Combined Backup Power Supply for Data Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power backup systems for computing data storage systems, which include UPS and BPS, often face inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for both conventional DIMMs and NVDIMMs, with existing solutions failing to effectively manage data transfer during power outages and maintaining data refreshment across various power environments.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a UPS and BPS to coordinate power combinations between DIMMs and NVDIMMs, using system firmware to determine which loads to protect via self-refresh or backup modes, and dynamically allocate energy between the UPS and BPS to ensure data integrity during power outages, allowing for shared charging and efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both conventional DIMMs and NVDIMMs are used for data backup, then data protection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines UPS and BPS into a unified backup power system with shared energy storage. The UPS and BPS share a common energy buffer, allowing them to cooperate rather than operate independently. This merging reduces redundant components and lowers overall system cost while maintaining data protection capability through coordinated operation between the two power supply modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy buffer serves multiple functions: it acts as a shared power source for both UPS and BPS, provides voltage stabilization, and enables seamless transitions between power modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate energy storage systems for each backup power source, reducing component quantity and system cost while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If UPS and BPS both provide full backup power independently, then backup reliability is improved, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic mode selection and coordinated operation. The control logic automatically determines when to use UPS mode, BPS mode, or shared energy buffer based on system state and power availability. This eliminates redundant power provisioning and reduces energy waste by ensuring each component operates only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes operational parameters by transitioning between different power modes (UPS mode, BPS mode, shared mode) based on real-time conditions. The system adjusts the contribution level of each power source and modifies the energy buffer charge/discharge rates to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining backup reliability.
3Reliability
If data transfer from cache to non-volatile memory is performed during power outages, then data integrity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a charged energy buffer before power outages occur. During normal operation, the energy buffer is charged in advance, creating a ready power reservoir that can immediately support data transfer operations when power is lost. This preliminary charging enables data integrity protection without requiring high power consumption during the actual outage event.
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 approach reduces costs associated with NVDIMMs and DIMMs, enhances backup power flexibility and robustness, ensuring data preservation during power outages by effectively transitioning between self-refresh and backup modes, and maintaining data refreshment even in cases of insufficient power.
Implementation Method 1
A system integrates a UPS and BPS to coordinate power combinations between DIMMs and NVDIMMs
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to combined backup power. For example, a system for combined backup power can include a combined backup power supply (CBPS) coupled to a node and a plurality of loads supported by the node. The CBPS can include an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and a backup power supply coupled to the UPS to act as redundancy for the UPS.