Memory Controller Log Data Recording for Failure Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As the complexity of memory systems increases due to improved controller performance, the man-hours required for failure analysis also increase, and acquiring useful information for analysis becomes a challenge.
Innovation Solution
A memory system that includes a non-volatile memory and a controller capable of writing log data, which includes a history of commands for controlling the memory system, to a first memory, facilitating failure analysis by providing detailed operational history.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If controller performance is improved to handle increased non-volatile memory capacity, then memory system performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by proactively detecting potential failure conditions and writing diagnostic information to non-volatile memory before actual failures occur. This includes monitoring operational parameters, detecting abnormal states, and storing diagnostic data in advance, enabling faster failure analysis without requiring complex real-time analysis systems.
2Productivity
If device complexity increases due to improved controller performance, then memory system capability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic system that mediates between the complex controller operations and the simple failure analysis requirements. The controller includes a diagnostic information detection unit and a writing unit that automatically capture and store operational status, error conditions, and diagnostic data in non-volatile memory, serving as an intermediary that simplifies the failure analysis process without reducing controller capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device complexity increases, then functionality is improved, but loss of time in failure analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary diagnostic actions by continuously monitoring operational parameters and pre-storing diagnostic information in non-volatile memory before failures occur. This includes recording command histories, status information, and error conditions in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-failure diagnostics and enabling rapid failure analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors its own operational status and automatically writes diagnostic information to non-volatile memory when abnormal conditions are detected. This self-monitoring and self-diagnostic feedback system provides immediate failure information without requiring external analysis tools, reducing failure analysis time while maintaining enhanced controller functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a non-volatile memory and a controller that includes a first memory and is configured to write log data to the first memory, including a history of commands for controlling the memory system. An information processing system includes the memory system and an information processing device configured to store an expected value and to transmit a signal that instructs the memory system to stop when a value of the log data transmitted from the memory system does not match the expected value. The expected value and the transmitted value are determined based on the log data of the memory system.