Data Storage Backup for Sudden Power-Off Using Interference Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Data storage apparatuses face challenges in efficiently performing data backup during sudden power-off situations, particularly with the increasing use of quadruple level cells (QLCs) where interference between word lines can damage data, leading to the need for increased capacitors for power loss protection, which raises manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A data storage apparatus and method that detects sudden power-off events and selectively backs up only partial data from affected pages, using a processor to identify interrupted and interfered pages and store this data in a backup memory block, thereby reducing the size of data to be backed up and maintaining minimal operation power without increasing the number of capacitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all buffered data is backed up during sudden power-off, then data reliability is improved, but power consumption and manufacturing cost increase due to more capacitors needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the buffered data into two categories: data corresponding to interfered pages and data corresponding to non-interfered pages. Only the former is backed up during sudden power-off events. This segmentation allows the system to maintain data reliability for affected pages while avoiding unnecessary backup of unaffected data, thereby reducing power consumption and capacitor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different treatment to different portions of buffered data based on their interference status. Data from interfered pages receives full backup protection, while data from non-interfered pages does not require backup. This localized approach optimizes the balance between reliability and power consumption by applying protection only where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If all buffered data is backed up during sudden power-off, then data reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to more capacitors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the buffered data into two categories: data corresponding to interfered pages and data corresponding to non-interfered pages. Only the former is backed up during sudden power-off events. This segmentation allows the system to maintain data reliability for affected pages while avoiding unnecessary backup of unaffected data, thereby reducing power consumption and capacitor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different treatment to different portions of buffered data based on their interference status. Data from interfered pages receives full backup protection, while data from non-interfered pages does not require backup. This localized approach optimizes the balance between reliability and power consumption by applying protection only where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If partial data from interfered pages only is backed up, then power consumption and manufacturing cost are reduced, but data recovery capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata recovery capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of interfered pages before the sudden power-off occurs. By identifying which pages are susceptible to interference in advance, the system can prepare to backup only the necessary data portions. This preliminary action ensures that when power is lost, the system knows exactly which data needs protection, maintaining recovery capability without unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from the interference detection mechanism to guide the backup process. The system continuously monitors for interference conditions and uses this information to determine which buffered data portions require backup. This feedback-driven approach ensures that data recovery capability is maintained for affected pages while avoiding unnecessary backup operations that would consume power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11030099B2Data storage apparatus and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A data storage apparatus includes a nonvolatile memory device including a plurality of memory blocks in which a plurality of word lines to which one or more pages are coupled are arranged, a data buffer configured to buffer data to be stored in the one or more pages of the nonvolatile memory device, and a processor configured to detect, when a sudden power off (SPO) occurs, one or more first pages in which an interference has occurred in a memory block in use and store data corresponding to the one or more first pages in which the interference has occurred among the data buffered in the data buffer in a backup memory block of the nonvolatile memory device.