Nonvolatile Buffer Memory for Sudden Power Loss Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory systems face challenges in maintaining data integrity during sudden power outages, as volatile memory devices like DRAM require data to be flushed to nonvolatile flash memory, necessitating auxiliary power sources for backup operations.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile memory system with a memory controller that determines data attributes and selectively stores critical data in a nonvolatile buffer memory, eliminating the need for sudden power-off backup operations by using a combination of volatile and nonvolatile buffer memories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a volatile memory buffer circuit (DRAM) is used to store data, then the system operates at higher speed, but data loss occurs during sudden power-off events requiring auxiliary power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer memory is segmented into two distinct parts: a volatile memory buffer circuit (DRAM) for high-speed temporary storage and a nonvolatile memory buffer circuit for reliable data retention. This segmentation allows each buffer type to operate in its optimal performance zone while collectively solving both speed and reliability requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The nonvolatile memory buffer circuit acts as an intermediary between the volatile memory buffer and the main nonvolatile memory device. It receives critical data from the volatile buffer before power loss and transfers it to the main storage, preventing data loss without requiring auxiliary power sources
2Reliability
If auxiliary power sources are added to protect data during sudden power-off, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nonvolatile memory buffer circuit provides self-service data protection by automatically retaining critical data during power loss events and transferring it to the main nonvolatile memory device during normal operation, eliminating the need for external auxiliary power sources like capacitors or batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the volatility parameter of the buffer memory from exclusively volatile to a hybrid configuration, where part of the buffer operates with nonvolatile characteristics. This parameter change enables data retention without auxiliary power while maintaining the speed benefits of the volatile portion
3Speed
If all data is stored in the volatile memory buffer for fast access, then access speed is improved, but data loss risk increases during power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller performs preliminary action by identifying critical data in the volatile buffer before power loss occurs and transferring it to the nonvolatile memory buffer circuit, ensuring data protection is established in advance rather than attempting recovery after failure
Data Source
AI summary
A nonvolatile memory system can include a nonvolatile memory device that can be configured to store data and a nonvolatile memory buffer circuit that can be configured to store data of a type that is predetermined to be flushed to the nonvolatile memory device in a sudden power off backup operation of the nonvolatile memory system, whereas a volatile memory buffer circuit can be configured to store other data of a type that is not to be flushed to the nonvolatile memory device in the sudden power off backup operation of the nonvolatile memory system. A memory controller can be coupled to the nonvolatile memory device, the nonvolatile memory buffer circuit, and to the volatile memory buffer circuit, where the memory controller can be configured to store received data or processed data in the nonvolatile memory buffer circuit responsive to determining that the received data or processed data is of the type that is predetermined to be flushed to the nonvolatile memory device in the sudden power off backup operation of the nonvolatile memory system.