SSD Non-Volatile Cache Memory Power Interruption Data Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid-state drive (SSD) devices face data loss due to power interruptions, as they typically rely on volatile cache memories, leading to increased size and weight when battery backup is used to prevent data loss.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a non-volatile cache memory, such as FeRAM or MRAM, within the SSD device to store data, management tables, and task flow data, allowing for data preservation and recovery during power interruptions without the need for a backup power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a battery is used as a backup power supply to prevent data loss during power interruption, then data reliability is improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the backup power supply function from the traditional battery-based solution and replaces it with a non-volatile cache memory that inherently retains data without requiring external power. This removes the battery component entirely, solving the weight and size problem while maintaining data reliability during power interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of cache memory volatility to non-volatility by using non-volatile cache memory technology. This parameter change allows the cache memory to maintain data retention capabilities without requiring a backup power supply, thereby eliminating the need for batteries while preserving data reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a battery is used as a backup power supply to prevent data loss during power interruption, then data reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the battery backup power supply subsystem entirely and replaces it with non-volatile cache memory. This extraction eliminates the complexity associated with power management circuits, battery monitoring, and data transfer mechanisms while simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-volatile cache memory provides self-service by automatically retaining data without requiring external power or active management. This eliminates the need for complex power management circuits, monitoring systems, and control logic that would be required to manage a battery backup system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Weight of moving object

If a non-volatile cache memory is used to store data, then device size and weight are reduced, but data reliability during power interruption may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoiddata reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter change by transitioning from volatile to non-volatile cache memory, which fundamentally changes the data retention characteristic. This allows the cache memory to maintain data without power, achieving both weight reduction (by eliminating batteries) and data reliability preservation simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The non-volatile cache memory serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary cache memory for high-speed data access and as the backup storage for data protection during power interruptions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery backup systems while maintaining data reliability.

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

Data Source

PatentUS9632714B2Solid-state drive device
Publication Date: 2017.04.25 BUFFALO CORP LTD
  • US9632714B2 patent drawing
  • US9632714B2 patent drawing
  • US9632714B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A solid state drive (SSD) device using a flash memory and including a non-volatile memory that differs in type from the flash memory. The SSD device receives data to be written to the flash memory; stores the received data in the non-volatile memory; stores the data stored in the non-volatile memory to the flash memory; and stores, in the non-volatile memory, flow data indicating a flow of tasks to be undertaken while storing the received data in the non-volatile memory and storing the data stored in the non-volatile memory to the flash memory.