Partitioned RAM Backup Controller for Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory technologies fail to combine the speed of random access memories (RAMs) with the non-volatility of non-volatile memories (NVMs), with newer NVMs being slower than SRAMs and DRAMs despite improved endurance over floating gate memories.
Innovation Solution
A system with a non-volatile memory and RAM partitioned into specialized partitions for different backup operations, allowing for high-speed RAM-like performance with non-volatile storage, where a controller manages data transfer from RAM to NVM independently of the processor, optimizing backup frequency and timing for each partition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If newer NVM technologies are used, then endurance is improved, but write speed deteriorates (slower than SRAMs and DRAMs)
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into two distinct parts: a fast volatile RAM for high-speed read/write operations and a non-volatile memory for durable storage. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, with RAM handling speed-critical operations and NVM providing endurance, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges RAM and NVM into a unified memory system where data is simultaneously accessible in both volatile and non-volatile storage. This combination allows the system to achieve both high speed (from RAM) and high endurance (from NVM), resolving the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both memory types rather than choosing one over the other.
2Speed
If SRAM or DRAM is used, then speed is improved, but non-volatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into two distinct parts: a fast volatile RAM for high-speed read/write operations and a non-volatile memory for durable storage. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, with RAM handling speed-critical operations and NVM providing endurance, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages data transfer between RAM and NVM, enabling the system to maintain fast access speeds through RAM while ensuring non-volatile persistence through NVM. The intermediary coordinates the dual-storage architecture, allowing both speed and non-volatility requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
3Reliability
If floating gate memory is used, then non-volatility is improved, but speed deteriorates (slower than RAMs)
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into two distinct parts: a fast volatile RAM for high-speed read/write operations and a non-volatile memory for durable storage. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, with RAM handling speed-critical operations and NVM providing endurance, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges RAM and NVM into a unified memory system where data is simultaneously accessible in both volatile and non-volatile storage. This combination allows the system to achieve both high speed (from RAM) and high endurance (from NVM), resolving the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both memory types rather than choosing one over the other.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing system includes a backup nonvolatile memory (NVM), a random access memory (RAM), and a controller. The RAM includes a plurality of partitions, each partition having a different corresponding backup frequency. The controller is configured to back up the contents of each partition of the RAM to the backup NVM in accordance with the corresponding backup frequency.