Boot Logical Unit Access Using Reserved Blocks After Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices face errors during boot procedures due to power loss, leading to failed boot operations if the boot logical unit (LU) is accessed after an adverse event like asynchronous power loss (APL).
Innovation Solution
The memory device writes new data to a set of reserved memory blocks and uses parameters like the APL trust marker and secure state marker to manage access to the boot LU, ensuring stability during and after power loss, thereby avoiding accessing the unstable boot LU during boot-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the memory device writes new data directly to the boot logical unit, then the boot LU is updated efficiently, but if power loss occurs during writing, the boot LU becomes unstable and contains errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the boot LU update process into distinct stages: a first stage for writing new data to reserved memory blocks, and a second stage for copying data from reserved blocks to the boot LU. This segmentation allows the system to manage data stability and updates separately, preventing corruption during power loss events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first writing data to reserved memory blocks before updating the boot LU. This preliminary staging area ensures that if power loss occurs, the boot LU remains protected while the new data sits safely in reserved blocks, ready for subsequent copying once stability is confirmed.
2Productivity
If the memory device accesses the boot LU during power loss, then boot operations can proceed, but errors occur due to unstable data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control by monitoring a parameter that indicates whether the boot LU is stable. Based on this dynamic state, the system selectively accesses either the boot LU or reserved memory blocks during boot operations. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous boot operation while preventing access to unstable data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a parameter as an intermediary that mediates between the boot operation requirements and the boot LU stability status. This parameter acts as a gatekeeper, directing boot operations to appropriate data sources (boot LU or reserved blocks) based on stability conditions, thereby ensuring both continuity and accuracy.
3Reliability
If the memory device uses parameters to manage boot LU access, then data integrity is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes as a mechanism to track and communicate the stability state of the boot LU. By changing parameter values based on write operation completion and stability confirmation, the system maintains data integrity through a structured, manageable approach that balances reliability with controlled complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for reliable and efficient boot logical unit access are described. For instance, a memory device may receive a request to write data to a boot logical unit of the memory device. The memory device may update a parameter from a first value to a second value based on receiving the request, the second value indicating a first stage of a procedure for updating the boot logical unit. The memory device may write, to a block of memory in the memory device, the data based on the parameter indicating the first stage of the procedure. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device may read a value of the parameter as part of a power up procedure and may perform a boot procedure using either first data at the boot logical unit or second data at the block of memory based on reading the value of the parameter.