Out-of-band NVDIMM Save via Management Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems lack an efficient method to save nonvolatile dual in-line memory module (NVDIMM) contents without interrupting the power supply, which is crucial for maintaining data integrity and system reliability during power outages or failures.
Innovation Solution
The out-of-band (OOB) management interface is extended to support an OOB NVDIMM save operation, allowing the system to register a handler function that communicates with the operating system agent to configure NVDIMMs into asynchronous DRAM refresh mode and trigger a save operation using IPMI calls, ensuring data preservation without power interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional DRAM memory is used without nonvolatile structures, then the system operates with simple architecture and fast access, but data is lost during power outages or failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines volatile DRAM structures with nonvolatile memory structures (such as resistive, magnetic, or phase-change memory) into a unified NVDIMM module. This merging allows the system to maintain fast DRAM access speeds while simultaneously providing data persistence during power failures, thereby improving reliability without significantly impacting operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The NVDIMM employs composite memory structures that integrate different types of memory technologies - volatile DRAM for active data storage and nonvolatile memory structures for data preservation. This composite approach enables the memory system to exhibit both the speed characteristics of DRAM and the data retention properties of nonvolatile memory, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Reliability
If power supply is interrupted to save NVDIMM contents, then data is preserved, but system operation is disrupted and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously maintaining NVDIMM devices in asynchronous DRAM refresh mode, which keeps data in a save-ready state. When a save operation is needed, the system can immediately trigger the save function without requiring power interruption or system shutdown, thereby preserving data while maintaining continuous system operation and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The NVDIMM device performs self-service by autonomously managing its own refresh and save operations through the asynchronous DRAM refresh mode. The memory module can be saved at any time without requiring external power interruption or system shutdown commands, enabling data preservation while the system continues to operate normally.
3Ease of operation
If local management interface is used to control NVDIMM save, then the operation is simple to implement, but remote management capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The management interface is designed with multi-functionality to handle both local and remote management operations. The system provides a unified interface that can be accessed locally through the management controller or remotely through network connections, allowing the same save operations to be performed regardless of the access location. This universal interface maintains operational simplicity while extending remote management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The management controller serves as an intermediary between the NVDIMM device and both local and remote management interfaces. It receives save commands from either local or remote sources, processes them through the operating system agent, and executes the appropriate NVDIMM save operations. This intermediary architecture enables remote management functionality while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying save operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A management controller includes a microcontroller and a managed system interface for coupling the management controller to a managed system. The managed system includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a system memory comprised of non-volatile dual in-line memory module (NVDIMM). The management controller is coupled to a management network by an out-of-band interface. The management controller provides a remote management user interface that includes a selectable out-of-band NVDIMM save element. The management controller may establish a connection with an operating system agent and control the agent to perform operations including accessing a memory map to identify an NVDIMM, configuring the NVDIMM in an asynchronous DRAM refresh mode, and triggering an NVDIMM save before toggling CPU reset.