Nonvolatile Buffer Memory for Data Protection During Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices face challenges in maintaining data integrity and system throughput due to the need for additional energy-storage components to handle power outages during write operations, and the complexity of maintaining mapping metadata in volatile memory.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a secondary non-volatile memory with faster access time and higher durability as a buffer for primary non-volatile memory, allowing for preemptive sending of a 'command complete' status indication before data is stored in the primary memory, and utilizing this buffer to accumulate and manage data and metadata efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is stored in volatile buffer memory during write operations, then system throughput is improved, but data integrity is compromised during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-volatile buffer memory as an intermediary between the host system and primary storage. This mediator maintains data during power outages while enabling continuous write operations, thus preserving both throughput and integrity simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing data in non-volatile buffer memory before power loss can occur. This advance preparation ensures data survives unexpected power failures, allowing the system to resume operations without data loss
2Reliability
If additional energy-storage components are added to protect against power outages, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-volatile buffer memory serves multiple functions: it acts as a write cache for throughput optimization, a power-failure protection mechanism for integrity, and eliminates the need for separate energy-storage components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power-protection function from separate energy-storage components and integrates it directly into the buffer memory by using non-volatile technology, thereby eliminating additional hardware complexity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If data is accumulated in buffer before writing to primary memory, then wear on primary storage is reduced, but data loss risk increases during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The non-volatile buffer memory serves as a protective intermediary that holds accumulated data safely during power outages, preventing both primary storage wear and data loss. It mediates between the need for batch writing and data protection requirements
4Speed
If mapping metadata is stored in volatile memory, then access speed is improved, but data integrity is compromised during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The non-volatile buffer memory acts as an intermediary for storing mapping metadata, providing both fast access comparable to volatile memory and power-failure protection. This resolves the contradiction between speed and integrity for metadata storage
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device receives a write data command and data. The data is stored in a buffer of the data storage device. The data storage device issues a command complete status indication. After the command complete status indication is issued, the data are stored in a primary memory of the data storage device. The primary memory comprises a first type of non-volatile memory and the buffer comprises a second type of non-volatile memory that is different from the first type of non-volatile memory.