Backup Memory Block Pre-Conditioning for Stable Power-Loss Dumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices face challenges in performing stable data dump operations during sudden power loss, requiring significant auxiliary power to store volatile data in nonvolatile memory, which increases power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The storage device employs a nonvolatile storage area with backup memory blocks and a controller that performs pre-conditioning operations on memory cells connected to specific word lines, allowing for a stable dump operation with reduced power consumption by programming dummy data to these cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored in nonvolatile memory device during power cut off, then data integrity is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a pre-conditioning operation before the actual dump operation. The controller programs dummy data to memory cells connected to word lines that will not be used during the dump operation, preparing the memory block in advance to reduce the power required during the critical power-loss recovery scenario. This pre-preparation enables the system to maintain data integrity while reducing the power burden during emergency operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the word lines into two groups: those that will be used for storing data during the dump operation and those that will not. By identifying and separating the reference word line (which will be used) from other word lines (which will not be used), the system can selectively apply programming operations only where necessary. This segmentation allows the controller to reduce power consumption by avoiding unnecessary programming operations on unused word lines while still ensuring data integrity on the required word lines.
2Use of energy by moving object
If pre-conditioning operation is performed on all word lines, then power consumption is reduced during dump operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the memory block have different functions. Specifically, the reference word line is designated with a special role (it will be used for data storage during dump operation), while other word lines are marked as not to be used. The controller applies different treatment to these different parts: it performs pre-conditioning programming on unused word lines and skips programming on the reference word line. This localized differentiation reduces overall power consumption without requiring complex system-wide changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the memory system by introducing a reference word line identification mechanism. The controller modifies its programming behavior based on the identified reference word line, adjusting which word lines receive pre-conditioning operations. This parameter change (selective word line programming based on reference identification) simplifies the control logic compared to managing all word lines uniformly, while achieving power reduction goals.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a nonvolatile storage area including a plurality of backup memory blocks each including a plurality of memory cells respectively connected to a plurality of word lines, and a controller configured to control the nonvolatile storage area to determine a target memory block in which data is to be stored among the plurality of backup memory blocks, determine a reference word line among the plurality of word lines coupled to the target memory block, and perform a pre-conditioning operation of programming dummy data to memory cells connected to at least one of remaining word lines except for the reference word line among the plurality of word lines coupled to the target memory block.