Memory Controller Auxiliary Power Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor memory systems do not efficiently utilize the auxiliary power source during normal or sudden power-offs, leading to suboptimal energy usage and operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A memory system and method that activates an auxiliary power source during power-offs, checks for uncompleted operations, and performs data verification and error detection using residual energy, storing results when sufficient energy is available, thereby optimizing energy use and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auxiliary power source is activated during NPO or SPO to complete uncompleted operations, then operational reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively activating the auxiliary power source only when necessary (during NPO or SPO events) rather than continuously. The memory controller checks for uncompleted operations and only initiates completion processes when the auxiliary power source is actually needed, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reliability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of the auxiliary power source from inactive to active based on detected power-off conditions. By monitoring power status and transitioning the auxiliary power source state dynamically, the system achieves reliability improvement only when the parameter change (activation) is actually beneficial, thereby managing energy consumption effectively
2Ease of manufacture
If the auxiliary power source is used only for PLP dump operation, then the function is simple to implement, but energy utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the auxiliary power source multi-functional by enabling it to perform not only the PLP dump operation but also data verify operations on predetermined memory areas. The memory controller is configured to execute multiple types of operations (data completion, verification, error detection) using the same auxiliary power source, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency without significantly increasing implementation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using the auxiliary power source's residual energy to automatically execute data verify operations after completing the PLP dump operation. The memory controller autonomously determines whether residual energy suffices for additional verification operations and executes them accordingly, maximizing energy utilization without requiring external intervention or complex additional circuitry
3Reliability
If data verify operation is performed when residual energy exceeds threshold, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a predetermined energy threshold before the auxiliary power source is activated. This threshold is set in advance to determine whether residual energy will be sufficient for data verify operations, allowing the memory controller to make simple binary decisions (perform verification or not) without complex real-time calculations, thus improving reliability while minimizing control logic complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent treats the residual energy in the auxiliary power source as a disposable resource with limited value. By setting a simple energy threshold and performing data verify operations only when residual energy exceeds this threshold, the system uses a straightforward, low-complexity control mechanism that accepts some energy waste (when residual energy is insufficient) in exchange for maintaining simple device architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a memory device, a memory controller configured to control the memory device, and an auxiliary power source configured to supply power to the memory device and the memory controller. The memory controller activates the auxiliary power source in response to the occurrence an NPO (normal power-off) or an SPO (sudden power-off), checks whether there exists an uncompleted operation at a point of time at which the auxiliary power source is activated, and completes the uncompleted operation, and when an amount of residual energy of the auxiliary power source after completing the uncompleted operation exceeds a predetermined threshold value, performs a data verify operation for a predetermined area in the memory device and stores a result of the data verify operation in the memory device.