Boot File Selection by Temperature Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices, such as SSDs, face challenges in maintaining data retention and reliability of boot file data during boot operations, especially under extreme temperature conditions where LDPC error correction methods are ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a controller that retrieves a relevant boot file by determining the data retention level based on environment conditions during boot operations, selecting a boot file from a plurality of files programmed with different parameters to cover various retention levels, and matching the read and write temperatures to optimize data retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LDPC error correction methods are used to improve data retention, then bit flips can be corrected under normal conditions, but data retention fails under extreme temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the boot file storage into multiple temperature-specific versions (e.g., boot file for low temperature, boot file for high temperature). Each segmented version is optimized for specific temperature ranges, allowing the system to select the appropriate segment based on current temperature conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between general error correction and temperature-specific reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the programming parameters used when writing boot files to the memory device. Different programming parameters are applied depending on the expected temperature conditions, creating boot files with different retention characteristics. This allows the system to maintain data integrity across varying temperature conditions by selecting the boot file programmed with parameters suitable for the current temperature.
2Reliability
If multiple boot files are stored with different programming parameters to cover various retention levels, then data retention across temperatures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller reads the current temperature condition and automatically selects the appropriate boot file version from multiple stored versions. This feedback loop simplifies the user experience while managing the complexity internally, as the system autonomously determines which boot file to use based on temperature sensor data and predefined temperature ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing the selection and switching between different boot file versions based on temperature conditions. The controller autonomously monitors temperature, compares it against predefined thresholds, and selects the appropriate boot file without requiring user intervention, thereby hiding the complexity from the end user while maintaining multiple boot file versions.
3Reliability
If boot files are programmed with different programming parameters, then data retention levels are optimized for various temperatures, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming multiple versions of boot files with different programming parameters during the manufacturing or initialization process. Each version is prepared in advance for specific temperature conditions, so that when the device operates, the appropriate pre-prepared version is already available for selection, eliminating the need for complex real-time programming adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes a memory device and a controller coupled to the memory device. When a boot operation of the data storage device is initiated, the controller retrieves a relevant boot file from the memory device to boot the data storage device with. The relevant boot file to be retrieved from a plurality of boot files may be determined by a write temperature corresponding to the temperature of when the boot file was programmed to the memory device and a read temperature of the boot file during the boot operation. Each boot file of the plurality of boot files is programmed using different programming parameters in order to cover a range of possible retention levels.