NVDIMM Partial Memory Save Using Register-Defined Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems lack the flexibility and control to perform partial saves of memory data, limiting the ability to manage data efficiently during power failures and system operations.
Innovation Solution
A non-volatile dual in-line memory module (NVDIMM) with integrated control registers allows for partial saves and restores of volatile memory to non-volatile memory, enabling flexible data management by specifying a starting offset and amount of content to save, and supporting operations in both power-on and power-off scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full memory save operations are performed during power failures, then data integrity is improved, but system performance and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory save operation into segments by allowing partial saves of only specific memory regions rather than saving the entire memory space. The host system can specify which memory regions need to be saved based on current operational needs, thereby reducing the amount of data transferred during power failures while maintaining data integrity for critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial save operations where only the necessary portion of memory is saved rather than performing a complete save. This allows the system to save only critical data or specific memory regions when power failure is detected, reducing the time and resources required for the save operation while still ensuring data integrity for the saved portions.
2Productivity
If partial save operations are implemented, then system performance is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the memory save mechanism universal by allowing the host system to configure and control partial save operations through standard memory management interfaces. The same control mechanisms used for normal memory operations are leveraged to implement partial saves, reducing the need for separate complex control systems while maintaining performance benefits.
3Speed
If volatile memory is used for high-speed operations, then processing speed is improved, but data retention during power loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by enabling the system to save critical volatile memory data to non-volatile storage before power loss occurs. When power failure is detected or anticipated, the system can perform partial saves of important data regions to persistent memory, ensuring data retention while maintaining the ability to quickly restore operations after power recovery.
Data Source
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AI summary
A variety of applications can include systems and/or methods of partial save of memory in an apparatus such as a non-volatile dual in-line memory module. In various embodiments, a set of control registers of a non-volatile dual in-line memory module can be configured to contain an identification of a portion of dynamic random-access memory of the non-volatile dual in-line memory module from which to back up content to non-volatile memory of the non-volatile dual in-line memory module. Registers of the set of control registers may also be allotted to contain an amount of content to transfer from the dynamic random-access memory content to the non-volatile memory. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.