Data Storage Device Booting from Host System Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices, such as solid state drives and disk drives, become unbootable when system data in non-volatile memory becomes corrupted or unrecoverable due to defects or programming errors, hindering their operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism where the data storage device can receive system data from a host during boot operations, using a semiconductor memory to store and read this data, and employing a watchdog timer to detect hangs and request system data from the host instead of attempting to read from potentially corrupted non-volatile memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the data storage device reads system data from non-volatile memory during boot, then the device can operate independently, but the device becomes unbootable when system data is corrupted or unrecoverable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a host computer as an intermediary to provide system data to the data storage device during boot operations. When the device detects corrupted or unrecoverable system data in its non-volatile memory, it can request and load fresh system data from the host computer, enabling the device to continue operating despite memory corruption issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary detection of system data integrity during the boot process. The device checks whether system data in non-volatile memory is recoverable before attempting to use it, and proactively seeks alternative sources (host computer) when corruption is detected, preventing boot failures.
2Productivity
If the data storage device attempts to read system data from non-volatile memory, then normal boot operation is maintained, but the device hangs when system data is corrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the data storage device continuously monitors the integrity of system data in non-volatile memory during boot operations. When corruption is detected, the device receives feedback and switches to an alternative boot method by loading system data from the host computer, thereby avoiding infinite loops and hangs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the boot process dynamic by allowing the device to adapt its boot method based on real-time conditions. The device can switch between reading system data from non-volatile memory (normal mode) and from the host computer (recovery mode), optimizing boot time based on data integrity status.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the data storage device uses non-volatile memory for system data storage, then data persistence is achieved, but the device becomes unbootable when memory segments are defective or corrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different storage locations differently: non-volatile memory is used for normal data persistence, but a separate mechanism (host computer connection) is activated when specific regions of non-volatile memory are corrupted. This allows the system to maintain persistence through non-volatile memory while having a targeted recovery path for corrupted segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device (DSD) is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory (NVM) operable to store system data for accessing the NVM, and a semiconductor memory. Whether to receive the system data from a host is determined prior to attempting to read the system data from the NVM. When the system data is received from the host, the received system data is stored in the semiconductor memory. A command is received from the host to boot the DSD, and the system data is read from the semiconductor memory to boot the DSD.