Nonvolatile Memory Pinning for Fast Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems in computer systems face inefficiencies due to the slower access times of storage media compared to system memory, particularly when accessing frequently used data, as they rely on volatile memory for system performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows users to specify which data is 'pinned' to a non-volatile memory drive for faster access, combining user-controlled pinning with hard disk drive caching, using non-volatile memory to create a virtual hard disk drive that mimics traditional disk drive operations, and utilizing drivers to manage data storage between non-volatile cache and NVM drives based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored in storage media (hard disk drives), then data capacity and persistence are improved, but access time deteriorates (slower than system memory)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments storage into two distinct layers: non-volatile memory (NVM) for frequently accessed data and traditional storage media for bulk storage. This segmentation allows the system to separate hot data (requiring fast access) from cold data (requiring only persistence), thereby resolving the contradiction between access speed and data persistence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-volatile memory as an intermediary layer between volatile system memory and traditional storage media. This intermediary NVM layer provides fast access times closer to volatile memory while maintaining data persistence, effectively mediating the speed-persistence contradiction.
2Speed
If volatile memory is used for system performance, then access speed is improved, but data loss occurs when power is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the volatility parameter of the memory system by introducing non-volatile memory with volatile-like performance characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to achieve fast access speeds typically associated with volatile memory while maintaining the data retention properties of non-volatile memory, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
3Speed
If non-volatile memory is used for pinned data, then access time is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated pinning mechanisms that use usage patterns and metadata to automatically determine which data should be pinned to NVM, reducing the need for manual configuration and complex user intervention. The system self-manages the pinning decisions based on observed access patterns, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining performance benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods relating to pinning selected data to sectors in non-volatile memory. A graphical user interface allows a user to specify certain data (e.g., directories or files) to be pinned. A list of pinned sectors can be stored so that a driver or controller that operates on a sector basis and not a file or directory basis can identify data to be pinned.