Dual Flash Memory Data Recovery for eMMC Booting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory used in eMMC booting systems is prone to damage during soldering, causing ISP codes and Info data sectors to be corrupted, which existing technologies fail to effectively protect and recover.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-flash memory system where ISP codes and Info data sectors are stored in multiple pages protected by Error Checking and Correcting (ECC), with a controller that checks for damage and recovers data by combining undamaged sectors from multiple flash memories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored in single flash memory, then device complexity is low, but data reliability is poor due to damage during soldering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores identical copies of critical data sectors (ISP codes and Info data) in multiple flash memory devices. When data is written to the first flash memory, the same data is simultaneously written to the second flash memory, creating redundant copies that can be used for recovery if one flash memory becomes damaged during soldering or other events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements protective measures before damage occurs by pre-storing redundant copies of data in multiple flash memory devices and establishing ECC protection mechanisms in advance. This allows the system to withstand soldering damage or other failures without losing critical data, as the redundant copies serve as a cushion against potential damage.
2Ease of repair
If ECC protection is implemented, then data recovery capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple data copying to multiple flash memory devices as the primary recovery mechanism. When damage is detected in one flash memory, the controller reads the corresponding data sector from the other flash memory, providing an straightforward recovery process that avoids complex error correction algorithms while maintaining high recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic self-diagnosis and self-recovery capabilities. The controller automatically detects damaged data sectors, identifies corresponding healthy copies in other flash memory devices, and performs recovery operations without external intervention. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for complex external error correction hardware.
3Reliability
If multiple flash memories are used for redundancy, then data loss risk is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard flash memory devices for creating redundant copies, using commercially available components rather than specialized high-cost memory devices. This approach achieves reliable data protection through software-controlled redundancy management while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes and component supply chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the flash memory devices serve multiple functions: primary data storage, redundant backup storage, and error detection. By implementing a unified controller that manages both flash memory devices with the same interface and protocols, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring specialized hardware for each function, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment provides an electronic device including a controller, a first flash memory and a second flash memory. The first flash memory stores a first data sector. The second flash memory stores a second data sector, wherein the first data sector and the second data sector are the same, and the first data is stored in a plurality of pages of the first flash memory and the second data is stored in a plurality of pages of the second flash memory. The controller produces a third data according to the first data sector and the second data sector when the controller determines that the first data sector stored in the first flash memory is damaged.