US 9,436,600 B2 · Non-volatile memory storage for multi-channel memory system

Abstract

A memory system that has a multi-channel volatile memory subsystem is coupled to a non-volatile memory subsystem to provide independent, configurable backup of data. The volatile memory subsystem has one or more main memory modules that use a form of volatile memory such as DRAM memory, for which the NV subsystem provides selective persistent backup. The main memory modules are dual in-line memory modules or DIMMs using DDR SDRAM memory devices. The non-volatile memory subsystem (NV backup) includes an NV controller and non-volatile memory NVM. The NV backup can also include a memory cache to aid with handling and storage of data. In certain embodiments, the NV controller and the non-volatile memory are coupled to the one or more DIMM channels of the main memory via associated signal lines. Such signal lines can be, for example, traces on a motherboard, and may include one or more signal buses for conveying data, address, and/or control signals. The NV controller and the non-volatile memory can be mounted on the motherboard.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A method for monitoring memory access operations in a computer system having a memory controller, the method comprising:

coupling the memory controller of the computer system to an interface via a set of data lines and a set of address and control signal lines;
coupling the interface to a first memory channel via a first set of data lines and a first set of address and control signal lines, wherein a first volatile memory subsystem is coupled to the interface via the first memory channel, the first volatile memory subsystem communicates data with the memory controller of the computer system via the interface using the first set of data lines;
coupling the interface to a second memory channel via a second set of data lines and a second set of address and control signal lines, wherein a second volatile memory subsystem is coupled to the interface via the second memory channel, the second volatile memory subsystem communicates data with the memory controller of the computer system via the interface using the second set of data lines;
coupling the interface to a nonvolatile memory subsystem, the nonvolatile memory subsystem including an NV (non-volatile) controller and at least one nonvolatile memory element;
monitoring each of the first and second memory channels to detect one or more memory access operations from the memory controller of the computer system to at least one predetermined address range of the first or second volatile memory subsystems;
and
capturing a copy of data associated with the one or more memory access operations.

4 more elements

A method for performing memory access operations in a computer system having first and second volatile memory modules, the computer system including a memory controller configured to independently access the first and second volatile memory modules via respective first and second memory channels, the first volatile memory module being coupled to the first memory channel via a first set of data, address and control signal lines, the second volatile memory module being coupled to the second memory channel via a second set of data, address and control signal lines, the method comprising:

monitoring, using at least one NV (non-volatile) controller, the first and second memory channels to detect memory access operations;
capturing a copy of data associated with a first memory access operation to a first address range using a first one of the at least one NV controller upon detection of the first memory access operation, wherein the first memory access operation allows data to be communicated between the memory controller and the first volatile memory module using the first memory channel;
and
capturing a copy of data associated with a second memory access operation to a second address range using a second one of the at least one NV controller upon detection of the second memory access operation, wherein the second memory access operation allows data to be communicated between the memory controller and the second volatile memory module using the second memory channel.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Non-volatile memory storage for multi-channel memory system

Life of this patent

Non-volatile memory storage for multi-channel memory system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25