Hot Swapping Memory Modules via Data Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems require a system shutdown for memory replacement, making hot swapping impractical due to the time-consuming power-off process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for hot swapping a memory that allows data copying from an abnormal memory to an idle memory while the system is powered on, followed by powering off the abnormal memory and replacing it with a new one, and then powering on the new memory, utilizing a data copying module, power off module, and power on module connected through a hub to a CPU for independent power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system is shut down for memory replacement, then the memory can be replaced safely, but the replacement time increases significantly and system availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by copying data from the abnormal memory to an idle memory before powering off the abnormal memory. This ensures that data is preserved in advance, allowing the memory replacement to proceed without system shutdown and without data loss, thus reducing replacement time while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a duplicate of the data stored in the abnormal memory and transferring it to an idle memory module. This copying mechanism enables the system to preserve data while the original memory is replaced, allowing hot swapping without requiring system shutdown and significantly reducing replacement time.
2Productivity
If the system remains powered on during memory replacement, then system availability is maintained, but data loss may occur during the replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by copying data from the abnormal memory to an idle memory before the abnormal memory is powered off and replaced. This advance data preservation ensures that even though the system remains powered on during replacement, no data is lost because a complete copy already exists in the idle memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by duplicating the data from the abnormal memory module to an idle memory module while the system is powered on. This creates a safety backup that prevents data loss during the hot swap process, enabling system availability to be maintained without risking information loss.
3Reliability
If data copying is performed before memory replacement, then data safety is ensured, but the replacement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the memory system into multiple independent memory modules, including abnormal memory, idle memory, and new memory. This segmentation allows data copying to occur between separate modules without affecting the overall system structure, and enables the abnormal memory to be replaced independently, thus ensuring data safety while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an idle memory module as an intermediary to facilitate data transfer from the abnormal memory before replacement. This intermediary component simplifies the overall process by providing a temporary storage location that mediates between the abnormal memory and the final destination, making the data safety mechanism more straightforward rather than requiring direct complex operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for hot swapping a memory includes the following: in response to a triggering operation of a replacement key of an abnormal memory, data on the abnormal memory is copied to an idle memory when a system is powered on; and the abnormal memory is powered off and replaced with a new memory after the data is copied; and in response to the triggering operation of a power on key of the new memory, the new memory is powered on. A method for hot swapping a memory in the case where a system is not powered off is provided.