NVDIMM Configuration Transportability via Flash Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current information handling systems face challenges in ensuring the transportability and compatibility of non-volatile dual inline memory modules (NVDIMMs) across different systems, particularly in preserving configuration information and ensuring data integrity during power failures and system transitions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a non-volatile dual inline memory module (NVDIMM) with a configuration region in flash memory for storing and retrieving configuration information, utilizing a voltage supply like a super-capacitor for power during failures, and employing a method to isolate DRAM from the DDR channel during power failures to copy data to flash memory, allowing for seamless integration and operation in new systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If configuration information is stored in volatile memory, then the system operates quickly during normal operation, but the configuration information is lost during power failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoiddata preservation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The memory system is segmented into volatile memory (for fast operations) and non-volatile memory (for data preservation). The configuration information is separated and stored in the non-volatile memory portion, allowing the system to maintain fast access during normal operation while ensuring data survival during power failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously maintaining configuration information in non-volatile memory before power failures occur. This ensures that when power is lost, the configuration data is already safely stored and can be immediately retrieved without loss, eliminating the need for reconfiguration after power restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If NVDIMM is designed for specific system compatibility, then data integrity is ensured, but transportability to new systems is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidtransportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The NVDIMM design incorporates universal configuration storage in non-volatile memory that can function across different system architectures. The configuration information is stored in a standardized format that can be recognized and utilized by multiple different information handling systems, enabling the same NVDIMM module to be transported and function reliably in various systems without requiring system-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and maintains copies of configuration information in non-volatile memory that can be independently accessed by different systems. This copying mechanism allows the configuration data to be preserved and transferred across system boundaries, enabling transportability while maintaining data integrity through the use of standardized data structures and protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If configuration information is stored externally, then transportability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the configuration storage function directly into the NVDIMM module itself by integrating non-volatile memory within the module architecture. This combination eliminates the need for separate external configuration storage devices while maintaining transportability, as the configuration information is now an intrinsic part of the memory module that travels with it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The NVDIMM module performs self-service by autonomously maintaining its own configuration information in non-volatile memory without requiring external system infrastructure. The module independently manages its configuration data, retrieving and applying settings as needed, which reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating dependence on external configuration management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the preservation of data and configuration settings across system transitions, ensuring consistent operation and compatibility of NVDIMMs in new information handling systems, thereby enhancing transportability and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a voltage supply like a super-capacitor for power during failures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9880754B2System and method for enabling transportability of a non volatile dual inline memory module

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A dual inline memory module includes a local memory and a non-volatile memory. The local memory stores data during normal operation of the dual inline memory module. The non-volatile memory includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion stores the data located in the local memory in response to a power failure of an information handling system in communication with the dual inline memory module. The second portion stores configuration information for the dual inline memory module. The configuration information is utilized to set up the dual inline memory module in a new information handling system.