NVDIMM Thermal Management via Programmable Save Rate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In information handling systems, the challenge lies in managing power and thermal outputs during save operations in systems with multiple Non-volatile Dual In-line Memory Modules (NVDIMMs, where ensuring persistence of data across power failures while minimizing energy and heat generation is crucial, as existing methods may not adequately address thermal limitations even with sufficient power availability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of 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 maintain within thermal specifications, and staggered save operations across NVDIMMs to optimize power consumption and reduce peak thermal output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transfer rate is increased during save operations, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of data transfer rate during save operations based on real-time thermal conditions. The system monitors temperature and dynamically modifies the transfer rate to maintain thermal specifications while optimizing data transfer efficiency, transforming a static transfer rate into a dynamically adaptive parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the data transfer rate parameter in response to thermal conditions. By adjusting this critical parameter based on temperature monitoring, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and controlling thermal output during save operations.
2Productivity
If save operations are performed simultaneously across multiple NVDIMMs, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the save operations across multiple NVDIMMs into staggered time intervals rather than executing them simultaneously. This segmentation approach divides the bulk save operation into smaller, sequential batches, reducing peak power consumption while maintaining overall productivity through efficient utilization of multiple memory modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic save operations across different NVDIMM groups, alternating between sets of memory modules. This periodic action allows thermal and power management while maintaining data persistence, as different groups are activated in sequence rather than all at once.
3Temperature
If save operations are delayed to manage thermal output, then temperature is controlled, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by monitoring thermal conditions and pre-planning the sequencing of save operations across NVDIMM groups. The system prepares thermal management strategies in advance, allowing it to execute save operations more efficiently when thermal conditions permit, thereby reducing overall time loss while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring thermal conditions and adjusting the timing and rate of save operations accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to minimize delays by accelerating operations when thermal headroom is available and only delaying when necessary, optimizing the balance between temperature control and time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory module, such as an NVDIMM receives access requests from a master device at a memory port requesting information from a volatile memory of the memory module. In response to receiving a save operation command at a command port, such as during a power failure, the memory module transfers the information stored at the volatile memory to a nonvolatile memory of the memory module based upon a programmable transfer rate.