Western Digital Technologies, Inc.

Canon Kabushiki Kaisha

Sebastien A Jean

Robert L Horn

Swee Huat Sng

Embodiments of the solid-state storage system provided herein are configured to perform improved mechanisms for testing of error recovery of solid state storage devices. In some embodiments, the system is configured to introduce or inject errors into data storage commands or operations performed in the non-volatile memory. Injected errors include corruption of data stored in the non-volatile memory, deliberate failure to execute storage operations, and errors injected into communication protocols used between various elements of the device. In some embodiments, injected errors can include direct errors that trigger an immediate execution of error recovery mechanisms and delayed errors that trigger execution of error recovery mechanisms at a later time. Error recovery mechanisms can be tested in an efficient, reliable, and deterministic manner to help ensure effective operation of storage devices. The integrity of non-volatile memory can also be tested.

Systems and methods for error injection in data storage systems

A controller-bridge architecture in which a bridge device coupled with the non-volatile memory (NVM) handles inline read-modify-write function under instructions from a controller device is disclosed. In some embodiments, instead of transferring an entire range of data (e.g., a whole NVM page) across a bus between the bridge and the controller twice (once before and once after modification), only the modification data is sent by the controller to the bridge across the bus. The bridge in some embodiments also handles error correction and/or RAID parity striping in the read-modify-write process.

Systems and methods for improved data management in data storage systems

Embodiments of the invention are directed to providing detailed error reporting of data operations performed on a NVM storage device. In one embodiment, a controller interfaces with a NVM storage device including NVM storage coupled with a bridge. In one embodiment, the controller is provided physical, page-level access to the NVM via the bridge, and the bridge provides detailed error reporting of the data operations that the bridge performs on the NVM on behalf of the controller. For example, the bridge may provide page level reporting indicating which page(s) failed during a read operation. Detailed error reporting allows the controller to better understand the failures that occurred in a data access operation in the NVM. It also enables the controller to manage the flash media at the physical page/block level. In one embodiment, detailed error reporting also enables the return of discontinuous ranges of data with the error portions removed.

Systems and methods for detailed error reporting in data storage systems

Disclosed herein is a controller architecture that pairs a controller with a NVM (non-volatile memory) storage system over a high-level, high speed interface such as PCIe. In one embodiment, the NVM storage system includes a bridge that communicates with the controller via the high-level interface, and controls the NVM via an interface. The controller is provided a rich set of physical level of controls over individual elements of the NVM. In one embodiment, the controller includes a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM) that stores parameters related to the operation of the NVM as provided by the bridge. The parameters may be related to optimizing use of the NVM and are automatically appended by the controller to appropriate data storage commands to the bridge. The parameters may be stored in a table format in which each entry is indexed by a physical address of the NVM.

Systems and methods for providing inline parameter service in data storage devices

Disclosed herein is a controller architecture that pairs a controller with a NVM (non-volatile memory) storage system over a high-level, high speed interface such as PCIe. In one embodiment, the NVM storage system includes a bridge that communicates with the controller via the high-level interface, and controls the NVM via an interface (e.g., ONFI). The controller is provided a rich set of physical level of controls over individual elements of the NVM. In one embodiment, the controller is implemented in a higher powered processor that supports advanced functions such as mapping, garbage collection, wear leveling, etc. In one embodiment, the bridge is implemented in a lower powered processor and performs basic signal processing, channel management, basic error correction functions, etc. This labor division provides the controller physical control of the NVM over a fast, high-level interface, resulting in the controller managing the NVM at both the page and block level.

Systems and methods for an enhanced controller architecture in data storage systems

Disclosed herein is an architecture that pairs a controller with a NVM (non-volatile memory) storage system. The NVM storage system includes a bridge device that communicates with the controller. In one embodiment, the bridge device allows for certain data locations (blocks, pages or units at any other granularity) in the flash dies to be (1) placed into a reserved mode where data access is prevented (2) assigned into an SLC (Single-Level Cell) mode or an MLC (Multi-Level Cell) mode in response to controller command, (3) made available for data access after the assignment of mode. This flexibility enables the controller to increase SLC mode or MLC mode data locations based on run-time conditions. In one embodiment, the assignment of the reserved data locations is performed in a way to ensure that warranty conditions imposed by the memory vendors are observed.

Systems and methods of configuring a mode of operation in a solid-state memory

A method for a user to easily securely configure a device is provided. The method includes displaying a user interface including a plurality of symbols available for user selection, accepting user inputs including an indication of any symbols selected by the user, converting the symbols selected by the user into numeric data, and assigning the numeric data to configuration parameters for the device.

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Irvine, CA, United States of America

Sebastien A Jean