Nonvolatile Storage Device with Volatile Memory Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage systems face a challenge in balancing the speed of access to data provided by volatile memory with the durability of nonvolatile memory, as existing solutions do not effectively integrate both for continuous data availability during system failures.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile storage device is designed with volatile memory and a backup power source, allowing data from volatile memory to be automatically copied to nonvolatile memory during system failures and restored back when power is regained, leveraging the speed of volatile memory while ensuring data durability through mirroring and backup power mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If volatile memory is used for data storage, then speed of access to data is improved, but data durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines volatile memory and nonvolatile memory into a single storage device, allowing the system to leverage the speed advantages of volatile memory while ensuring data durability through nonvolatile memory. The controller manages both memory types together, enabling fast access during normal operation and automatic backup to nonvolatile memory during power failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary backup actions by automatically copying data from volatile memory to nonvolatile memory when power failures are detected. This preliminary action ensures data durability before the power loss becomes permanent, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Reliability
If nonvolatile memory is used for data storage, then data durability is improved, but speed of access to data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using volatile memory for active data storage and fast access operations, while using nonvolatile memory specifically for backup and durability-critical functions. Each memory type is optimized for its specific role, allowing the system to achieve both fast access and data durability simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If volatile memory is used without backup power, then device complexity is reduced, but data durability deteriorates during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the interaction between volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, and power management. It monitors power status and automatically triggers backup operations, providing data durability during power failures without requiring complex external backup systems.
4Reliability
If automatic backup operations are implemented, then data durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device performs self-service backup operations by automatically detecting power failures and copying data from volatile to nonvolatile memory without external intervention. This self-service capability improves data durability while minimizing the need for complex external backup infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Nonvolatile data storage systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. In one example, a nonvolatile storage device includes a volatile memory, a controller electrically coupled to the volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory electrically coupled to the controller, and a backup power source electrically coupled to the controller, the volatile memory, and the nonvolatile memory. The controller is configured to read and write primary data from a primary host and mirrored data from a secondary host in the volatile memory. The backup power source is configured to store sufficient energy to power the nonvolatile storage device during a backup operation. The controller is configured to, in response to a backup signal, copy the primary data and the mirrored data stored in the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory.