High performance battery backed ram interface

A non-volatile memory storage device for storing critical data in a non-volatile memory on a gaming machine with a master gaming controller, the non-volatile memory storage device comprising:

• an interface device that receives data signals from the master gaming controller in a first format and converts the data signals to one or more second formats different from said first format wherein the master gaming controller controls a game of chance played on the gaming machine and controls memory locations in the non-volatile memory storage device where critical data is stored;
• a NV-RAM controller that receives data signals in said second format from the interface device and controls access to the non-volatile memory;
• one more non-volatile memory chips comprising the non-volatile memory that receive data signals from the interface device in said second format and store the critical data contained in the data signals in one or more memory locations on said non-volatile memory chips;
• and
• a battery that provides power to the NV-RAM controller wherein the non-volatile memory storage device is operable to store critical data received from the master gaming controller and to vary over time the non-volatile memory locations where critical data is stored.

A gaming machine comprising:

• a master gaming controller for controlling one or more games played on the gaming machine each game comprising:
• receiving a wager on an outcome of the game;
• determining an outcome for the game;
• presenting the outcome for the game;
• one or more input mechanisms for receiving cash or an indicia of credit for the wager;
• one or more output mechanisms for outputting cash or an indicia of credit;
• a non-volatile memory storage device storing critical data during the play of the one or more games on the gaming machine;
• gaming software comprising one or more clients executed by the master gaming controller;
• and
• a non-volatile memory allocation system for allocating and for modifying non-volatile memory locations in the non-volatile memory storage device based upon function requests from the one or more clients wherein the non-volatile allocation system is operable for allowing the non-volatile memory locations where critical data is stored to vary over time.