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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hybrid memory system couplable to a host memory controller, comprising:
 a volatile memory (VM) subsystem including first and second volatile memory modules respectively coupled to first and second volatile memory channels;   a nonvolatile memory (NVM) subsystem including one or more NVM controllers each coupled to a corresponding nonvolatile memory module; and   an interface couplable to the host memory controller and to the VM and NVM subsystems, the interface operable to:
 receive from any one of the host memory controller, the VM subsystem, or the NVM subsystem a first set of signals selected from data, address signals, and control signals, 
 monitor each of the first and second volatile memory channels to detect one or more memory access operations from the host memory controller to at least one memory address of the first or second volatile memory modules, 
 generate, in correspondence with the first set of signals, a second set of signals selected from data, address signals, and control signals, and 
 transmit the second set of signals to one or more of the NVM controllers of the NVM subsystem.