Non-Volatile Storage Data Retention via Age-Based Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile solid-state storage devices, such as NAND flash devices, face retention errors due to charge dissipation over time, leading to uncorrectable data errors as charge on floating gates dissipates, necessitating a method to prevent data loss.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that determines the age of data stored on non-volatile storage devices and copies data meeting a data retention time threshold to a dedicated backing store, utilizing a storage controller with an age module and backup module to manage data retention and prevent errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If data is stored on non-volatile solid-state storage devices (NAND flash) for extended periods, then storage capacity and non-volatility are achieved, but charge dissipation occurs leading to retention errors and data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring data age and proactively copying data to a backup location before charge dissipation causes errors. The age module tracks how long data has been stored, and when the retention time threshold is approached, the backup module pre-emptsively creates a copy in volatile memory or different storage location, preventing data loss before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a copy of data from the non-volatile NAND flash storage to a backup storage location (volatile memory or alternative non-volatile storage). This copying mechanism ensures that even if the original data degrades due to charge dissipation, a fresh copy exists that can be used to restore or maintain data integrity.
2Reliability
If data is continuously monitored and copied to backing store, then data loss is prevented, but system complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly monitoring and backing up all data, the system applies different quality levels based on data characteristics. The age module identifies specific data that has been stored for extended periods, and only this aged data is copied to the backup store. This selective approach reduces the overall complexity compared to continuous full-data monitoring while maintaining reliability for vulnerable data.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller autonomously manages the monitoring and backup process without requiring external intervention. The age module automatically tracks data age, compares it against retention thresholds, and triggers backup operations when necessary. This self-service mechanism reduces operational overhead and simplifies system management.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, storage controllers, and systems for backing data of a non-volatile storage device using a backing store are described. One method includes satisfying storage operations using a non-volatile storage device, determining an age for data stored on the non-volatile storage device, and copying data of the non-volatile storage device having an age that satisfies a data retention time threshold to a dedicated backing store. One storage controller includes an operations module that satisfies storage operations using a non-volatile storage device, an age module that determines an age for data stored on the non-volatile storage device, and a backup module that copies data of the non-volatile storage device having an age that satisfies a data retention time threshold to a dedicated backing store.