Memory Controller Resume Management via Retention Region ISP Loader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices with MLC flash memory face instability issues and performance degradation due to the need to reload complex program codes when waking up from power-saving mode, leading to temporary unresponsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a boot loader to load In-System Programming (ISP) codes into RAM, store a resume ISP loader in a retention region for sleeping mode, and execute specific ISP codes upon wake-up events to ensure real-time response and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the memory device enters power saving mode to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the memory device temporarily has no response when accessed, degrading overall performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the ISP loader and critical ISP codes into the retention region before entering sleeping mode. This ensures that when the memory device needs to wake up, the necessary code is already in place and can be executed immediately without reloading, thus maintaining fast response speed while still achieving power saving.
2Reliability
If the memory device reloads huge and complicated program codes when accessed after power saving mode, then the memory device can restore full functionality, but the memory device temporarily has no response, degrading overall performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ISP codes into two parts: a lightweight ISP loader that is retained in the retention region, and the full ISP codes that are loaded only when needed. This segmentation allows the memory device to restore functionality quickly by executing the retained loader rather than reloading the entire code base, thus reducing wake-up time while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential functionality into a separate ISP loader that is stored in the retention region. This extracted loader contains only the necessary code to initiate operations, separating the critical wake-up path from the full functionality, allowing rapid restoration without time loss.
3Quantity of substance
If the memory device uses MLC flash memory to achieve larger capacity and lower cost, then storage capacity increases and cost decreases, but the memory device has instability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing code loading and initialization operations before entering sleeping mode, ensuring that the MLC flash memory is properly configured and stabilized. This preliminary setup helps mitigate instability issues by ensuring all necessary code is in place before power is reduced, allowing the MLC flash memory to operate reliably despite its inherent instability characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing resuming management are provided. The method includes: utilizing a boot loader to load a group of In-System Programming (ISP) codes; storing information to be retained, including a resume ISP loader, into a retention region of a RAM, for being retained during sleeping; determining whether to start sleeping, and generating a determining result; in response to the determining result, controlling the memory device to start sleeping; after starting sleeping, determining whether a wake-up event occurs; after the wake-up event occurs, executing a first ISP code within the group of ISP codes to start performing a first operation; and executing the resume ISP loader to load other ISP codes within the group of ISP codes.