Non-Volatile Memory Secure Erase via Pre-Erase Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-volatile memory systems, such as flash memory, face challenges in efficiently and securely erasing data, often requiring lengthy operations that may leave remnant data recoverable.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for fast bulk secure erasing in non-volatile memory devices, involving a pre-erase programming operation where charge is applied to memory cells to ensure they exceed a pre-erase threshold, followed by an erase operation that removes charge below an erase threshold, ensuring secure data deletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional erase operations are used on non-volatile memory, then the erase process can be completed, but the operation takes a lengthy duration and may leave remnant data recoverable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a pre-erase programming operation before the actual erase operation. This preliminary action programs memory cells to a known state (above a pre-erase threshold) before erasing, which prepares the cells for faster and more secure erasure. The pre-erase programming ensures that all cells are in a consistent state before the erase operation begins, enabling the subsequent erase to be both faster and more secure.
2Reliability
If multiple erase operations are performed to ensure secure erasure, then data recovery is prevented, but the total erase time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By performing pre-erase programming before the erase operation, the patent prepares all memory cells in advance to a known state. This eliminates the need for multiple sequential erase operations, as the pre-programmed cells can be erased in a single efficient operation while still achieving secure erasure. The preliminary action ensures consistency and readiness, improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the threshold parameters for programming and erasing. By programming cells to exceed a pre-erase threshold and then erasing to below an erase threshold, the patent creates a clear parameter separation that enables faster, more secure erasure. This parameter change approach allows for a single efficient operation rather than multiple iterations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and secure erasure of data, preventing recovery of erased information by ensuring all memory cells are programmed above a pre-erase threshold and then erased below a secure threshold, thus enhancing data security and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
charge sufficient to enable secure erase is applied to non-volatile memory cells in the device, using a pre-erase programming operation. Thereafter, charge is removed from the non-volatile memory to securely erase the non-volatile memory
Data Source
AI summary
In a non-volatile memory system, a fast bulk secure erase method for erasing data includes, in response to a secure erase command: applying charge to a portion of non-volatile memory in the non-volatile memory system, and performing an erase operation sufficient to remove charge from the portion of non-volatile memory to below an erase threshold. The applied charge is sufficient to program memory cells in the portion of non-volatile memory to above a pre-erase program threshold.