Volatile Memory Buffer for Non-Volatile Flash Protection Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-volatile memories, such as flash memories, face damage due to frequent rewriting of protection information, which affects their ability to effectively record protection data.

Innovation Solution

A data protecting method that loads protection information from a non-volatile memory into a volatile memory, allowing the control circuit to protect data stored in the non-volatile memory based on the information in the volatile memory, thereby reducing the need for frequent rewriting and preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If protection information is stored in non-volatile memory and rewritten at high frequency, then data protection can be dynamically updated, but the non-volatile memory cells may be damaged and lose recording capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic protection update capabilityVSAvoidnon-volatile memory durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The memory system is divided into two segments: non-volatile memory for long-term storage of protection information and volatile memory for frequent updates. This segmentation allows the non-volatile memory to retain data without damage while the volatile memory handles dynamic updates, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Volatile memory acts as an intermediary between the non-volatile memory and the data protection operations. It receives protection information from non-volatile memory and performs frequent rewriting operations without affecting the non-volatile memory cells, thus protecting them from damage while enabling dynamic updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If protection information is frequently rewritten in non-volatile memory, then data protection can be updated in real-time, but the non-volatile memory cells deteriorate and cannot effectively record protection information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection information update frequencyVSAvoidnon-volatile memory recording capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Protection information is copied from non-volatile memory to volatile memory, where frequent rewriting operations are performed. The volatile memory serves as a working copy that can be updated rapidly without impacting the original storage medium, enabling high productivity while preserving non-volatile memory reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

Protection information is preliminarily stored in non-volatile memory in a stable state, and then loaded to volatile memory before frequent update operations. This preliminary action ensures that the non-volatile memory is not subjected to wear from frequent writes, maintaining its recording capability while allowing rapid updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9092649B2Data protecting method capable of effectively recording protection information and memory using thereof

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO LTD

AI summary

A data protecting method for a memory, which comprising a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory for storing data and data protection information, comprises the following steps. Firstly, load the data protection information to the volatile memory from the non-volatile memory. Next, protect the data stored in the memory according to the data protection information stored in the volatile memory.