Non-Volatile Memory Server Architecture for DRAM Volatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems with dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and magnetic storage disks face limitations in performance and capacity, leading to high server counts and operating costs due to the volatility of DRAM and poor data access performance of magnetic disks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of non-volatile memory integrated circuits, such as NAND Flash, which provide disk-like non-volatility and capacity with DRAM-like read and write access performance, reducing power consumption and enabling lower power server systems by using non-volatile memory devices in server memory cards with master and slave memory controllers for optimized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If DRAM is used for memory storage, then high-performance random access is achieved, but volatility causes data loss when power goes out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-volatile memory as an intermediary component between DRAM and magnetic storage disks. This non-volatile memory provides DRAM-like fast access speeds while maintaining data persistence, effectively mediating between the high performance but volatile DRAM and the reliable but slow magnetic storage, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of memory volatility by transitioning from volatile DRAM to non-volatile memory technologies. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both high access performance and data persistence simultaneously, as non-volatile memory inherently maintains data without power while providing fast access speeds comparable to DRAM
2Quantity of substance
If magnetic storage disks are used for storage, then larger capacity and non-volatility are achieved, but data access performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage subsystem into multiple layers: non-volatile memory for high-performance storage, DRAM for caching, and magnetic disks for bulk storage. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal performance range, with the non-volatile memory providing fast access to frequently used data while maintaining large capacity, thereby resolving the contradiction between capacity and access speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnetic storage disk system with an electronic non-volatile memory system for primary storage operations. This substitution eliminates the mechanical limitations of magnetic disks (moving read/write heads, rotational delays) while providing solid-state fast access speeds, thereby resolving the speed limitation of magnetic storage while maintaining its capacity and non-volatility advantages
3Productivity
If multiple servers are deployed to meet performance demands, then performance requirements are satisfied, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the non-volatile memory serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as fast storage, provides data persistence, reduces the need for separate caching layers, and enables single-server consolidation. This multi-functionality allows a single server equipped with non-volatile memory to replace multiple servers, thereby maintaining high productivity while reducing energy consumption and operating costs
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the invention, a server is disclosed including a main printed circuit board; a plurality of processors mounted to the main printed circuit board; and a memory system accessible to the plurality of processors. The memory system includes a plurality of expansion sockets mounted to the printed circuit board, and a plurality of server memory cards removeably plugged into the plurality of expansion sockets. Each server memory card includes a master controller, a plurality of slave controllers, and a plurality of replaceable daughter-memory-cards with read-writeable non-volatile memory.