SSD Burn-In Proof of Space Plot Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory sub-systems face challenges in efficiently generating proof of space lookup tables during manufacturing, leading to excessive wear on solid state drives and resource wastage, as they rely on random data or predetermined patterns for burn-in, which are impractical and energy-intensive.

Innovation Solution

Pre-generation of proof of space lookup tables during the manufacturing process, allowing for pre-stored tables in memory sub-systems that can be used for proof of space activities, reducing the need for end-users to generate these tables, thereby extending the life of solid state drives and minimizing resource waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If random data or predetermined patterns are used for burn-in operations, then the manufacturing process can proceed, but excessive wear occurs on solid state drives and energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburn-in process feasibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating proof of space lookup tables during the manufacturing burn-in process rather than generating them during end-user operation. The burn-in process creates lookup tables in advance by performing intensive read/write operations on random data, storing these tables in the memory sub-system, and then erasing the random data. This shifts the energy-intensive computation from user operation to manufacturing, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing feasibility and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If proof of space lookup tables are generated during end-user operation, then the memory sub-system can function, but intensive read/write operations reduce the lifespan of solid state drives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproof of space functionalityVSAvoidsolid state drive lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the harmful read/write operations in advance during manufacturing burn-in rather than during product operation. The lookup tables are generated and stored before the product is deployed to the end user. This ensures the memory sub-system is ready for immediate proof of space operations without subjecting the solid state drive to additional wear during its operational lifespan, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the necessary data structures (lookup tables) during manufacturing and stores them in the memory sub-system. Instead of generating these tables during operation, the system uses the pre-generated copies that were created during burn-in. This copying approach allows the system to maintain proof of space functionality while avoiding the wear that would result from generating tables during operational use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Duration of action of stationary object

If proof of space lookup tables are pre-generated during manufacturing, then end-users benefit from extended drive life, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid state drive lifespanVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the burn-in process multi-functional by having it serve two purposes simultaneously: (1) performing the necessary wear-in operations to validate the memory sub-system, and (2) pre-generating the proof of space lookup tables. This integration of table generation into the existing burn-in workflow adds functionality without requiring a separate manufacturing step, thus resolving the contradiction between extended product lifespan and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If intensive read/write operations are performed during burn-in, then lookup tables can be generated, but resource wastage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelookup table generation efficiencyVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of intensive read/write operations (which would normally be considered waste during burn-in) into a beneficial outcome by using these operations to generate proof of space lookup tables. The random data written during burn-in is transformed into useful lookup tables that provide economic value in cryptocurrency networks. This transforms resource consumption from waste into productive output, resolving the contradiction between generation efficiency and resource waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20240370207A1Burn-In Solid State Drives through Generation of Proof of Space Plots in A Manufacturing Facility
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20240370207A1 patent drawing
  • US20240370207A1 patent drawing
  • US20240370207A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory sub-system, such as a solid state drive (SSD), having host interface configured to receive at least read commands and write commands from an external host system. The SSD has memory cells formed on at least one integrated circuit die, and a processing device configured to control executions of the read commands to retrieve data from the memory cells and executions the write commands to store data into the memory cells. During a burn-in operation of the memory sub-system in a manufacturing facility, the memory sub-system is configured to perform read/write operations for the generation of a proof of space plot. After the burn-in operation, the memory sub-system is provided as a product of the manufacturing facility; and the proof of space plot stored in the memory sub-system is provided as a by-product of the burn-in operation.