Memory Sub-System Power Loss Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory sub-systems face data loss due to power loss during programming of memory cell portions, particularly when using capacitors to manage power loss, which increases hardware costs and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a memory sub-system that delays updates to cache memory and logical-to-physical mapping data structures until the entire wordline is programmed, allowing for data recovery from source blocks in case of power loss, eliminating the need for additional power-loss capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitors are used to manage power loss during programming, then data protection is improved, but hardware cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the capacitor component from the system entirely. Instead of using a capacitor to hold charge during programming operations, the system uses a different approach where programming is completed in a single operation without requiring intermediate power storage, thereby eliminating the hardware complexity and cost associated with capacitors while maintaining data protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical/electronic capacitor-based power loss protection mechanism with a control logic-based system. The memory controller manages the programming process to ensure completion without relying on physical energy storage components, substituting a mechanical/electrical system with a control system that achieves the same protective function
2Reliability
If capacitors are used to manage power loss during programming, then data protection is improved, but reliability reduces due to capacitor life cycle limitations
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the capacitor from the system architecture, the patent eliminates the reliability issues associated with capacitor degradation over time. The system achieves power loss protection without depending on components that have finite life cycles and deteriorate with use
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs programming operations in a manner that ensures completion before any potential power loss could occur. By structuring the programming process to be atomic (all-or-nothing), the system proactively prevents data corruption rather than relying on reactive protection mechanisms like capacitors that attempt to bridge power gaps
3Productivity
If data is written to destination block during garbage collection, then storage efficiency is improved, but data loss occurs if power is lost during programming
Solution Approach 1:
The system structures the programming operation to complete entirely before any data validation or subsequent operations occur. This preliminary completion approach ensures that once programming starts, it finishes atomically, preventing the data loss scenario where partial programming occurs before verification
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller implements monitoring and feedback mechanisms during the programming process to detect completion and potential errors. This feedback system allows the controller to verify successful programming and take corrective action if needed, maintaining data integrity while enabling efficient garbage collection operations
Data Source
AI summary
A media management operation is executed to write data from a source block of a cache memory to a set of pages of a destination block of a storage area of a memory sub-system. An entry of a data structure identifying a page count corresponding to the source block of the cache memory is generated. A power loss event associated with the destination block of the storage area is identified. A data recovery operation is executed using the data stored in the source block to complete the write to the destination block. The data is erased from the source block in response to the page count satisfying a condition.