Memory Controller Partitioning for Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory card specifications do not support partitioning, leading to higher risks of data corruption during power interruptions and lower data security due to the lack of control over internal functionalities like wear leveling and garbage collection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a memory card or module with a memory controller and interface that allows for configurable and controllable partitions, including size, access types, and wear leveling information, to reduce data corruption and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory cards use a single partition without partitioning support, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but data security is poor and reliability is reduced due to higher risk of data corruption during power interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The memory card's address space is divided into multiple partitions (first partition and second partition) with distinct functions. The first partition stores data to be erased and the second partition stores erased data, creating spatial segmentation that prevents data corruption during power interruptions by isolating erase operations from user data access.
Solution Approach 2:
A partitioning control unit is introduced as an intermediary component that manages the division and control of memory partitions. This unit receives partitioning control signals and configures the memory device accordingly, providing a controlled interface between the host and the partitioned memory structure without requiring changes to the host system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If memory cards implement partitioning with separate read-only and read-write partitions, then data consistency and security are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional partition management functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
Different partitions are assigned different access characteristics and functions. The first partition is configured for read-write operations to store data pending erasure, while the second partition is configured for read-only access to preserve erased data. This local differentiation of access rights and purposes ensures data consistency within each partition while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory card pre-configures multiple partitions with designated functions before data operations begin. The partitioning structure is established in advance, with the first partition ready to receive data and the second partition ready to store erased data, preventing data corruption by ensuring proper data placement before operations occur.
3Reliability
If memory cards support configurable partitions with wear leveling information, then the reliability and usability are enhanced, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional configuration parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning control unit automatically manages partition configuration and wear leveling based on received control signals. Once the host initiates partitioning control, the control unit handles the detailed configuration, partition management, and wear leveling operations autonomously, reducing the operational burden on the host while ensuring reliable wear distribution across partitions.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for implementing partitioning in memory cards and modules where conventional memory cards or modules have only a single partition. A representative memory card/module in accordance with the invention includes a memory device(s), and a memory interface which includes a data bus, a command line and a clock line. The memory card/module further includes a memory controller coupled to the memory device(s) and to the memory interface. The memory card/module includes means for controlling the partitioning of the memory device(s), and the memory controller is configured to operate the memory device(s) in accordance with the partition information.