Server Node Shutdown via Micro-UPS Data Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for computing systems fail to reliably transfer data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory during primary power supply interruptions, risking data loss or corruption.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a micro-uninterruptible power supply (μUPS) within server nodes to provide backup power for a sequenced shutdown, allowing data to be transferred from volatile to non-volatile memory while preventing immediate execution of the shutdown and ensuring data integrity through a control module that manages power distribution and initiates the data backup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a sequenced shutdown is executed immediately upon power interruption, then system shutdown speed is improved, but data integrity deteriorates due to potential data loss from volatile memory
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data backup action from volatile memory to non-volatile memory before executing the shutdown sequence. The control module detects power interruption and immediately initiates data transfer to persistent storage, ensuring data is saved before the shutdown completes. This preliminary data preservation action resolves the contradiction by maintaining data integrity while still enabling relatively fast shutdown through the sequenced power-down process.
2Reliability
If data backup process is initiated during power interruption, then data integrity is improved, but power consumption increases due to additional data transfer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing secondary power supply (UPS) that is already present in the server infrastructure to power the data backup process. Rather than requiring additional external power sources or increasing overall power consumption, the control module leverages the available UPS capacity to facilitate the data transfer from volatile to non-volatile memory. This self-service approach allows data integrity protection without proportionally increasing total power consumption.
3Reliability
If access to memory locations is prevented during shutdown, then data loss is prevented, but system responsiveness deteriorates due to blocked memory access
Solution Approach 1:
The control module performs the data backup action as a preliminary step before blocking memory access. By completing the data transfer from volatile to non-volatile memory first, the system ensures all critical data is preserved before entering the state where memory access is prevented. This sequencing allows the system to maintain responsiveness during the backup process while still preventing data loss in the final shutdown state.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to a server node shutdown. For example, a system includes a control module and a secondary power supply. The control module includes a detect engine to detect an even that triggers a sequenced shutdown of a server node and prevent execution of the sequenced shutdown and execution of a data transfer. The control module also includes an initiate engine to initiate a data backup process, by a basic input/output system (BIOS) of the server node, to write data from a volatile memory location of the server node to a non-volatile memory location of the server node. The secondary power supply is to support the data backup process.