Memory Controller Power Loss Protection via Host Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for inexpensive systems to effectively use backup capacitors for power loss protection in solid state drives (SSDs) to prevent data loss during power outages.
Innovation Solution
A memory system is designed with a controller that initiates a non-volatilization process to store data from volatile memory to nonvolatile memory upon detecting a power loss, eliminating the need for a backup capacitor by using power from a battery until the data is safely stored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup capacitor is included in the SSD to protect against power loss, then data integrity during power outages is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backup capacitor component from the SSD system entirely. Instead of including a backup capacitor within the SSD, the system uses the host device's existing power management infrastructure (battery and power control) to achieve the same power loss protection function, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware components in the SSD.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the host device's power management system serve multiple functions: it not only powers the normal operation of the SSD but also provides power loss protection during write operations. The battery and power control circuitry that already exist in the host device are utilized for dual purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated backup power components in the SSD.
2Reliability
If a backup capacitor is included in the SSD for power loss protection, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the backup capacitor component from the SSD bill of materials. By extracting this component and relocating the power loss protection function to the host device's existing power management system, the manufacturing cost of the SSD is reduced without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device's power management system serves itself by simultaneously handling both normal power supply and emergency power loss protection. The existing battery and power control circuitry in the host device are made to serve dual functions, eliminating the need for separate backup power components and reducing overall system cost.
3Reliability
If the cancelable period for initiate requests is extended to ensure data safety, then reliability is improved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the host device to issue an initiate request before power loss occurs. This trigger mechanism allows the system to proactively start the power loss protection process (flushing data from volatile to non-volatile memory) before actual power failure happens, ensuring data safety while maintaining controlled timing through the cancelable period mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through the cancelable period, which allows the initiate request to be canceled if not confirmed within a specified time window. This dynamic mechanism adapts to different operational conditions: if power loss is imminent, the protection process completes; if it's a false alarm or delayed response, the request can be canceled, thus balancing reliability with response time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, and a controller. The controller is configured to execute a non-volatilization process to store data in the volatile memory into the nonvolatile memory in response to an initiate request received by the controller if no cancellation request is received by the controller during a cancelable period that begins upon receipt of the initiate request by the controller, and to transmit a completion notification when the non-volatilization process has completed.