Volatile Memory Power Switching for Backup Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory modules face challenges in power management during data backup, as they require a stable backup power source to copy data from volatile to non-volatile memory, leading to increased energy consumption and mechanical size, which can cause cooling and space constraints in servers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with field-effect transistor (FET) switches and a memory module controller that powers volatile memory devices one by one as their data is copied to non-volatile memory, allowing the backup power source to be used efficiently by ceasing power to devices once their data is transferred, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all volatile memory devices are powered continuously during data backup, then data copying can be performed reliably, but energy consumption increases and backup power source size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply control into individual segments for each volatile memory device. Instead of powering all devices simultaneously, the controller enables power to one volatile memory device at a time based on copying progress. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable data copying (by ensuring each device is powered when needed) while reducing overall energy consumption (by powering only one device at a time rather than all devices continuously).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the power state of each volatile memory device changes based on the copying process. The controller dynamically transitions devices between powered and unpowered states as data copying progresses. This dynamic approach ensures that each device receives power only during its active copying phase, maintaining reliability while minimizing energy consumption throughout the backup process.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a larger backup power source is used to support continuous powering, then uninterrupted data backup is possible, but mechanical size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power consumption timeline across multiple volatile memory devices. By powering only one device at a time during the backup process, the total energy requirement from the backup power source is divided into smaller temporal portions. This segmentation allows the backup power source to be smaller in size while still providing sufficient duration to complete the entire backup sequence across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing power to volatile memory devices only when needed for active data copying, rather than continuously. Each device receives power for only the portion of time when its data is being copied, leaving it unpowered during other phases. This partial powering approach reduces the total energy demand on the backup power source, enabling a smaller, more compact power source design.
3Ease of operation
If continuous power is provided to all volatile memory devices, then data access is always available, but cooling requirements and space constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by providing power to volatile memory devices only during active data copying operations rather than continuously. Each device is powered only when its data needs to be accessed for copying, and left unpowered during other periods. This approach maintains data access availability when needed while significantly reducing the thermal load and space requirements for cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic power cycling of volatile memory devices based on the copying schedule. Devices are powered in periodic intervals corresponding to when their data needs to be copied, then powered down during intervals when they are not actively being accessed. This periodic action pattern ensures data access is available when required while minimizing continuous power consumption and associated cooling requirements.
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 approach reduces the energy needed for the backup power source, allowing for smaller and less costly memory modules, alleviating cooling and space constraints in servers by optimizing power usage during data backup.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment, the switch may include a field-effect transistor (FET). The controller may change a gate voltage of the FET to cause the FET to function as a closed switch or an open switch
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to coupling volatile memory devices to a power source. In example implementations, data may be copied from a first volatile memory device on a memory module to non-volatile memory. The first volatile memory device may cease to be powered after data is copied from the first volatile memory device to non-volatile memory. After the first volatile memory device has ceased to be powered, data may be copied from a second volatile memory device on the memory module to non-volatile memory. The second volatile memory device may cease to be powered after data is copied from the second volatile memory device to non-volatile memory.