Data Recorder Fusible Memory Thermal Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data recorders face challenges in permanently storing pre-event data when exposed to harsh ambient conditions, such as high temperatures, which can corrupt data in read-write memory, and there is a need for a method to detect such conditions independently of system power and generate power for creating a permanent copy of the data without relying on a memory controller.
Innovation Solution
A data recorder with a read-write memory and a fusible memory structure, where a temperature-triggered module determines if ambient conditions exceed a threshold, generating a burn signal to securely record bit states in morphable elements, using a thermoelectric generator to convert heat energy into electrical power for securing data, and copying data from read-write memory to a write-only memory without the need for a memory controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored in read-write flash memory for later recovery, then data can be accessed and recovered by investigators, but data may be corrupted by ambient conditions such as heat and charge migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting ambient temperature conditions and proactively copying data from read-write memory to a permanent storage medium (such as ROM or a protected memory region) before heat corruption occurs. The system monitors temperature sensors and triggers a data preservation operation when threshold temperatures are approached, preventing data loss before it happens rather than attempting recovery after corruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating a duplicate copy of the data stored in volatile read-write flash memory and transferring it to a non-volatile permanent storage medium. This copy serves as a protected backup that is immune to heat-induced charge migration and bit cell corruption, ensuring data survival even if the original read-write memory is compromised.
2Reliability
If data is copied to programmable ROM memory to prevent heat corruption, then data permanence is improved, but backup battery power is depleted and special burn voltage is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to transfer data from read-write memory to a permanent storage medium, achieving data permanence while managing energy constraints through selective copying only when heat risk is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring temperature parameters and only initiating the data copying operation when temperature thresholds are exceeded. This conditional approach changes the operational parameters from continuous copying to event-driven copying, significantly reducing battery power consumption while maintaining data permanence when needed.
3Reliability
If a temperature chamber technique is used to recover corrupted data, then pre-crash bit states can be re-established, but the technique is ineffective for newer semiconductor geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preserving data in a heat-resistant permanent storage medium before thermal events occur, eliminating the need for post-event temperature chamber recovery. This preventive approach works across all semiconductor geometries because it avoids the heat exposure that causes corruption in the first place, rather than attempting to reverse damage after it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying to create a protected backup of data that is immune to thermal corruption. By storing a copy in a medium that does not suffer from charge migration issues (such as ROM or a specially protected memory region), the system ensures data recovery capability across all semiconductor technologies without relying on temperature chamber techniques that are ineffective for modern geometries.
4Reliability
If data is transferred from read-write memory to permanent storage, then data protection is improved, but the memory controller may have failed and there may not be enough time before ambient conditions become too harsh
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting up temperature monitoring and automatic trigger mechanisms that initiate data copying before critical thermal conditions develop. By monitoring temperature sensors and having pre-programmed response protocols ready, the system can rapidly execute data preservation operations within the limited time window before heat corruption becomes irreversible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying with an emphasis on speed and automation. The data transfer from read-write memory to permanent storage is triggered automatically by temperature thresholds, eliminating decision delays. The copying operation is designed to be rapid and efficient, ensuring that data is preserved within the brief time window before ambient conditions become too harsh for successful preservation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures permanent storage of pre-event data by securely recording bit states in morphable elements, even under extreme conditions, using thermoelectric energy to power the process, thereby preserving data integrity without relying on traditional memory backup procedures.
Implementation Method 1
using a thermoelectric generator to convert heat energy into electrical power for securing data
Data Source
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AI summary
A data recorder for permanently storing pre-event data may include a read-write memory 21 with a plurality of bit cells 22 in the read-write memory. Each bit cell 22 may have a bit state of a high value 26 or a low value 28. A fusible structure in 42 the data recorder may include a morphable element 40 associated with each bit cell. A temperature-triggered module 50 may thermally couple to the ambient environment and may electrically couple to each morphable element. The temperature-triggered module 50 may be further configured to determine if a parameter of the ambient environment exceeds a predetermined threshold, and if so may then transmit a burn signal 38 to the fusible structure 42 so that each morphable element 40 permanently secures the bit state for each bit cell 22.