Memory Controller Preemptive Writes for Capacitor-Limited Power-Down
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Solution Overview
Problem
During abnormal or sudden power-down scenarios in memory apparatuses, the insufficient discharge capability of on-board capacitors can lead to data loss in volatile memories, as the capacitors' capacitance loss over time reduces their discharge capability, limiting the power available to write data to non-volatile memory devices.
Innovation Solution
A memory system and operation method that include a memory controller configured to write data into a non-volatile memory device when the predictive power supply duration of the power supply circuit is less than the predictive writing duration, thereby mitigating the risk of data loss during power-down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capacitor discharge capability is relied upon to write data to non-volatile memory during power-down, then data protection is achieved, but data loss occurs when capacitor capacitance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller proactively predicts the discharge duration of the capacitor and preemptively triggers data writing to non-volatile memory before the capacitor fully discharges. This preliminary action ensures that data is safely stored even when capacitor capacitance is insufficient, resolving the contradiction between relying on capacitor discharge for data protection and experiencing data loss when capacitance is inadequate.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller continuously monitors the discharge status of the capacitor and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the data writing timing. By comparing the actual discharge duration with the predicted duration, the system can reliably determine when to initiate data writing, ensuring data protection while minimizing data loss risks associated with insufficient capacitor capacitance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the memory controller waits for the capacitor to fully discharge before writing data, then complete power-down is achieved, but data loss occurs due to insufficient discharge capability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of waiting for the capacitor to fully discharge, the memory controller predicts the discharge duration and initiates data writing before the discharge completes. This preliminary action ensures data is safely stored in non-volatile memory while the capacitor is still providing power, thereby preventing data loss without requiring complete power-down stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller dynamically adjusts the data writing timing based on the real-time discharge status of the capacitor. Rather than using a fixed wait-for-full-discharge approach, the system adapts its behavior to the actual discharge characteristics, enabling data protection even when the capacitor cannot provide sufficient discharge capability for complete power-down.
3Reliability
If the memory controller proactively writes data before power supply ends, then data loss is prevented, but additional control logic is required
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller uses feedback from the capacitor discharge status to automatically determine when data writing should be initiated. By continuously monitoring the discharge progress and comparing it with predicted discharge duration, the system can reliably trigger data writing at the appropriate moment, ensuring data reliability while keeping the control logic manageable through feedback-based decision making.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces the risk of data loss in volatile memories by proactively writing data to non-volatile memory devices when the power supply duration is insufficient, ensuring data reliability even with reduced capacitor discharge capability.
Implementation Method 1
data stored in a volatile memory of the memory apparatus will be written into a non-volatile memory device by virtue of discharge of an on-board capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present application provide a memory system and an operation method thereof. The memory system includes: a non-volatile memory device; a power supply circuit coupled with the non-volatile memory device and configured to provide power after power-down occurs; and a memory controller coupled with the non-volatile memory device and the power supply circuit and configured to: write data into the non-volatile memory device in response to a current predictive power supply duration of the power supply circuit being less than a predictive writing duration of writing the data into the non-volatile memory device, wherein the data includes data to be written into the non-volatile memory device after the power-down occurs and before power supply of the power supply circuit ends.