Persistent Memory Data Transfer During Power Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face issues when the energy storage device in Non-Volatile Dual In-line Memory Modules (NVDIMMs) is insufficient to complete a save operation during a power failure, leading to potential shutdown or data transfer to another system, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system with a primary persistent memory that includes both volatile and non-volatile memory, along with an alternate persistent memory, where instructions are executed to transfer application data from the primary memory to the alternate memory in case of a power loss or energy storage device vulnerability, ensuring data persistence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the system transfers data to another information handling system when primary persistent memory fails, then data loss is prevented, but system availability and operational continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple persistent memory units (primary and alternate) within the same information handling system. This segmentation enables data to be transferred to a local alternate memory rather than requiring external system intervention, preventing data loss while maintaining system availability and operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternate persistent memory serves as an internal intermediary that receives data from the primary persistent memory when the latter fails. This internal mediator eliminates the need to transfer data to another information handling system, thereby preventing data loss while preserving system availability and avoiding operational disruptions.
2Reliability
If redundant batteries or complex energy storage devices are used to ensure persistence, then data persistence is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a simple alternate persistent memory unit that can be easily implemented without requiring complex or expensive energy storage devices. By accepting that the primary NVDIMM's energy storage may be insufficient and providing a backup through the alternate memory, the system achieves data persistence reliability while avoiding the need for redundant batteries or complex energy storage solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternate persistent memory acts as a simple intermediary backup that does not require complex energy storage mechanisms. Instead of enhancing the primary NVDIMM with redundant batteries or complex storage devices, the system uses a separate, simpler memory unit to ensure data persistence, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a primary persistent memory comprising a volatile memory for storing data and a non-volatile memory for receiving data transferred from the volatile memory in response to a power loss of the information handling system. The information handling system may also include an alternate persistent memory instructions embodied in non-transitory computer readable media, the instructions for causing a processor communicatively coupled to the primary persistent memory and the alternate persistent memory to, responsive to a vulnerability of a persistence of the primary persistent memory, transfer application data from the primary persistent memory to the alternate persistent memory.