NV Memory Data Retention via Pre-Shutdown Re-Programming

The patent performs data re-programming operations in advance before the host initiates shutdown. The memory controller detects the shutdown command and proactively re-programs data from source locations to destination locations, ensuring data reliability is enhanced before the device actually shuts down. This preliminary action prevents data errors that would otherwise require error handling mechanisms during or after shutdown, thereby avoiding the time loss associated with error correction while maintaining data reliability.

The patent dynamically adjusts the shutdown timing based on the completion status of re-programming operations. The host is allowed to initiate shutdown at any time, and the memory controller flexibly manages the re-programming process in the background. Once re-programming is complete (or if interrupted), the shutdown proceeds. This dynamic approach balances data reliability enhancement with minimizing shutdown time, as the system adapts to host timing requirements while still performing necessary data protection operations.

The patent extracts the data re-programming operation from the traditional error handling pathway. Instead of waiting for data errors to occur and then performing error correction operations, the system proactively performs re-programming as a separate, preventive operation triggered by shutdown commands. This extraction eliminates the need for subsequent error handling operations during normal operation, thereby maintaining data integrity while avoiding the performance penalty of multiple error correction cycles.