Persistent File System from Scattered Non-Volatile Memory Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems face challenges in constructing a persistent file system from scattered persistent regions on non-volatile memory devices, which affects system performance and power consumption, especially in mobile devices, due to the need for efficient memory access and management of volatile and non-volatile data.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using byte addressable non-volatile memory devices like 3D Cross Point Memory, where the BIOS describes scattered persistent regions to the OS, and the OS initializes and reconstructs these regions using hidden markers to create a contiguous persistent file system, allowing for efficient data storage and retrieval across reboots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If scattered persistent regions are used on non-volatile memory devices, then storage capacity is increased, but system performance deteriorates due to inefficient data access
Solution Approach 1:
The persistent memory space is divided into multiple scattered persistent regions across different non-volatile memory devices. Each region is independently managed with its own metadata structures, allowing parallel access and reducing contention while maintaining total storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary file system layer is introduced between the scattered persistent regions and the application layer. This intermediary constructs a virtual contiguous address space that maps to the physical scattered regions, providing efficient data access patterns while utilizing the total capacity of all regions.
2Quantity of substance
If hard disk drives are used for non-volatile storage, then storage capacity is increased, but power consumption increases due to mechanical movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hard disk drives with non-volatile memory devices that have no moving parts. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical movement while maintaining non-volatile storage capabilities, significantly reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of memory volatility by using non-volatile memory devices. This parameter change allows data to persist without continuous power supply while enabling faster access speeds and lower power consumption compared to mechanical storage.
3Speed
If volatile memory is used for data structures, then access speed is improved, but data loss occurs on system reboot
Solution Approach 1:
The file system is designed to automatically flush and persist critical data structures to non-volatile storage before system shutdown or reboot. This preliminary action ensures data integrity and persistence while maintaining the use of volatile memory for active data processing during runtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a hybrid memory architecture where data is continuously maintained in volatile memory for fast access during runtime, while simultaneously being persisted to non-volatile storage. This continuity ensures both speed and reliability without requiring complete data migration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus related to constructing a persistent file system from scattered persistent regions are described. In one embodiment, stored information in a storage unit corresponds to one or more persistent memory regions that are scattered amongst one or more non-volatile memory devices. The one or more persistent memory regions are byte addressable. Also, the one or more persistent memory regions are used to form a virtual contiguous region. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.