Memory Controller Defect Repair via Revival Firmware

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage devices, such as solid state drives, face progressive defects in their memories due to various reasons, leading to potential failure and the need for replacement, which is costly and inconvenient, especially in data centers where security and reliability are critical.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a memory controller that detects progressive defects in non-volatile and volatile memories and performs repair operations using memory revival firmware, allowing the defective memory to be regenerated and reused, thereby extending the device's lifespan without replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If memory revival firmware is executed to repair defective memory, then the reliability and lifespan of the storage device is improved, but the device complexity and operation time increase due to entering test mode and executing firmware

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory reliabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of progressive defects during normal operation and prepares for repair by entering test mode and loading memory revival firmware before the memory becomes completely unusable. This preliminary action allows the memory to be repaired in-place, avoiding the need for replacement and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If progressive defects are detected and repair operations are performed, then the need for memory replacement is reduced, but the operation time increases due to detection and firmware execution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage device lifespanVSAvoiddetection and repair time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device performs self-diagnosis by detecting progressive defects in its own memory and executes self-repair by running memory revival firmware in test mode. This self-service capability extends the device lifespan without requiring external intervention or replacement, and the repair process is integrated into the device's normal operation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If memory revival firmware is used to regenerate defective memory, then the cost of replacement is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for the repair process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance costVSAvoidrepair precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The memory revival firmware changes the operational parameters of the defective memory by executing specific test patterns and repair algorithms in test mode. This parameter change approach allows the memory to be regenerated and reused without physical replacement, reducing maintenance costs while requiring precise control of the repair process parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11380418B2Memory controllers, storage devices, and operating methods of the storage devices

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A storage device includes a non-volatile memory; a volatile memory; and a memory controller configured to control the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory. The memory controller is configured to, in response to a determination that a progressive defect has occurred in at least one memory of the non-volatile memory or the volatile memory during an operation of the storage device, such that the at least one memory is determined to be a defective memory, perform a repair operation on the defective memory based on executing a memory revival firmware.