Memory Block Data Destruction via Intensified Voltage Erasure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices with failing blocks, indicated by a failed erase status, still allow data recovery due to incomplete erasure, posing security risks and inefficiencies in handling such blocks.
Innovation Solution
A data destruction component applies a programming signal with intensified voltage to corrupt data beyond readable thresholds, ensuring data unrecoverability, and verifies destruction through logical bit counts or ECC checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a standard erase operation is performed on a memory block, then the erase operation completes quickly, but data may remain recoverable due to incomplete erasure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an initial standard erase operation before applying the intensified programming signal. This preliminary erase attempts to clear data normally first, and only if that proves insufficient (detected via read attempts), does the system proceed to the more aggressive data destruction method, thus maintaining efficiency while ensuring completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the programming signal from standard levels to intensified levels that exceed maximum readable thresholds. This parameter change transforms the erase operation from a standard electrical clearing process to an aggressive corruption process that renders data permanently unrecoverable by pushing threshold voltages beyond detectable ranges
2Reliability
If an intensified programming signal is applied to destroy data, then data becomes unrecoverable, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by reading data from the memory block after the intensified programming signal is applied and determining whether the data appears corrupted. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify data destruction effectiveness and stop the process early if destruction is already complete, preventing unnecessary time consumption while ensuring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using the intensified programming signal only on memory blocks that require additional data destruction, rather than applying it universally to all blocks. The system selectively intensifies the operation only where needed based on read verification results, reducing overall time loss while maintaining complete data destruction where required
3Reliability
If data destruction verification is performed, then security is enhanced, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the memory sub-system perform its own data destruction verification internally without requiring external host system intervention. The controller reads and evaluates the corrupted data itself, generating status indicators that report back to the host, thus enhancing security while minimizing added complexity to the external interface
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures data security by rendering data irrecoverable on failing blocks and improves handling of memory devices by confirming complete data destruction, enhancing security and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a programming signal with intensified voltage to corrupt data beyond readable thresholds
Data Source
AI summary
A failed erase operation is detected at a memory block of a memory device. Based on detecting the failed erase operation at the memory block, data on the memory block is destroyed using a data destruction algorithm that corrupts data stored by one or more cells of the block. The data on the memory block is verified to be destroyed. A passing data destruction status for the memory block is provided based on verifying the data on the memory block is destroyed.