NVDIMM Save Controller Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In information handling systems, the simultaneous power and thermal management during save operations in Non-volatile Dual In-line Memory Modules (NVDIMMs) is challenging, as ensuring sufficient power does not guarantee persistence of information due to excessive heat generation, especially in data centers with compromised cooling techniques.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a programmable transfer rate for data from volatile to non-volatile memory during save operations, controlled by a NVM save controller, which adjusts the data transfer rate based on thermal sensors to manage heat dissipation and ensure thermal stability, while also staggering save operations across multiple NVDIMMs to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transfer rate is increased to ensure fast save operations, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases causing thermal management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of data transfer rate based on real-time thermal conditions. The NVM save controller monitors temperature and dynamically modifies the transfer rate during save operations, increasing it when thermal conditions permit and decreasing it when thermal thresholds are approached, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and temperature management
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the save operation by adjusting the data transfer rate according to thermal conditions. This parameter modification allows the system to optimize performance within thermal constraints, directly addressing the contradiction between fast data transfer and thermal output control
2Productivity
If save operations are performed simultaneously across multiple NVDIMMs, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases beyond available backup power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the save operation across multiple NVDIMM devices and implements staggered execution timing. Instead of all devices operating simultaneously, the controller divides the save operations into time-staggered batches, allowing multiple devices to eventually complete their saves while ensuring peak power consumption remains within backup power capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by staggering save operations across different time periods. The NVM save controller coordinates multiple NVDIMMs to perform save operations in sequential waves rather than simultaneously, with each wave consuming power within the backup power budget, thereby maintaining productivity while respecting power constraints
3Loss of time
If data transfer rate is increased to ensure fast save operations, then loss of time is reduced, but loss of energy increases due to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment of data transfer rate based on real-time power availability monitoring. The NVM save controller adapts the transfer rate during save operations to match available power from backup sources, reducing the rate when power is limited and increasing it when power availability permits, thereby optimizing the trade-off between save duration and energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system includes a first memory module having a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and a save controller configured to execute a save operation that transfers at least all modified information of the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory. A power-down controller of the information handling system is connected to the first memory module, and includes a first input to receive a first indicator that indicates the first memory module is to perform the save operation, a second input to receive a second indicator that indicates a thermal characteristic of the system, and control circuitry to provide the save operation indicator to the first memory module to initiate the save operation in response to receiving the first indicator.