Flash DIMM Interleave Set Auto-Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information handling systems face challenges in seamlessly adding new flash dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) to an interleave set without losing data, as reconfiguration often results in data loss and lacks efficient automated processes for metadata updates.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a BIOS that detects new flash DIMMs during initialization, checks for auto-configure attributes, and transfers persistent memory data from the existing interleave set to the new set without external storage, enabling seamless data transfer and rollback strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reconfiguration is performed when adding new flash DIMMs to an interleave set, then the system can accommodate additional memory modules, but data loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add new flash DIMMsVSAvoiddata loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the new flash DIMM during initialization and automatically determining the need for reconfiguration before data transfer occurs. The BIOS checks the auto-configure attribute and initiates the data transfer process in advance, ensuring data is preserved during the addition of new memory modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the BIOS acts as a mediator between the new flash DIMM and the existing interleave set. It reads persistent memory data from the first interleave set, transfers it to the second interleave set, and updates metadata, thereby preventing direct data loss during reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual configuration processes are used for adding new flash DIMMs, then data loss can be avoided, but the process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata preservationVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by having the BIOS automatically detect the new flash DIMM, check the auto-configure attribute, read persistent memory data, transfer it to the appropriate interleave set, and update metadata without requiring manual intervention. This automated process eliminates time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining data preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the configuration state of the interleave set based on the detection of new flash DIMMs. The BIOS changes the interleave set configuration dynamically, transferring data between sets and updating metadata to reflect the new hardware state, thereby automating the configuration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If external memory is used for storing persistent memory data during reconfiguration, then data transfer can be performed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidexternal memory requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data transfer function within the existing flash DIMM structure itself. The BIOS reads persistent memory data from the first interleave set and transfers it to the second interleave set using the same flash memory infrastructure, eliminating the need for external memory devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flash DIMMs themselves serve as the intermediary for data transfer. The BIOS uses the persistent memory within the flash DIMMs to store and transfer data during reconfiguration, rather than requiring external memory devices. This self-contained approach simplifies the system architecture while maintaining data transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10466919B2Information handling system with elastic configuration pools in flash dual in-line memory modules

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system includes multiple flash dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) including first, second, and third flash DIMMs. The first and second flash DIMMs are configured as a first interleave set. A BIOS detects the third flash DIMM as a new flash DIMM during an initialization of the information handling system, and detects whether an auto-configure attribute is enabled. In response to the auto-configure attribute being enabled, the BIOS reads persistent memory data from the first interleave set, configures a second interleave set including the first, second, and third flash DIMMs, transfers the persistent memory data to the second interleave set without an external memory being utilized, and updates metadata for the second interleave set in response to the persistent memory data being transferred successfully.