PRIMARY MEMORY MODULE WITH RECORD OF USAGE HISTORY

摘要

A counter of a primary memory module provides a count indicative of the number of times the primary memory module has ever been read/written by a processor. With the count, an operating mode of the primary memory module is evaluated to optimize memory allocation performed by the data processing system, adjust the operating mode of the primary memory module, and send a warning message to a user, for example.

主权项

1. A method of operating a primary memory module of a data processing system, wherein the primary memory module includes a volatile memory array accessible by a processor of the data processing system, the method comprising:
maintaining, in an access counter, a first count value indicative of a number of selected accesses to the volatile memory array by the processor; produces a second count value by dividing the first count value utilizing a divider within the primary memory module; maintaining, in a volatile register of the primary memory module, the second count value; storing, in a non-volatile memory device in the primary memory module, a third count value derived from the second count value; and following an interruption of power to the primary memory module, determining a number of the selected accesses to the volatile memory array of the primary memory module from the second count value in the volatile register and the third count value in the non-volatile memory device and outputting the number of selected accesses from the primary memory module.