Shared Backup Power Supply for Volatile Memory Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing and data storage systems face challenges in reliably transferring data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory during primary power supply interruptions, risking data corruption without effective backup power solutions.
Innovation Solution
A shared backup power supply system is implemented, where a controller detects primary power failures, isolates critical node components from reset and power-down processes, and uses the shared backup power to transfer data from volatile to non-volatile memory, preventing data corruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If no backup power supply is used, then device complexity is reduced, but data integrity deteriorates during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power supply is pre-configured and charged before power failure occurs. When primary power fails, the controller immediately switches to backup power without waiting for power restoration, enabling continuous data transfer from volatile to non-volatile memory and preventing data corruption
Solution Approach 2:
The backup power supply acts as an intermediary energy source between the primary power supply and the data transfer operation. It provides temporary power during the critical transition period when primary power fails, enabling the completion of data transfer without direct connection to either primary or restored power
2Reliability
If a dedicated backup power supply is allocated to each node, then reliability of individual nodes is improved, but device complexity and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nodes share a common backup power supply unit instead of each node having its own dedicated backup power supply. The controller manages power distribution to multiple nodes from this shared resource, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining data transfer reliability for each node
Solution Approach 2:
The shared backup power supply serves multiple nodes simultaneously, performing the same data protection function for each node that would otherwise require separate dedicated units. This multi-functional approach reduces redundancy while preserving reliability across all connected nodes
3Loss of energy
If the entire node is shut down during power failure, then power consumption is reduced, but data transfer capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The node is segmented into critical and non-critical components during power failure. Only the memory subsystems requiring data transfer remain powered by the backup power supply, while other non-essential node components are shut down. This selective power maintenance minimizes energy consumption while preserving data transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
Power is selectively maintained only in the specific portions of the node that require it for data transfer (memory controllers and memory modules), while other portions are powered down. This localized power distribution optimizes energy usage by avoiding unnecessary power consumption in non-critical areas
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
The shared backup power supply ensures data integrity by providing temporary power during primary power failures, allowing seamless data transfer and mitigating hardware damage, thus protecting data and system components.
Implementation Method 1
Backup power supplies may sometimes include energy components such as capacitors or batteries
Implementation Method 2
Backup power supplies may sometimes include energy components such as capacitors or batteries
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to data transfer using backup power supply. For example, a system includes a shared backup power supply coupled to a node. The system also includes a controller to detect an interruption of primary power supply to the node and isolate a portion of the node from a sequenced shutdown of the node. The controller is further to initiate a transfer of data, utilizing the shared backup power supply, from volatile memory of the node to non-volatile memory of the node.