Memory Controller Shared Memory Dump for Power Failure Data Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In memory systems, sudden power-offs can result in data loss due to varying control core performance and potential malfunctions, where not all data is stored in nonvolatile memory devices before auxiliary power is turned off.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller with multiple control cores and a shared memory system that allocates write requests based on predefined criteria, stores dump information in shared memory during sudden power-offs, and ensures data from one control core is stored in its associated memory device, preventing data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple control cores are used to process write requests, then processing speed and productivity are improved, but data loss risk increases due to performance variations and potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The host core stores dump information including logical addresses of write requests in the shared memory before a sudden power-off occurs. This preliminary action ensures that even if control cores malfunction or performance varies, the information needed for data recovery is already prepared and stored in a safe location (shared memory), preventing data loss while maintaining high processing speed through multiple control cores
Solution Approach 2:
The shared memory acts as an intermediary between the host core and multiple control cores. It stores dump information that mediates the data flow and ensures reliability by providing a centralized storage location that all control cores can access. This intermediary mechanism allows multiple control cores to operate independently at high speed while the shared memory ensures data integrity by storing critical information that prevents data loss
2Reliability
If all data is stored in nonvolatile memory devices during auxiliary power supply, then data loss is prevented, but the time required for storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical dump information (logical addresses of write requests) and stores it in the shared memory, rather than storing all data in nonvolatile memory devices. This selective extraction approach prevents data loss by preserving the essential information needed for data recovery, while significantly reducing the time required compared to storing complete data sets in nonvolatile memory during auxiliary power supply
3Reliability
If dump information is stored in shared memory for all control cores, then data recovery capability is improved, but shared memory usage and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shared memory serves multiple functions: it stores dump information for all control cores, acts as a communication medium between the host core and control cores, and provides a recovery mechanism for data loss prevention. This multi-functionality improves data recovery capability across all control cores while avoiding the need for separate storage mechanisms for each core, thereby not increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein may be a memory controller and a method of operating the same. The memory controller may include a plurality of control cores configured to control a plurality of memory devices, respectively, a host core configured to allocate write requests received from a host to each of the plurality of control cores based on predefined criteria, and a shared memory configured to be accessed by the host core and the plurality of control cores, wherein, in response to occurrence of a sudden power-off, the host core is further configured to store, in the shared memory, dump information including information about logical addresses corresponding to the write requests, and wherein a first control core is further configured to store, in a memory device controlled by the first control core, the dump information of a second control core associated with the first control core.