Non-Volatile Memory Deterministic Window for Power Loss Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in efficiently backing up data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory during power loss events, as existing solutions often require additional drive interfaces and may underutilize standalone devices, and struggle to maintain peak performance during data transfer.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a non-volatile memory medium with a predicable latency mode that enters a deterministic window to prevent read operations from colliding with data transfer, using batteries to power the system and transferring data from volatile memory to a data repository, then back to volatile memory once power is restored, while configuring namespaces and endurance groups for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional drive interfaces are used for data backup, then data backup capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the standalone non-volatile memory device perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary storage medium and the backup destination. The device can operate in different modes (standalone mode and host-connected mode), eliminating the need for separate dedicated backup drives and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable backup capability.
2Device complexity
If standalone non-volatile memory device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but data transfer performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a ready-state data repository in the standalone non-volatile memory device before power loss occurs. When host-connected, the device pre-configures transfer parameters and maintains cached data, enabling rapid data recovery without requiring full data reconstruction, thus maintaining high transfer performance despite the simplified standalone configuration.
3Reliability
If data transfer is performed during power loss, then data protection is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by transferring only the critical data portions that are most vulnerable to power loss, rather than attempting to transfer all data. The system identifies and prioritizes essential data for backup during power loss events, reducing the total energy required while still achieving effective data protection for the most important information.
4Ease of operation
If read operations are performed during data transfer, then system responsiveness is improved, but data transfer reliability deteriorates due to collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the non-volatile memory device into distinct operational zones: a data repository area for backup operations and a host-accessible area for normal read/write operations. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous read operations in the host-accessible area while data transfer occurs in the data repository area, maintaining system responsiveness without compromising transfer reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, one or more methods, and/or one or more processes may: determine that a power loss to an information handling system (IHS) has occurred; utilize one or more batteries to power the IHS; enable a predicable latency mode of a non-volatile memory medium of the IHS to enter a deterministic window; transfer data from a volatile memory medium of the IHS to a data repository of a namespace of the non-volatile memory medium; determine that power is provided to the IHS; in response to determining that power is provided to the IHS, transfer the data from the data repository to the volatile memory medium; and after transferring the data from the data repository to the volatile memory medium, disable the predicable latency mode of the non-volatile memory medium to exit the deterministic window of the non-volatile memory medium.