SSD Memory Controller Parameter Recovery After Firmware Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing validation systems for solid-state drive (SSD) memory devices lose critical information such as Program-Erase cycles and bad block statistics when a failure occurs due to firmware errors, leading to inaccurate assessment of operational effectiveness and requiring re-testing from the beginning, which is time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that restore SSD operational parameters from a Read Only Memory (ROM) to Random Access Memory (RAM) upon failure, allowing for continued testing and assessment of operational effectiveness without losing vital information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Root Point Clear (RPC) command is issued to reset the memory device after firmware error, then the memory device can be recovered to first boot state, but critical information such as Program-Erase cycles, bad block information, and statistics is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary action by saving operational parameters (Program-Erase cycles, bad block information, statistics) to non-volatile storage before the RPC command is executed. This ensures that when the device is reset, the critical information is already preserved and can be restored, preventing information loss while maintaining device recoverability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the operational parameters and stores them in a protected memory location. This copy serves as a backup that can be restored after RPC execution, allowing the device to be reset without losing critical operational data
2Measurement precision
If memory device is re-tested from beginning after RPC command, then complete validation can be performed, but testing time and resources are significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary saving of operational parameters before RPC execution, enabling the testing process to resume from the saved state rather than starting over. This maintains validation accuracy while dramatically reducing re-testing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the temporary loss of operational parameters during RPC execution by having a recovery mechanism in place. The saved parameters are recovered and restored after the reset, allowing testing to continue without complete re-validation
3Ease of operation
If firmware is executed without restored operational parameters, then device can operate after RPC, but P/E cycle information and bad block data are incorrect leading to new errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the preliminary action of saving operational parameters before RPC execution and restores them after execution. This ensures that when the firmware operates post-RPC, it has access to accurate P/E cycle information and bad block data, maintaining both operability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where operational parameters are continuously monitored, saved before critical operations (RPC), and restored after execution. This feedback loop ensures the firmware always operates with accurate operational data, preventing errors related to incorrect P/E cycle or bad block information
Data Source
AI summary
A method, and a Solid-State Drive (SSD) memory device and a system for assessing operational effectiveness of the SSD is provided. Upon a failure of the SSD memory device, a command is executed which is received from a host device. The SSD memory device switches to an operational state after executing the command. A data structure having SSD operational parameters is obtained from a plurality of data structures obtained before the failure and stored in a Read Only Memory (ROM) upon the SSD memory device switching to the operational state. The obtained data structure is restored into a Random-Access Memory (RAM).