Memory Controller Backup Mapping for Radiation-Induced Transient Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices in low orbit zones face significant radiation from cosmic rays, leading to transient errors that can disrupt memory systems and affect the reliability and functionality of electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a nonvolatile memory chip and controller that stores duplicate information of address translation and management information in a second storage unit, allowing it to be exhibited in a first storage unit when transient errors are detected, thereby maintaining system integrity and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If general-purpose electronic components are used in low orbit zones, then component costs are reduced, but transient errors caused by cosmic ray radiation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing duplicate information (address translation information and management information) in advance in a second storage unit before transient errors occur. When transient errors are detected in the first storage unit, the system can immediately switch to the pre-stored duplicate information, eliminating the need for real-time error correction and ensuring continuous reliable operation with cost-effective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by creating a duplicate copy of the critical information stored in the first storage unit and placing it in the second storage unit. This copy serves as a backup that can be activated when transient errors affect the original, allowing the system to maintain reliability without using expensive radiation-hardened components.
2Reliability
If duplicate information is stored in the second storage unit, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the storage function into two distinct storage units: a first storage unit for primary information storage and a second storage unit for duplicate information storage. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while keeping each storage unit's structure simple and manageable, avoiding the complexity of a single unified system with built-in redundancy mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a memory system and an information processing system in which measures against transient errors are implemented. In one example, a memory system includes: a nonvolatile memory chip; and a controller that controls the nonvolatile memory chip. The nonvolatile memory chip has a first storage unit that stores address translation information for translating a logical address into a physical address and management information for the controller managing the nonvolatile memory chip, and a second storage unit that stores, for every first cycle, duplicate information of the address translation information and the management information stored in the first storage unit, and the controller controls whether or not to cause the duplicate information stored in the second storage unit to be exhibited in the first storage unit.