Memory Hot-Ejection for Single-Bit Error Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in managing single-bit memory errors, particularly in systems without spare bank or row memory swapping capabilities, leading to the need for hardware intervention or complete DIMM removal, resulting in loss of memory capacity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to logically divide memory into segments and use ACPI hot-eject methods to isolate and disable only the defective memory ranges with single-bit errors, allowing the operating system to exclude these ranges from use without requiring hardware support, thereby maintaining system reliability until a replacement can be made.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire DIMM is removed or taken out of service when single-bit errors are detected, then system reliability is improved, but memory capacity is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory system into two levels of segmentation: (1) physical DIMM modules, and (2) logical memory ranges within DIMMs. The ACPI-based solution enables granular segmentation by allowing the operating system to recognize and exclude only specific memory ranges (e.g., 0-32MB, 32-64MB) that contain errors, rather than removing entire DIMMs. This is achieved through ACPI tables that define memory regions and hot-eject methods that can target specific ranges, thereby maintaining maximum memory capacity while ensuring system reliability.
2Reliability
If spare bank or spare row memory swapping is implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware-based memory swapping mechanism (spare banks, spare rows, hot-plug capabilities) with a software-based ACPI solution. Instead of requiring physical spare memory components or hardware hot-swapping support, the system uses ACPI tables and operating system-level memory management to logically exclude defective memory ranges. This substitution eliminates the need for complex hardware support while maintaining system reliability through software-controlled memory allocation.
3Reliability
If the DIMM is removed to eliminate single-bit errors, then operational reliability is improved, but operator intervention and hardware support are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service memory error management system where the BIOS automatically detects single-bit errors, logs them in an error-log data structure, and triggers ACPI hot-eject operations without requiring operator intervention. The system autonomously identifies defective memory ranges, updates ACPI tables to exclude these ranges, and notifies the operating system, thereby eliminating the need for manual DIMM removal or hardware intervention while maintaining operational reliability.
4Quantity of substance
If logical memory segmentation and ACPI hot-eject methods are used, then memory capacity is maximized, but system complexity in managing segmented memory increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing ACPI framework, which was originally designed for power management and device configuration, to also handle memory error management and hot-eject operations. By extending the multi-functionality of ACPI to include memory range exclusion based on error logs, the system avoids creating a separate complex management layer. The ACPI tables and hot-eject methods serve multiple purposes: memory configuration, error response, and operating system notification, thereby managing memory segmentation complexity through an established universal interface.
Data Source
AI summary
In an information handling system, when a memory location is accessed and there is a bit error detected in that memory location then the memory location is logged into an error-log. The memory locations of the logged bit errors stored in the error-log are evaluated to determine whether there is one or more bit errors in a particular memory range, e.g., a contiguous range of memory locations. If there is one or more bit errors in a memory range, then that memory range may be hot ejected, e.g., disabled from use by the operating system. The bit error may be single bit error and/or multiple bit errors of a memory location.