Local Backup Buffer for Non-Volatile Memory Page Data Recovery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-volatile memory systems face inefficiencies in programming data when there are failures, requiring re-transmission of data from the host and re-loading into buffers, which increases time and burden.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a local backup buffer system that stores successfully programmed data and automatically programs it to an alternate target page when subsequent data programming fails, reducing the need for re-loading and re-transmission from the host.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional non-volatile memory systems re-transmit data from host and re-load into buffers after programming failure, then data integrity is maintained, but time consumption and operational burden increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by backing up previously programmed data from the first target page to a backup buffer before attempting to program new data to the same target page. This pre-prepared backup data is immediately available for re-programming if the new data programming fails, eliminating the need to re-transmit data from the host system and significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional systems re-load data into write buffer and page buffer after programming failure, then programming can be retried, but operational complexity and burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational burdenVSAvoidprogramming efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the memory system to automatically retrieve and re-program backup data from the backup buffer when programming fails, without requiring external intervention from the host system. The system autonomously manages the re-programming process, reducing operational burden and simplifying the error recovery procedure while maintaining or improving programming efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a backup buffer is implemented to store previously programmed data, then re-programming efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvere-programming efficiencyVSAvoidbuffer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the memory system into distinct functional components: a primary data storage area, a dedicated backup buffer for previously programmed data, and a page buffer for current operations. This segmentation allows the backup buffer to be independently managed and accessed, enabling efficient re-programming operations without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as each segment performs a specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7873778B2Apparatus for storing page data

Publication Date: 2011.01.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of operating a non-volatile memory can include backing-up first data successfully programmed to a first target page of a non-volatile memory to provide local back-up data. A determination can be made that programming of second data to the first target page has failed and the local back-up data can be programmed to a second target page in a second block of the non-volatile memory.