DCPMM Memory Storage Division via Utilization Efficiency Index

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optimally configuring dual in-line memory module (DIMM) capacity to balance memory and persistent storage resources in information handling systems is application-dependent and dynamic, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

An information handling system assesses utilization efficiency index (UEI) by combining memory and storage utilization, using weighting factors to determine a target memory-to-storage ratio, and dynamically configures DCPMM capacity between volatile memory and persistent storage resources, employing exponential smoothing for predictive allocation in stable and dynamic environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If DCPMM capacity is statically allocated between memory mode and application direct mode, then configuration simplicity is improved, but adaptability to changing workloads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to changing workloads
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic capacity allocation by continuously monitoring utilization efficiency indices (UEI) of both memory mode and application direct mode, then automatically adjusting the division ratio based on current workload conditions. This allows the system to transition from static to dynamic configuration, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where utilization efficiency indices from both memory and storage modes are collected, processed, and used to determine optimal capacity division. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to changing workloads while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If DCPMM capacity is dynamically adjusted based on utilization efficiency, then resource optimization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-optimization by automatically monitoring its own utilization efficiency indices and adjusting capacity allocation without external intervention. This self-service approach improves resource optimization while managing complexity through automated internal processes rather than manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the allocation ratio parameter dynamically based on calculated utilization efficiency indices. By adjusting this single critical parameter, the system achieves resource optimization without requiring complex structural changes, thus managing system complexity while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If fixed memory-to-storage ratio is used, then configuration speed is improved, but responsiveness to changing workloads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidresponsiveness to changing workloads
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed to dynamic ratio allocation by continuously monitoring workload conditions and adjusting the memory-to-storage division in real-time. This dynamic approach maintains fast configuration through automated adjustments while improving responsiveness to changing workloads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary monitoring and assessment of utilization efficiency indices before making allocation adjustments. This preliminary action enables informed, rapid decisions that balance configuration speed with responsiveness to changing workload requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12050792B2Optimizing memory to storage capacity division on a DC persistent memory module (DCPMM) in mixed mode
Publication Date: 2024.07.30 DELL PROD LP
  • US12050792B2 patent drawing
  • US12050792B2 patent drawing
  • US12050792B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed systems and methods include a CPU coupled to one or more storage resources including a hybrid storage resource that is user-configurable during boot to allocate some, all, or none of its capacity as a conventional dual in-line memory module (DIMM) and some, all, or none of its capacity as a persistent storage resource. A utilization efficiency index (UEI) of the hybrid storage resource is assessed. The UEI may be determined based on a combination of memory resource utilization, a persistent storage resource utilization, and weighting parameters that reflect a comparative utility or value of memory vs storage resources. A target division between memory and storage resources may then be determined based on the UEI assessment. The hybrid storage resource may then be configured by dividing or allocating a first portion of its capacity to the volatile memory resource and a remaining portion of its capacity to the persistent storage resource.