Nonvolatile Memory Data Validity Determination via Metadata Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nonvolatile memory systems face challenges in quickly and accurately determining data validity during unexpected power failures, leading to potential data corruption and inefficient use of storage space due to the need for mirror data, which can result in incorrect validity decisions.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile memory system that utilizes a memory cell storing data bits in multiple pages through multiple states, with a first page for deciding data validity and a second page for storing user data, allowing for quick and accurate validity determination without the need for mirror data, thereby optimizing storage space and preventing data corruption during power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mirror data are stored to determine data validity, then data validity can be checked, but storage space is wasted and writing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the validity check function from the data storage area by using a dedicated validity bit (E-bit) in the metadata area. Instead of storing mirror data in the main storage space, the system separates the validation mechanism into a metadata structure, allowing validity determination without consuming additional data storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validity bit (E-bit) that acts as a mediator between the stored data and its validity status. This bit is set to indicate whether data was successfully written or corrupted, allowing the system to determine data validity without requiring mirror data comparison.
2Reliability
If mirror data are stored to determine data validity, then data validity can be checked, but writing time increases due to additional write operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the validity indication from the data writing process itself by setting a validity bit in metadata. This eliminates the need to write mirror data, reducing the number of write operations required while maintaining the ability to verify data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary action of setting the validity bit during the normal data write operation. This preliminary marking of data validity occurs as part of the standard write process, eliminating the need for subsequent mirror data comparison operations.
3Measurement precision
If mirror data comparison is used to determine validity, then data integrity can be verified, but incorrect validity decisions may occur during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a validity bit as an intermediary that directly records the success or failure of data writing operations. This intermediary provides accurate validity information without requiring mirror data comparison, eliminating the ambiguity that occurs during power failures when mirror data may be inconsistently written.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by setting the validity bit based on the actual outcome of the write operation. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about data validity, allowing the system to make correct validity decisions without relying on potentially inconsistent mirror data.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a nonvolatile memory and an apparatus and method for deciding data validity for the same, in which validity of data stored in the nonvolatile memory can be decided. The nonvolatile memory includes a memory cell storing data bits in a plurality of pages included in a predetermined block through a plurality of states realized by at least two bits. The block includes a first page in which data bits for determining validity of data bits written by a user are stored, and a second page in which the data bits written by the user are stored.