Volatile Memory Page Preservation via Non-Volatile Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices rely on volatile DRAM memory, which loses data when power is interrupted, while non-volatile NAND memory is not typically used for main memory due to higher cost and lower storage density, creating a need for efficient power management to preserve data during utility power outages.
Innovation Solution
A computing device identifies pages of volatile memory as non-volatile, allowing applications to store data as if they were non-volatile by transferring content to a non-volatile storage device during power transitions, using utility and battery power management to determine how many pages can be preserved, and entering a low-power state to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If volatile DRAM memory is used for main memory, then storage density and cost are improved, but data reliability deteriorates because data is lost when power is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by identifying which memory pages should be preserved and initiating transfer to non-volatile storage before a power interruption occurs. The patent implements this by monitoring power state transitions and proactively transferring identified pages from volatile to non-volatile storage, ensuring data is saved before power is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a power management system that acts as a mediator between the volatile memory and non-volatile storage. This intermediary monitors power states, identifies pages requiring preservation, and coordinates the transfer process, allowing the system to leverage volatile memory's high density while ensuring data reliability through controlled transfers to non-volatile storage.
2Reliability
If non-volatile NAND memory is used for main memory, then data reliability is improved, but cost increases and storage density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into volatile and non-volatile portions, allowing each type to be used for its strengths. Volatile memory provides high-density main memory while non-volatile storage provides data persistence. The system dynamically identifies and transfers only the necessary pages to non-volatile storage, rather than requiring all memory to be non-volatile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that only specific memory pages that require persistence are transferred to non-volatile storage, while other pages remain in the high-performance volatile memory. This selective approach allows the system to maintain high storage density in volatile memory while providing data reliability for specific pages that need it.
3Reliability
If power is continuously supplied to volatile memory to prevent data loss, then data reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous power supply, the system uses periodic action by transferring data to non-volatile storage at specific intervals - particularly when power state transitions are detected or when pages are identified for preservation. This periodic transfer approach maintains data reliability while significantly reducing the need for continuous power to volatile memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the memory system by dynamically adjusting which pages remain in volatile memory versus being transferred to non-volatile storage. By changing the state of memory pages between volatile and non-volatile based on persistence requirements, the system reduces energy consumption while maintaining necessary data reliability.
4Reliability
If the system transfers all volatile memory pages to non-volatile storage during power transitions, then data reliability is improved, but processing time and system performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transferring only the necessary subset of memory pages to non-volatile storage rather than all pages. The system identifies specific pages that require persistence and transfers only those, avoiding the time penalty of transferring unnecessary data while still ensuring data reliability for pages that need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of pages that need to be preserved before the actual transfer occurs. By pre-identifying which pages require non-volatile storage based on their persistence requirements, the system minimizes the scope of transfers needed, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining data reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device may comprise a volatile memory and a non-volatile storage device. Upon system shutdown, contents of the volatile memory may be preserved by memory transfer operations from the volatile memory to the non-volatile storage device. During memory preservation, the computing device may enter a low-power state. The low-power state may comprise suspension of power to a core of a processor while maintaining power to the processor's uncore, and disablement of interrupt signals not related to memory transfer operations. Power delivery to the core of the processor may be periodically resumed to initiate additional memory transfer operations.