Nonvolatile Memory Programming with Redundant Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonvolatile memory devices face errors and data loss during programming, especially when powered off, particularly affecting reliable data stored in most significant address areas, which can interfere with normal operation and security.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for programming nonvolatile memory devices that involves storing program data in a first address area and, if the data is reliable and not in a most significant address area, additionally storing it in a second address area to prevent data loss and errors, using a control logic to manage read/write operations and ensure data redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If program data is stored only in a single address area, then the programming operation is simple and fast, but data loss and errors occur when power is disconnected during programming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first storing program data in a first address area, then determining whether additional storage is needed before finalizing the programming operation. This sequential approach with pre-staging data protects against power loss during the critical programming phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating redundant copies of reliable program data in a second address area. This duplication ensures that if power is lost during programming, the data can be recovered from the second address area, thereby improving data integrity without significantly complicating the programming operation.
2Reliability
If redundant copies of data are stored in multiple address areas, then data loss is prevented during power disconnection, but additional write operations and storage space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between reliable and non-reliable program data. Only reliable data that is not stored in a most significant address area receives redundant copying to the second address area. This selective approach ensures programming reliability for critical data while minimizing unnecessary write operations and time consumption for data that already has adequate protection.
3Reliability
If all program data is stored in redundant copies, then data security is maximized, but storage capacity is reduced and write operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying redundancy selectively based on data characteristics and storage location. Data in most significant address areas and non-reliable data store only in the first address area, while reliable data in non-critical areas receives redundant copying to the second address area. This approach maximizes data security for vulnerable data while preserving storage capacity and minimizing write operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A nonvolatile memory device stores program data in a first address area, determines whether the first address area is a most significant address area and whether the program data is reliable data, and upon determining that the first address area is not a most significant address area and that the program data is reliable data, additionally stores the program data in a second address area.