Memory Controller Data Dumping During Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-stream environments of flash memory systems, the increasing amount of data buffered in write buffers poses a risk of data loss during dumping, necessitating improved methods to enhance the reliability of memory systems.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that includes a memory storage device with a memory controller and a non-volatile memory, which utilizes a buffer memory to store data and a capacitor to ensure data dumping during system shutdown, thereby preventing data loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data is buffered in write buffer to handle multi-stream environment, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of data loss during dumping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata buffering capabilityVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting shutdown conditions before actual power loss occurs. The memory controller monitors for shutdown signals and initiates data dumping operations from the write buffer to non-volatile memory while power is still available, ensuring data is preserved before the buffering system becomes vulnerable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The memory controller acts as an intermediary between the write buffer and non-volatile memory. It manages the data flow and coordinates the dumping operation, bridging the gap between the volatile buffer that needs to be emptied and the non-volatile storage that needs to receive the data, especially during critical shutdown transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the amount of buffered data increases, then productivity is improved, but loss of information increases during unexpected shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata buffering capacityVSAvoidbuffered data loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the memory controller continuously monitors the state of the write buffer and detects shutdown conditions. This feedback loop enables the controller to initiate data dumping operations in response to detected shutdown signals, ensuring that buffered data is preserved based on real-time system state information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary data dumping actions when shutdown conditions are detected, before the actual power loss occurs. This allows the memory controller to transfer data from the write buffer to non-volatile memory while power is still available, preventing information loss that would otherwise occur with larger buffered amounts during unexpected shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution effectively enhances the reliability of memory systems by ensuring data integrity during system shutdowns, even in multi-stream environments, by efficiently dumping data from the buffer memory to the non-volatile memory.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitor to ensure data dumping during system shutdown

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4053692B1Memory storage device, method for operating the storage device and method for operating a host device
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4053692B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4053692B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4053692B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A memory storage device is capable of improving reliability of a memory system. The memory storage device comprises a memory controller, and a non-volatile memory connected to the memory controller. A method includes receiving, by the memory controller, a command from a host device, the command requesting lost LBA (logical block address) information resulting from a system shutdown of the memory storage device, in response to the command, providing, by the memory controller, the lost LBA information , and receiving, by the memory controller, recovered data corresponding to the lost LBA information, wherein the lost LBA information includes at least one of the number of LBAs lost by system shutdown, an LBA list lost by system shutdown, and deletion of a previous LBA list lost by system shutdown.