Adaptive Latency Tolerance for Memory Bus Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In memory systems, particularly in mobile devices, there is a challenge in balancing power consumption and latency in bus interfaces like PCIe, as they consume high power in low latency states, which affects battery life and performance.
Innovation Solution
The storage device assesses the power supply state and selects a latency tolerance for the bus interface, indicating it to the host, which then applies this tolerance to adaptively manage power consumption by selecting appropriate power-saving states, data rates, and clock gating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the bus interface operates in low latency states, then data transfer performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of latency tolerance based on real-time power supply state assessment. The storage device continuously monitors power availability and adjusts the bus interface latency tolerance accordingly, transitioning between performance and power-saving modes dynamically rather than using fixed settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the latency tolerance parameter of the bus interface based on power supply conditions. When power is available, the system uses lower latency tolerance for optimal performance. When power is constrained, the system increases latency tolerance to reduce power consumption, directly manipulating the key parameter to resolve the contradiction
2Use of energy by moving object
If power-saving states are selected, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the storage device assesses the power supply state and uses this information to determine appropriate latency tolerance levels. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to automatically adjust latency settings based on actual power conditions, balancing power savings with performance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts latency tolerance based on real-time power availability. The latency setting is not fixed but adapts continuously according to power supply state, allowing the system to optimize between power consumption and latency based on current operational conditions
3Use of energy by moving object
If battery energy level is low, then power consumption should be reduced, but performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the latency tolerance parameter in response to battery energy level. When energy is low, the system increases latency tolerance to enable power-saving states, thereby reducing power consumption. This parameter adjustment directly addresses the contradiction between maintaining performance and conserving energy
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device autonomously assesses power supply state and determines appropriate latency tolerance without external intervention. The system self-regulates by monitoring battery levels and automatically adjusting operational parameters to balance performance and power consumption based on available energy
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes, in a memory system that includes a host and a storage device connected by a bus interface, assessing in the storage device a power supply state of the memory system. In the storage device a latency tolerance is selected for the bus interface based on the assessed power supply state. The selected latency tolerance is indicated from the storage device to the host, for application to the bus interface.