System and method for maintaining persistent state data
First Claim
1. A method of preserving data in a computer when a power loss occurs comprising:
- designating the data to be preserved in the event of the power loss;
determining when the power loss has occurred; and
copying the data to a non-volatile memory responsive to determining that the power loss has occurred.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for maintaining persistent data during an unexpected power loss uses a memory controller and a supplemental power source. An entity running on the computer, for example, an application program, a utility, the operating system or other entity, may identify data for preservation using an application program interface. The application program interface may be provided by the memory controller. A sensor determines when an unexpected power loss has occurred and signals the memory controller. Using power from the supplemental power source, i.e. a battery or capacitor, the memory controller copies the identified data to a non-volatile memory. The memory controller may set a flag to indicate that preserved data is available for later recovery.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method of preserving data in a computer when a power loss occurs comprising:
-
designating the data to be preserved in the event of the power loss;
determining when the power loss has occurred; and
copying the data to a non-volatile memory responsive to determining that the power loss has occurred. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A computer adapted for preserving data upon a power loss comprising:
-
a main power supply for receiving line power and supplying energy to the computer;
a first memory comprising a first data;
a non-volatile memory;
a supplemental power source, the supplemental power source providing energy, at least temporarily, to one of the first memory, the non-volatile memory and the memory controller when the line power to the main power supply is interrupted;
a sensor coupled to the main power supply and the memory controller, the sensor for sending a signal when the line power to the main power supply is interrupted; and
a memory controller coupled to the first memory and the non-volatile memory for storing the first data in the non-volatile memory responsive to the signal. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A memory controller for use in a computer adapted for preserving data upon a power loss, the memory controller comprising:
-
a logic unit;
a first input for receiving a signal indicative of the power loss;
a second input for receiving supplemental power during the power loss;
an application program interface for configuring an information corresponding to a first data to be preserved upon the power loss; and
a memory for storing the information. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification