Non-disruptive Fast Memory Restore Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems rely on volatile DRAM, which loses data when power is removed, necessitating a non-volatile fast-memory system with non-disruptive restore capabilities to efficiently and reliably restore data.
Innovation Solution
A computing system that monitors power events, accesses high-speed memory for pre-shutdown data, and uses a multiplexer and memory controller to transfer this data to non-volatile memory through a non-disruptive interface, allowing external access and formatting for seamless system restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If DRAM is used for fast memory, then access speed is improved, but data retention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into multiple independent memory devices (first memory device and second memory device) with different characteristics. One device provides fast access (DRAM) while the other provides data retention (non-volatile memory), and they work together through a memory controller to achieve both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system uses a composite architecture combining volatile DRAM and non-volatile memory devices. This composite structure allows the system to leverage the high speed of DRAM while simultaneously benefiting from the data retention capabilities of non-volatile memory, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Speed
If data is stored in volatile memory, then access speed is improved, but system disruption during power events worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously maintaining data in both volatile and non-volatile memory devices before power events occur. The memory controller ensures data is pre-positioned in non-volatile memory, so when power is restored, no complex restore operations are needed, reducing system disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of data in both volatile and non-volatile memory devices simultaneously. This copying mechanism ensures that data exists in multiple locations with different retention characteristics, allowing fast access during operation while preventing data loss during power events, thereby reducing system disruption.
3Reliability
If non-volatile memory is used, then data retention is improved, but access speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into multiple independent memory devices (first memory device and second memory device) with different characteristics. One device provides fast access (DRAM) while the other provides data retention (non-volatile memory), and they work together through a memory controller to achieve both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the capabilities of volatile and non-volatile memory devices into a unified memory space. The memory controller transparently manages data placement and retrieval across both device types, allowing the system to achieve high access speeds for frequently used data while maintaining data retention for all data, thus overcoming the speed limitation of non-volatile memory alone.
4Device complexity
If traditional memory restore mechanism is used, then simplicity is maintained, but system disruptions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously maintaining data in both volatile and non-volatile memory devices before power events occur. The memory controller ensures data is pre-positioned in non-volatile memory, so when power is restored, no complex restore operations are needed, reducing system disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-memory architecture enables self-service during power events. Because data is automatically maintained in non-volatile memory alongside volatile memory, the system restores itself automatically upon power restoration without requiring complex external restore mechanisms or manual intervention, thereby reducing system disruptions while maintaining reasonable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a computing system includes: monitoring a central interface for a power event; accessing a high-speed memory for pre-shutdown data; accessing a non-volatile memory during the power event for the pre-shutdown data previously stored on the high-speed memory; selecting a multiplexer for allowing external access to the high-speed memory; and formatting the pre-shutdown data in the non-volatile memory for access through a non-disruptive interface.