Memory Device Control Unit for Fast Operation Mode Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory devices face delays in changing operation modes due to the time required for data transfer between volatile and non-volatile memory during power shutdown, leading to restricted operation mode changes and poor reaction times in information-processing systems.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with a control unit that proactively transfers and restores data between a host device and volatile storage, using Unified Memory Architecture to store and retrieve saved data efficiently, allowing for faster mode changes by leveraging non-volatile storage and communication standards like UFS and MPHY.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is transferred from volatile memory to non-volatile memory upon power shutdown, then data is preserved, but preparation time for changing operation mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transferring data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory in advance before power shutdown occurs. The control unit monitors power supply state and proactively initiates data transfer to preserve data, eliminating the need for time-consuming data transfer during critical mode change operations afterward.
2Reliability
If operation mode changes are restricted to ensure data transfer completion, then data integrity is maintained, but response time of information-processing device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs data transfer from volatile to non-volatile memory in advance before mode change operations are needed. This preliminary data preservation allows the system to change operation modes quickly without waiting for data transfer completion, thereby improving response time while maintaining data integrity through proactive data saving.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the power supply state and triggers data transfer based on this feedback. By detecting power shutdown conditions and initiating data preservation accordingly, the system ensures data integrity is maintained without unnecessarily delaying mode change operations, thus optimizing both reliability and response time.
3Reliability
If data transfer is performed every time mode changes, then data is kept up-to-date, but time required for mode change increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data transfer from volatile to non-volatile memory in advance before power shutdown, rather than waiting for mode change requests. This preliminary data preservation ensures data is kept up-to-date while eliminating the time delay that would otherwise occur during mode change operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit autonomously monitors power supply state and initiates data transfer without external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures data is preserved automatically when needed, maintaining data freshness without requiring manual triggers or adding overhead to mode change operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device according to an embodiment includes a non-volatile storage device, a volatile storage device that stores saved data which is saved in the host-side storage device when a first operation mode changing process is executed by the memory device, and a control unit. The control unit transmits, to the host device, a write command that is an instruction to write the saved data to the host-side storage device and the saved data, when the first operation mode changing process is executed by the memory device.