Importance

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Abstract

A data processing system preserves the contents of a volatile memory in the event of a power-loss and restores the contents upon a power-up. The system includes an AC line monitor which signals when a power loss is imminent; volatile memory modules; and a central processor which executes programs in conjunction therewith. At any specific time during program execution, the volatile memory stores data indicative of the system's state. A backup disk drive is connected to each volatile memory module and is associated with a backup battery. The backup battery is of limited capacity and only enables sufficient operation of the disk drive and volatile memory to enable a memory dump onto the disk drive from the volatile memory. A logic circuit is responsive to a signal from the line monitor to activate the backup battery and to control the volatile memory module and the backup disk drive to effect a transfer of all stored data in the volatile memory. Thus, upon a subsequent power up, a system state in existence at the time of the power loss can be reestablished by reading out the contents of each backup disk drive into its associated volatile memory module.

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First Claim