Memory Module Backup Data Ports for DRAM Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) systems face data loss due to volatility, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for reliable data backup during power outages without compromising data transfer speeds.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a non-volatile memory (NVM) data backup subsystem that offloads data from DRAM memory packages to external NVM storage during power loss and restores it when power is regained, using separate backup data ports to reduce loading on primary data ports and maintain maximum IO speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate backup data ports are used to offload data during power loss, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data port functionality into separate backup data ports distinct from primary data ports. This segmentation allows independent operation of backup and primary data paths, enabling data offloading during power loss without interfering with normal data operations, thus improving data integrity while managing complexity through functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (backup data ports and associated control logic) that mediates between the DRAM memory packages and the NVM storage during power loss events. This intermediary enables automatic data offloading without requiring complex system-wide changes or compromising the primary data path
2Quantity of substance
If DRAM capacity is increased, then storage density is improved, but data loss risk worsens due to volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically offloading data from DRAM to NVM storage before power loss occurs or as a preventive measure during power loss events. The backup data ports are designed to initiate data transfer proactively, ensuring data is preserved in non-volatile storage before volatility becomes a problem, thus enabling increased DRAM capacity with reduced data loss risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of data from the volatile DRAM memory to non-volatile NVM storage through the backup data ports. This copying mechanism ensures that data exists in both volatile and non-volatile forms, allowing the system to utilize high-capacity DRAM while maintaining data retention through the NVM copy, effectively decoupling capacity from reliability concerns
Data Source
AI summary
A system that includes a non-volatile memory subsystem having non-volatile memory. The system also includes a plurality of memory modules that are separate from the non-volatile memory subsystem. Each memory module can include a plurality of random access memory packages where each first random access memory package includes a primary data port and a backup data port. Each memory module can include a storage interface circuit coupled to the backup data ports of the random access memory packages. The storage interface circuit offloads data from the memory module in the event of a power loss by receiving data from the backup data ports of the random access memory packages and transmitting the data to the non-volatile memory subsystem.