Memory Array Power Cycling for Hang Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices often experience non-responsive memory dies, leading to memory hang conditions that result in data loss and require entire device replacement, as current designs rely on a single power supply for all memory dies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple memory die arrays with separate power supplies, allowing for individual array power cycling while maintaining power to operational arrays to resolve non-responsive die issues without requiring complete device replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single power supply is used for all memory dies, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates when a memory hang condition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply structure is segmented into multiple independent power supplies, each dedicated to a specific memory die array. This segmentation allows individual arrays to be power-cycled independently when a hang condition occurs, improving reliability without requiring complete device replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Each memory die array is assigned a dedicated power supply with localized control capabilities. This local quality enables the controller to selectively power-cycle only the affected array while maintaining power to other arrays, rather than affecting the entire device.
2Reliability
If power is cycled to all memory dies to resolve a hang condition, then the non-responsive die may be reset, but the entire memory device becomes non-operational during the reset process
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is divided into multiple independently powered arrays, allowing the controller to isolate and power-cycle only the non-responsive array while maintaining operational arrays online. This segmentation enables continued device functionality during recovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages power distribution to individual arrays based on their operational status. It can detect hang conditions and selectively apply power-cycling to specific arrays without affecting the entire device, enabling graceful recovery.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single power supply is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to perform selective array recovery is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent units, each associated with a specific memory die array. This segmentation provides selective recovery capability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through modular design patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power supply unit is designed with universal functionality to power its associated array, and the controller provides multi-functional management to coordinate power distribution across all arrays. This universality simplifies manufacturing while enabling selective recovery operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes a non-volatile memory device including a memory block having a number of arrays, a number of power regulators, and a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory device. The arrays include a number of memory devices. A first array is determined to be in a non-responsive condition and a power regulator supplying power to the first array is instructed to cycle power to the first array. After the power to the first array has been cycled, a determination is made as to whether the first array is in a responsive condition.