Communication Module Emergency Power for Volatile Memory Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network participant communication modules in building installation networks face challenges in securely logging data telegrams, as log entries are lost during power failures due to the use of volatile memory, and increasing security requirements necessitate longer log retention without significant resource increases.
Innovation Solution
A communication module with an external non-volatile memory chip and an emergency power storage unit, allowing log entries to be transferred from volatile main memory to non-volatile memory during power failures, ensuring data retention and reducing resource demands by limiting main memory log entries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If log entries are stored in volatile main memory, then logging functionality is implemented, but log entries are lost during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously transferring log entries from volatile main memory to non-volatile memory during normal operation. This proactive approach ensures that log data is already preserved in non-volatile storage before a power failure occurs, eliminating the need for emergency backup operations during actual power failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (emergency power storage unit with capacitor) that bridges the gap between volatile and non-volatile memory. This intermediary provides temporary power during power failures to complete the transfer of log entries from volatile to non-volatile memory, ensuring data persistence without requiring the entire system to have non-volatile memory.
2Quantity of substance
If main memory capacity is increased to store more log entries, then log retention capacity is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory storage function into two distinct parts: volatile main memory for active logging during operation, and non-volatile memory for long-term preservation. This segmentation allows each memory type to be optimized for its specific purpose, with the volatile memory remaining small and fast, while the non-volatile memory provides bulk storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal dimension to memory usage by implementing a two-stage storage architecture. Volatile memory handles immediate, high-speed logging requirements, while non-volatile memory handles long-term archival requirements. This dimensional separation allows the system to meet both speed and capacity requirements without oversizing either component.
3Reliability
If emergency power storage capacity is increased to preserve all log entries, then data retention is improved, but device cost and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by transferring only the necessary portion of log entries to non-volatile memory during normal operation, rather than transferring all data at once. This allows the emergency power storage unit to be sized for a limited transfer operation rather than requiring capacity for the entire log buffer, significantly reducing the required emergency power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
By continuously performing preliminary transfers to non-volatile memory during normal operation, the system reduces the amount of data that needs to be transferred during emergency power failure events. This preliminary action ensures that only recently added log entries remain in volatile memory, minimizing the emergency power requirements.
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 enables secure, long-term logging of communication history without increasing processor or memory resources, ensuring data integrity during power outages and enhancing security without significant cost or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an emergency power storage unit (10) is provided which supplies the processor unit (3) and the external memory module (7) with power for a short period of time in the event of a power failure
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A communication module 1 for a network participant T of a data network comprises a communication interface 2 and a processor unit 3 with a processor 4 and with a volatile memory 5. An external, non-volatile memory module 7 is connected to the processor unit 3, which the processor unit 3 can access. The communication module 1 has an emergency power storage device that supplies power to the processor unit 3 and the external memory module 7, the charging capacity of which is sufficient for the operation of the processor unit 3 and the external memory module 7 to store entries from the volatile memory 5 into the external memory module 7.Furthermore, a method for operating the communication module of a network participant in a building installation network is described, in which the communication of other network participants with the communication module 1 is logged in a working memory 5 designed as volatile memory by storing a protocol entry for each received telegram.