temperature reading indicates that a temperature change has reached a temperature change threshold, and a new value is set for the time interval based on the temperature change.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein, The time interval is further determined based on various factors of the endurance and life of the solid state storage device.

15. A method of managing a solid state storage device in a cryogenic environment, the method comprising: Comprising: Setting a time interval on a timer based on a known ambient temperature reading; Maintaining a low temperature management standby mode until the host electronic system is shut down; Using the timer to calculate the time that the host electronic system has been shut down; When the timer counts to the time interval, sending an interrupt from the timer to a storage controller of the solid state storage device; and Performing low temperature management operations using power provided by a backup battery.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The low temperature management operations include flushing and backing up data stored in one or more non-volatile storage devices of the solid state storage device.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The low temperature management operations also include sending one or more user notifications.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein, For the low temperature management operations, the storage controller is configured to prioritize and selectively backup data of operating systems, critical programs, and important user data.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein, Also comprising: Using the timer to calculate how much time has passed since the low temperature management operations were performed, and sending another interrupt to activate the storage controller to repeat the low temperature management operations.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein, The time interval is further determined based on various factors of the endurance and life of the solid state storage device.

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