Hidden diagnostic partition
AssigneeWestern Digital Technologies, Inc.
InventorsAlexander Lemberg, Rotem Sela
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A storage device with a memory may have a hidden diagnostic partition that can only be accessed during debug or diagnostic mode. Debug or diagnostic mode allows a host device to access the debug or diagnostic analysis (e.g. error logs) stored in the hidden diagnostic partition. By default, the hidden diagnostic partition is invisible to the host. When accessed through a triggering event, such as a vendor specific command (“VSC”), the hidden diagnostic partition can be used to report debug and error events.
Claims20
A method for performing diagnostics for a memory device, the method comprising:
- receiving a trigger command for entering a diagnostic mode;
- in response to receiving the trigger command, entering the diagnostic mode;
- and
- while in the diagnostic mode, providing access to a hidden diagnostic partition within the memory device.
A storage device comprising:
- a non-volatile memory comprising:
- logically mapped storage for a regular mode of operation;
- and
- an un-mapped storage for a diagnostic mode of operation, wherein the un-mapped storage comprises a hidden diagnostic partition;
- and
- a controller that accesses the non-volatile memory and is configured to trigger the diagnostic mode of operation upon receipt of a trigger command, wherein access to the un-mapped storage is provided during the diagnostic mode of operation.
A memory system with diagnostics, the system comprising:
- a hidden diagnostic partition;
- means for switching between a normal mode and a diagnostic mode;
- means for communicating with the hidden diagnostic partition during the diagnostic mode;
- and
- means for performing the diagnostics based on the communications with the hidden diagnostic partition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.