TSV Memory Module Backup Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems, the use of non-volatile memory for backup purposes can delay system restart due to the need for a sufficient period to complete data transfer from volatile to non-volatile memory during power loss, and existing solutions rely on backup power supplies that must be sized to maintain power for an extended period.
Innovation Solution
A through-silicon via (TSV) module that integrates volatile and non-volatile memory, utilizing backup control logic to copy data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory during refresh cycles, allowing data to be written to non-volatile memory cells before the next refresh cycle, thereby reducing the impact of write latency and eliminating the need for extensive backup power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is transferred from volatile memory to non-volatile memory during power loss, then data backup is achieved, but system restart is delayed due to the time required to complete the transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data copying from volatile memory to non-volatile memory during normal refresh cycles before power loss occurs. This preliminary action ensures that data is already backed up when power is lost, eliminating the need for transfer operations during power loss events and enabling immediate system restart.
Solution Approach 2:
The data copying operation is integrated into the continuous refresh cycle of volatile memory, making the backup process ongoing and continuous rather than interruptive. This allows backup operations to complete without pausing normal memory operations or delaying system restart after power loss.
2Reliability
If backup power supplies are used to maintain power during data transfer, then data transfer can complete, but the backup power supply size increases to provide power for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
Data is copied to non-volatile memory during normal operation before power loss occurs, so that when power is lost, the data is already preserved. This eliminates the need for large backup power supplies designed to sustain lengthy transfer operations during power loss events.
Solution Approach 2:
The volatile memory's existing refresh cycle is utilized to perform the backup copying operation, making the system self-sufficient for data protection without requiring external backup power supplies. The refresh infrastructure serves dual purposes: maintaining volatile memory and copying data to non-volatile memory.
3Loss of time
If data copying is performed during refresh cycles, then backup latency is reduced, but the complexity of memory control logic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data backup copying operation is merged with the existing memory refresh cycle, combining two necessary operations into a single integrated process. This approach reduces overall latency by eliminating separate backup operations while leveraging the existing refresh control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The refresh cycle control logic is designed to perform multiple functions: maintaining volatile memory data integrity and copying data to non-volatile memory for backup. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated backup control logic, balancing complexity reduction with backup performance improvement.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect includes data backup management between volatile memory and non-volatile memory in a through-silicon via module of a computer system. Data is copied data from the volatile memory to the non-volatile memory during a refresh cycle of the volatile memory. The data is written to one or more non-volatile memory cells within the non-volatile memory prior to a next refresh cycle of the volatile memory.