Memory Controller Debug Capture for Incomplete Shutdowns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems lack an effective mechanism to diagnose and debug incomplete shutdowns in memory sub-systems, particularly in NAND flash memory devices, due to the intricate nature of NAND operations, interdependencies between processes, and external environmental factors, making it challenging to determine the cause of power loss-induced issues.
Innovation Solution
A memory sub-system controller equipped with a capacitor to provide temporary power during a power loss event, allowing retrieval and storage of debugging fields in a programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) to facilitate debugging of incomplete shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If conventional systems are used without additional power delivery mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to debug incomplete shutdowns is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing debugging information in EEPROM memory before the capacitor completely discharges. This ensures that diagnostic data is preserved even though power is lost, allowing post-event analysis without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor serves as an intermediary energy storage device that bridges the gap between power loss and data capture completion. It provides temporary power to the controller, enabling the debugging information to be retrieved and stored in non-volatile memory without requiring continuous external power supply.
2Loss of information
If debugging information is captured after power loss, then diagnostic capability is improved, but time for data retrieval is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the critical action of storing debugging information in non-volatile EEPROM memory before the capacitor fully discharges. This preliminary data preservation ensures that diagnostic information is retained even though the power source is lost, eliminating the need for complex real-time monitoring and reducing subsequent retrieval time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal resources (capacitor and EEPROM memory) to capture and preserve debugging information autonomously after power loss. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain diagnostic functionality without requiring external intervention or additional complex infrastructure.
3Ease of repair
If a capacitor is added to provide temporary power, then debugging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy buffer between the power source and the memory sub-system. It provides temporary power delivery to enable the controller to retrieve and store debugging information in EEPROM after power loss, enhancing diagnostic capability without requiring complex continuous power supply systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is designed as a simple, inexpensive energy storage component that temporarily holds charge long enough to enable debugging data capture. After serving its purpose of powering the data retrieval process, it naturally discharges without requiring complex management or recovery systems, keeping the overall device complexity low.
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
Enables effective debugging of incomplete shutdowns by capturing and storing debugging information, improving future operations and maintenance of memory sub-systems by identifying the reasons for power loss events.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitor can be coupled to at least one processing device and configured to deliver power to the memory sub-system when one or more power sources stop delivering power
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure configures a memory sub-system controller to enable debugging incomplete shutdown of a memory sub-system. The controller detects a power-loss event associated with incomplete shutdown of the memory sub-system. The controller, in response to detecting the power-loss event associated with the memory sub-system, retrieves a subset of debugging fields. The controller stores the subset of debugging fields in a reprogrammable read-only memory associated with the memory sub-system.