Non-Volatile Memory Controller for Hibernation Data Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hibernation and suspend modes in computing devices are slow and power-intensive, with hibernation posing risks to hard drives during movement and data loss during power failures, while suspend mode consumes more power and may lose unsaved information.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a non-volatile-memory device to store memory data during hibernation or suspend, redirecting data from volatile to non-volatile memory and vice versa, using a non-volatile-memory controller and handlers to manage the data transfer, and optionally compressing/decompressing data for efficient storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hibernation mode saves memory data to hard drive, then power consumption is reduced, but data loss risk increases during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-volatile memory device as an intermediary between volatile system memory and the hard drive. During hibernation, memory data is first copied to the non-volatile memory device which retains data without power, then the hard drive can be spun down. This intermediary solution reduces power consumption while maintaining data safety during power failures, as the non-volatile memory device preserves data until the system is fully shut down or resumed.
2Reliability
If hibernation mode uses spinning hard drive, then data is saved reliably, but device movement becomes hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by copying memory data to the non-volatile memory device before spinning down the hard drive. This sequence ensures data is safely stored in a medium that is not susceptible to movement damage, allowing the hard drive to be stopped without risk of data loss. The hard drive can then be safely moved or shut down without spinning, eliminating the hazard of movement during hibernation.
3Speed
If suspend mode keeps volatile memory powered, then resumption is fast, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-volatile memory device serves as an intermediary that enables fast resumption without continuous power to volatile memory. When suspend is initiated, memory data is copied to the non-volatile memory device. The volatile memory can then be powered down completely, achieving low power consumption. Upon resumption, data is quickly copied back from the non-volatile memory device, maintaining fast startup performance similar to having volatile memory powered, but with significantly reduced energy consumption.
4Reliability
If hibernation copies data to hard drive, then data is preserved, but process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data storage process into two parts: first, copy memory data to the non-volatile memory device which provides fast write access; second, spin down the hard drive. The non-volatile memory device handles the time-critical data transfer operation, while the slower hard drive is only involved if additional storage is needed. This segmentation reduces hibernation process time by eliminating the need to write to the slower spinning hard drive for the critical memory data preservation step.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes techniques for using a non-volatile-memory device such as flash memory to store memory data during hibernation or suspend. By so doing, hard drives and/or data are safer, and less power may be used.