Battery-less Cache Memory Module with Super-Capacitor Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RAID cache DIMMs rely on batteries for backup power, which requires regular replacement and hinders availability due to inconvenient maintenance and potential data loss during power failures.
Innovation Solution
A memory module with integrated volatile and non-volatile memory, and a logic device that uses a passive backup power source, such as super-capacitors, to copy data from volatile to non-volatile memory during power failures, and restores it when power is restored, eliminating the need for batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are used to provide backup power to RAID cache DIMMs, then data loss is prevented during power failures, but the batteries require regular replacement which hinders availability and increases maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery component from the backup power system and replaces it with a passive capacitor-based power supply. This removes the maintenance burden of battery replacement while maintaining data protection capabilities during power failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs capacitors that can be easily replaced or recharged compared to batteries. The capacitor-based system provides a shorter-lived but maintenance-free or low-maintenance alternative, eliminating the need for regular battery replacement cycles.
2Reliability
If batteries are used to provide backup power to RAID cache DIMMs, then data integrity is maintained during power outages, but device complexity increases due to battery management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex battery management subsystem including charge controllers, temperature monitoring, and replacement scheduling. The passive capacitor-based system inherently lacks these complexity-generating components while maintaining core data protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor-based power supply is a passive system that automatically charges during normal operation and discharges during power failures without requiring active management. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for complex control circuits and management software associated with battery systems.
3Speed
If volatile memory is used for RAID cache, then data access speed is improved, but data loss occurs during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by charging the capacitor during normal power operation. This stored energy is prepared in advance to provide power during subsequent power failures, enabling the volatile memory to maintain operation temporarily and preserve data.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an energy cushion that absorbs power during normal operation and releases it during power failures. This beforehand cushioning provides a transition period that prevents data loss in volatile memory during power outages.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides reliable data backup and restoration without battery replacement, ensuring data integrity and system availability by using super-capacitors to temporarily power the module during power failures and restoring data when power is restored.
Implementation Method 1
A memory module with integrated volatile and non-volatile memory, and a logic device that uses a passive backup power source, such as super-capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A memory module is provided comprising a substrate having an interface to a host system, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and a logic device. The logic device may receive the indicator of an external triggering event and copies data from the volatile memory devices to the non-volatile memory devices upon receipt of such indicator. When the indicator of the triggering event has cleared, the logic device restores the data from the non-volatile to the volatile memory devices. The memory module may include a passive backup power source (e.g., super-capacitor) that is charged by an external power source and temporarily provides power to the memory module to copy the data from volatile to non-volatile memory. A voltage detector within the memory module may monitor the voltage of an external power source and generates an indicator of a power loss event if voltage of the external power source falls below a threshold level.