Memory Compression for Mirrored Data Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory mirroring, while increasing system reliability, reduces memory capacity and performance due to the significant manufacturing cost and space allocation of mirrored memory, limiting its use in computing applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing memory compression techniques that store mirrored data in a compressed form, allowing access only when primary memory fails, thereby reducing the physical size and cost of mirrored memory and enabling increased memory capacity without decompression latency under normal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory mirroring is implemented to increase system reliability, then system reliability is improved, but memory capacity and performance are reduced due to significant physical memory allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of mirrored memory from uncompressed to compressed form, reducing the quantity of physical memory required while maintaining the reliability function. Compression transforms the parameter of memory density, allowing more efficient storage of mirrored data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a compressed copy of the primary memory data for mirroring purposes. Instead of allocating full uncompressed mirrored memory, the system creates a compressed replica that occupies less physical space while still providing the redundancy needed for reliability.
2Speed
If uncompressed mirrored memory is allocated to maintain fast access speed, then memory access speed is improved, but physical memory space and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compression parameter of mirrored memory from uncompressed to compressed state. This reduces the physical memory space required by a factor of 4 or more while maintaining the ability to provide fast access when needed, as the compressed mirrored memory can be quickly decompressed upon failure detection.
3Quantity of substance
If compressed mirrored memory is used to reduce physical memory space, then memory space efficiency is improved, but decompression latency may reduce access speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the compression state of mirrored memory can change based on system conditions. During normal operation, compressed mirrored memory saves space. Upon failure detection, the system dynamically transitions to using the mirrored memory (decompressing as needed), making the access speed characteristic adaptive to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary compression of mirrored memory data during system setup and normal operation, preparing the compressed state in advance. This preliminary action reduces the burden on access speed during critical failure scenarios, as the compression infrastructure is already in place and can be quickly activated.
4Reliability
If full physical memory is allocated for mirroring to ensure data redundancy, then data redundancy is improved, but manufacturing cost and overall system performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of mirrored memory through compression, reducing the physical quantity of memory required by a factor of 4 or more. This dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the data redundancy function, as the compressed mirrored memory still provides full backup capability when activated.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to manage memory are provided. A particular method may include storing data in a primary memory that is in communication with a processor and storing in a mirrored data in a mirrored memory. The mirrored data may be compressed, and the mirrored memory may be in communication with the processor. A failure condition associated with the data of the primary memory may be detected. In response to the detected failure condition, the mirrored data in the mirrored memory may be accessed.