Persistent Memory Allocation Without Reboot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current persistent memory systems in Mixed Mode do not offer dynamic management of memory allocation between Memory Mode and App Direct Mode, requiring users to reboot the system to change persistent memory allocation through BIOS settings.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system configured to receive configuration information before OS initialization, allocating persistent memory into volatile system memory, non-volatile storage, and a dynamic memory area, with a memory manager executing after OS initialization to alter these allocations without rebooting the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If persistent memory allocation is predefined in BIOS settings, then memory allocation is stable and reliable, but system flexibility is reduced and requires reboot to change allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory allocation by allowing the operating system to adjust the size of persistent memory regions allocated to Memory Mode and App Direct Mode at runtime without requiring a system reboot. This transforms the static BIOS-defined allocation into a dynamic, adaptable configuration that can respond to changing workload requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a preliminary framework during BIOS initialization where persistent memory is divided into three portions (Memory Mode, App Direct Mode, and dynamic region), enabling subsequent dynamic adjustments to be made safely without affecting system stability or requiring reboots.
2Adaptability or versatility
If persistent memory is allocated in fixed portions, then system configuration is simple and stable, but ability to adapt to changing workload requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments persistent memory into three distinct portions: Memory Mode region, App Direct Mode region, and a dynamic region. This segmentation allows independent management and allocation of each region, enabling the system to adapt to different workload requirements while maintaining clear boundaries and management control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a memory manager component that acts as an intermediary between the operating system and persistent memory allocation. This intermediary handles the complexity of dynamic allocation, adjusting memory regions between Memory Mode and App Direct Mode based on workload needs without requiring complex user-level management.
3Productivity
If memory allocation changes require BIOS reconfiguration, then allocation stability is maintained, but system availability is reduced due to required downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of persistent memory allocation during system operation without requiring BIOS reconfiguration or system downtime. The memory manager can adjust memory region sizes in real-time, maintaining continuous system availability while adapting to changing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service memory management where the operating system's memory manager automatically adjusts persistent memory allocation based on workload characteristics without requiring manual BIOS intervention. This automates the allocation process, improving both system availability and operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a persistent memory module and a basic input/output system (BIOS). The information handling system may be configured to: prior to initialization of an operating system, receive, at a configuration application of the BIOS, configuration information regarding the persistent memory module; in response to the configuration information, allocate a first portion of the persistent memory module to volatile system memory of the information handling system, a second portion of the persistent memory module to non-volatile storage of the information handling system, and a third portion of the persistent memory module to a dynamic memory area; and after initialization of the operating system, execute a memory manager configured to alter sizes of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion, wherein the altering is carried out without performing a reboot of the information handling system.