Dual Non-Volatile Memory Backup for Sudden Power-Off Data Dump

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Solution Overview

Problem

In sudden power-off situations, user data stored in volatile memory devices is at risk of loss due to the lack of effective data protection, leading to potential data loss and increased capacitor capacity requirements for backup, which hinders the development of compact and cost-effective memory systems.

Innovation Solution

A memory system utilizing a first non-volatile memory device with faster write speed and smaller capacity, along with a second non-volatile memory device, to efficiently data-dump user data during power-off, reducing backup time and power consumption, thereby allowing for a smaller form factor and lower production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single non-volatile memory device is used for data backup during power-off, then data protection is provided, but backup time increases and write speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidbackup speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the backup function into two segments: a first non-volatile memory device for rapid data-dump during power-off events, and a second non-volatile memory device for stable long-term storage. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between backup speed and data protection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a single non-volatile memory device is used for data backup, then data protection is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage system into two specialized memory devices: the first non-volatile memory device optimized for low-power rapid writing during power-off events, and the second non-volatile memory device for stable archival storage. This segmentation reduces overall power consumption by matching each device's characteristics to its operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a single non-volatile memory device is used for backup, then data protection is provided, but device capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidmemory capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the memory capacity into two portions: the first non-volatile memory device with smaller capacity for emergency data-dump, and the second non-volatile memory device with larger capacity for complete data archival. This segmentation optimizes total capacity utilization and reduces the burden on any single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a single non-volatile memory device is used for backup, then data protection is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory system into two distinct non-volatile memory devices with different characteristics, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function. This segmentation simplifies the control logic compared to using a single device, as each device can operate independently according to its optimized parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12530128B2Memory system for backing up data in case of sudden power-off and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.01.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12530128B2 patent drawing
  • US12530128B2 patent drawing
  • US12530128B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory system includes a first non-volatile memory device, a second non-volatile memory device, at least one volatile memory device configured to store user data or a map table, and a memory controller configured to data-dump the user data from the at least one volatile memory device to the first non-volatile memory device when a sudden power-off occurs. The first non-volatile memory device has a faster speed at which data is written than the second non-volatile memory device and has a smaller capacity than the second non-volatile memory device.