Persistent Data Structure Memory Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional persistent data structures that store transient data in persistent memory lead to early cell wear-out and increased power consumption due to frequent writes, inefficient memory usage, and reduced performance, as they do not differentiate between transient and persistent data effectively.
Innovation Solution
Storing transient metadata in volatile memory, such as DRAM, and persistent state data in persistent memory, while maintaining a link between the two, allowing for efficient management of data structures and reducing unnecessary writes to persistent memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transient data is stored in persistent memory, then data persistence is achieved, but cell wear-out increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The data structure is segmented into two distinct buffers: a metadata buffer stored in volatile memory for transient data, and a data buffer stored in persistent memory for persistent state data. This segmentation allows transient metadata to be kept in fast memory while persistent data resides in non-volatile memory, resolving the contradiction by preventing frequent writes to persistent memory cells while maintaining data persistence where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The metadata buffer acts as an intermediary between the processing system and the persistent data buffer. It holds transient information such as in-memory links, buffer states, and page pointers that facilitate access to persistent data without requiring frequent writes to persistent memory, thereby protecting persistent memory cells from excessive wear.
2Device complexity
If transient data is stored in persistent memory, then unified memory management is simplified, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into volatile and persistent portions, each optimized for specific data types. Transient metadata resides in volatile memory for low-power access, while persistent state data is stored in persistent memory. This segmentation reduces overall power consumption by avoiding unnecessary activations of persistent memory for transient operations.
3Reliability
If all data is stored in persistent memory, then data retention without power is achieved, but access speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The data structure is divided into a metadata buffer in volatile memory for high-speed access and a data buffer in persistent memory for data retention. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both fast access speeds for metadata operations and reliable data retention for persistent state, resolving the speed-retention contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the data structure are placed in memory types with locally optimal characteristics: volatile memory provides high-speed access for frequently accessed metadata, while persistent memory provides reliable retention for less frequently accessed state data. Each buffer receives the memory treatment best suited to its specific access patterns and data characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include storing at least a portion of a metadata buffer of a persistent data structure in volatile memory, and storing at least a portion of a data buffer of the persistent data structure in persistent memory. A system may include a processor, a volatile memory coupled to the processor, and a persistent memory coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured to execute procedures including storing at least a portion of a metadata buffer of a persistent data structure in volatile memory, and storing at least a portion of a data buffer of the persistent data structure in persistent memory. A method may include storing at least a portion of a transient part of a persistent data structure in volatile memory, and storing at least a portion of a persistent part of the persistent data structure in persistent memory.