MRAM Journal for MLC Flash Data Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-Level Cell (MLC) flash memory devices face data loss and corruption issues due to power failures during write operations, as they require a preceding erase operation and have unpredictable completion times with capacitive power solutions, leading to inadequate power supply.
Innovation Solution
A flash memory system incorporating a Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM) journal that temporarily stores data from a complementary page, allowing for restoration in case of errors or power loss, ensuring data integrity by using a non-volatile memory that does not rely on a power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitive devices are used to supply power during write operations, then the write operation may be completed, but the completion time is unpredictable and power supply may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reads and stores the complementary page data in the MRAM journal before the actual write operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that if power is lost during the write, the complementary page can be restored from the journal, making the write operation reliable without requiring extended capacitive power supply.
2Productivity
If data is erased before write operation in flash memory, then write operation can proceed, but data loss occurs if power failure occurs before data is restored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a journaling mechanism that creates a protective copy of the complementary page data in non-volatile MRAM before the erase-write operation begins. This cushioning mechanism ensures that even if power fails during the operation, the original data can be restored, preventing data loss while maintaining fast write performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The MRAM journal acts as an intermediary between the flash memory and the host system. It temporarily holds copies of complementary page data, allowing the flash memory to perform fast erase-write operations while the journal protects against data loss. This intermediary layer decouples the speed requirements of the flash memory from the reliability requirements of data preservation.
3Productivity
If MLC flash memory writes to one page, then data is stored, but data in the other corresponding page becomes corrupted if power failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the complementary page data and stores it in the MRAM journal before write operations. This copying mechanism allows the flash memory to write to one page while preserving the other page's data in the journal, preventing corruption even if power fails during the write operation.
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
The MRAM journal effectively prevents data loss and corruption by securely storing and restoring data from the complementary page, ensuring reliable write operations even in the event of power failures, enhancing the reliability and integrity of MLC flash memory devices.
Implementation Method 1
A flash memory system incorporating a Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM) journal that temporarily stores data from a complementary page
Data Source
AI summary
A flash memory system comprises a logic block interface operable to receive a write command from a host computer, the write command specifying data and a write destination address in a flash memory device, the flash memory device operable to store data at a complementary address corresponding to the specified write destination address. The system further comprises a journal communicatively coupled to the flash memory device and the logic block interface operable to temporarily store data from the complementary address of the flash memory device, and to provide the stored data in the journal to be restored to the flash memory device at the complementary address in the event of an error occurring while executing the write command.