Persistent Power On-Chip Data Processor for Volatile Memory Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems face challenges in preventing data loss during power failures, as volatile memory loses data when the primary power source is interrupted, and non-volatile DIMMs are not universally available due to size and reliability issues, while SCM systems encounter performance, connectivity, and licensing challenges.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a persistent power enabled on-chip data processor with emergency power supplies, such as supercapacitors or batteries, to transfer data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory upon detecting a power loss, ensuring data persistence through a persistence engine that maintains processor and memory functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If volatile memory is used for data storage, then data access speed is improved, but data loss occurs during power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting power failure conditions and initiating data transfer from volatile memory to non-volatile memory before complete power loss occurs. The emergency power supply is pre-configured to activate automatically, enabling the data processor to execute the data protection sequence without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
An emergency power supply acts as an intermediary between the primary power source and the data processing system. This intermediary provides temporary power to enable data transfer operations when the primary power source fails, bridging the gap between power failure detection and complete system shutdown.
2Reliability
If non-volatile DIMMs are used for data persistence, then data loss is prevented, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the memory system into volatile memory for active data processing and non-volatile memory for data persistence, connected through a data processor. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function while the emergency power supply coordinates the data transfer between segments during power failure events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic power failure detection and autonomous data transfer initiation. The data processor automatically detects power loss conditions and triggers the data protection sequence without external intervention, and the emergency power supply activates automatically to sustain operations during the transition.
3Reliability
If data transfer is initiated during power failure, then data persistence is improved, but power supply complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency power supply is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power backup source and as a trigger mechanism for data protection operations. This universal component consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to initiate and complete data transfers during power failure events.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively prevents data loss by maintaining power to the processor and memory during a power failure, allowing for the secure transfer of data to non-volatile storage, enhancing data reliability and reducing the need for bulky batteries or complex SCM systems.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more emergency power supplies are attached to the volatile memory, the non-volatile memory, and the persistent power enabled on-chip data processor
Implementation Method 2
emergency power supplies, such as supercapacitors or batteries
Data Source
AI summary
Data may be transferred from a volatile memory to a non-volatile memory using a persistent power enabled on-chip data processor upon detecting a power loss from a primary power source. The one or more emergency power supplies are attached to the volatile memory, the non-volatile memory, and the persistent power enabled on-chip data processor to assist with the transferring of data.