Power Loss Protection
What is the Power Loss Protection feature for data centers?
Generally, when the power is turned off, the host sends a STANDBY command to the storage and guarantees a certain amount of time for the storage to maintain data consistency.
However, when the power is turned off due to exceptional causes, such as the power cable suddenly being unplugged by the user or removal of battery, the SSD may encounter an unexpected power failure.
In such case, the SSD must maintain consistency of the stored data.
In case of an unexpected power failure, the user data recorded in the volatile memory - DRAM - within the SSD may be lost.
To prevent data loss, the PLP (Power Loss Protection) feature is implemented to safely store the user data onto NAND flash in case of unexpected power failures.
The Tantalum capacitor within the SSD stores a certain amount of electricity while the power is being supplied.
This electricity is used to safely store user data on the volatile memory within the SSD onto the NAND flash when the power is cut off to prevent the loss of user data.