Memory Sub-System Shutdown Signature Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory sub-systems face challenges in determining the completion status of routines during a power-off sequence, leading to potential data loss and device functionality issues, especially in scenarios where debugging tools are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a memory sub-system signature generating component that writes shutdown signatures to a media associated with the memory device upon completion of each routine, allowing for analysis to determine which routines have completed or failed, thereby reducing the need for debugging tools and facilitating remote assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a memory sub-system executes routines during a power-off sequence without writing completion status, then the power-off sequence can complete quickly, but the system cannot determine which routines completed successfully, leading to potential data loss and functionality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by writing shutdown signatures to non-volatile memory during the power-off sequence itself. Each routine that completes successfully writes its signature before the system shuts down completely. This allows the memory sub-system to preserve completion status information without requiring post-power-on analysis or external debugging tools, thereby determining routine completion status reliably while minimizing time loss.
2Device complexity
If the memory sub-system uses existing non-volatile memory for storage, then the structure remains simple, but the system cannot store shutdown signatures without additional memory space and write operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing non-volatile memory serve multiple functions: it continues to store normal data while simultaneously serving as the storage medium for shutdown signatures. The memory sub-system leverages the existing memory infrastructure rather than adding separate dedicated storage, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while enabling shutdown signature storage through multi-functional use of available memory resources.
3Ease of operation
If the memory sub-system writes shutdown signatures to media, then remote analysis becomes possible, but additional write operations are required during the power-off sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The memory sub-system performs self-service by autonomously writing shutdown signatures during the power-off sequence without requiring external intervention or debugging tools. The system self-determines which routines completed successfully and self-records this information in non-volatile memory. This self-service capability enables remote analysis while the write operations are performed efficiently during the power-off sequence, minimizing impact on overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving signaling indicative of performance of a shutdown operation involving a memory device to a controller resident on the memory device; initiating a power off sequence in response to the received signaling, wherein the power off sequence includes execution of instructions corresponding to a plurality of routines; and writing data comprising respective shutdown signatures associated with execution of the plurality of routines to a media associated with the memory device upon completion of each of one or more of the plurality of routines, wherein the media is bit-addressable or byte-addressable.