Memory Device Last Written Page Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face challenges in quickly retrieving last written page information after a power loss event, leading to increased time-to-ready (TTR) and input/output (I/O) traffic due to the need for the system controller to perform extensive searches across memory blocks during power-up.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where memory devices perform their own last written page searches in response to a command from the system controller, reducing the need for multiple read commands and subsequent responses, thereby minimizing I/O traffic and accelerating the recovery process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system controller performs extensive searches across memory blocks during power-up to retrieve last written page information, then the information can be recovered, but the time-to-ready (TTR) increases and system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having memory devices maintain and update last written page information continuously during normal operation, so that when power is restored after an async reset, the information is already available or can be quickly retrieved from the most recent valid location, avoiding extensive searches during power-up
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the search task by having each memory device independently track its own last written page information rather than requiring the system controller to search through all memory blocks. This division of labor allows parallel processing and reduces the centralized search burden on the system controller
2Reliability
If the system controller performs extensive searches across memory blocks during power-up, then last written page information can be retrieved, but I/O traffic increases and communication channels become congested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling memory devices to autonomously determine and report their own last written page information to the system controller, rather than requiring the controller to query each memory block individually. This reduces I/O traffic as memory devices perform the search operation locally using their own internal state
3Reliability
If the system controller performs extensive searches across memory blocks during power-up, then last written page information can be retrieved, but the complexity of the control process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing autonomous last written page tracking logic within each memory device, eliminating the need for complex controller algorithms to manage the search process. The controller simply issues a command and receives the result, significantly simplifying the control flow and reducing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An example method of the present disclosure includes, responsive to a loss of last written page information by a memory system, initiating a last written page search to determine last written page information of a memory device, where the last written page search is initiated via a command from a controller of the memory system to the memory device, responsive to receiving the command, performing the last written page search on the memory device, and providing the last written page information to the controller.