Debugging Non-Removable Memory Subsystems via Side-Band Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-removable memory sub-systems pose challenges for debugging and recovery due to their permanent integration with other components, which limits access to debugging information and often requires destructive physical intervention.

Innovation Solution

Implementing debug and recovery operations that allow a host system or other computing device to request and receive debug information from a non-removable memory sub-system via primary in-band interfaces like PCIe or side-band interfaces like GPIO, and authenticating to access enhanced debug information for more comprehensive failure analysis and corrective actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-removable memory sub-systems are permanently integrated with other components, then system stability and reliability are improved, but accessibility for debugging and recovery operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility for debugging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory sub-system into functional components with dedicated interfaces. The side-band interface is separated from the primary in-band interface, allowing independent access paths for debugging operations. This segmentation enables debugging access without affecting the primary storage function and maintains system integration while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a side-band interface as an intermediary communication channel between the host system and the non-removable memory sub-system. This intermediary interface provides a dedicated path for debugging and recovery operations, mediating between the need for system integration and the need for accessible debugging capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If physical destruction is used to access memory sub-system for debugging, then accessibility for debugging information is improved, but system integrity and cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for debugging informationVSAvoidsystem integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical destruction with an electrical/software-based approach. Instead of physically accessing the memory sub-system through destructive means, the invention uses protocol-based communication through existing interfaces (in-band and side-band) to retrieve debugging information electronically, thereby maintaining system integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables creation of a virtual copy of the memory sub-system state through software-based debugging interfaces. Instead of physically accessing or destroying the hardware, the system creates a digital representation of the memory state and debugging information that can be analyzed without touching the physical components, preserving system integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If multiple interfaces are provided for debugging access, then ease of operation for debugging is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of debuggingVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the side-band interface to serve multiple functions: it provides debugging access, recovery operations, and system monitoring capabilities through a single unified interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each purpose, thereby managing complexity while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the debugging and recovery functionality into the existing side-band interface that is already present in the memory sub-system. Instead of adding completely separate interfaces, the invention combines multiple operational modes (debugging, recovery, monitoring) into a unified communication pathway, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250190304A1Debug and recovery operations for non-removable memory sub-systems

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A processing device in a host system detecting a failure of a memory sub-system coupled to the host system and collects debug information from the memory sub-system via a memory sub-system interface. Responsive to determining that the debug information is not sufficient to correct the failure of the memory sub-system, the processing device performing an authentication process to authenticate the system to the memory sub-system, collects enhanced debug information from the memory sub-system via the memory sub-system interface, and performs one or more corrective actions based on the enhanced debug information to correct the failure of the memory sub-system.