Memory Controller Auxiliary Power Data Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively protect critical data during unexpected power losses in computers, especially in cost-sensitive and high-value scenarios, where the loss of usage metrics or state data can lead to under or over counting, causing financial and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A computer system equipped with an auxiliary power source to maintain power for a memory controller and a portion of memory, allowing for the automatic transfer of critical data to non-volatile storage during unexpected power losses, with a sensor monitoring power conditions and an API for designating and managing data preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is used to protect critical data during power loss, then data reliability is improved, but device cost and maintenance complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power protection function by providing supplemental power only to critical components (memory controller and specific memory locations) rather than the entire system. This selective power segmentation maintains data reliability while reducing the complexity and cost compared to a full UPS solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential data protection function from the complex UPS system by isolating only the memory controller and critical memory locations that need supplemental power during power loss events, eliminating the need for expensive battery backup systems while maintaining data integrity.
2Quantity of substance
If periodic backup copies are made to non-volatile memory, then storage capacity is improved, but data recovery capability during power loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system designates specific memory locations in advance as persistent storage locations that will automatically retain data during power loss. This preliminary designation ensures that critical data is immediately protected at the designated locations without requiring periodic backup operations, enabling real-time data recovery capability.
3Measurement precision
If usage metrics are accurately maintained during power loss, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies persistent storage characteristics selectively to specific memory locations that store usage metrics and critical state data. By giving these particular locations enhanced properties (supplemental power and automatic retention) while leaving other memory locations standard, the system achieves accurate usage tracking without the complexity of making the entire memory system persistent.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures the reliable and secure backup of critical data during power outages, minimizing data loss and maintaining accurate usage metrics without the need for expensive uninterruptible power supplies, thus preventing fraudulent activities and ensuring data integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The computer may have an auxiliary or supplemental power source that is capable of powering a specialized memory controller and a portion of memory long enough to write-out usage and other critical state data
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for maintaining persistent data during an unexpected power loss uses a memory controller and a supplemental power source. An entity running on the computer, for example, an application program, a utility, the operating system or other entity, may identify data for preservation using an application program interface. The application program interface may be provided by the memory controller. A sensor determines when an unexpected power loss has occurred and signals the memory controller. Using power from the supplemental power source, i.e. a battery or capacitor, the memory controller copies the identified data to a non-volatile memory. The memory controller may set a flag to indicate that preserved data is available for later recovery.